Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines smash burger technique with taco format, featuring ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and smoky Hatch chilies wrapped in warm tortillas.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) 80/20 ground beef, formed into 4-ounce balls
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1–2 cups chopped Hatch chilies (roasted, peeled, or frozen)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 small flour tortillas (about 20cm diameter)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- Optional: ½ cup diced red onion
- Optional: Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: Hot sauce
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Chop Hatch chilies, shred cheese, and season beef balls with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a small amount of oil or butter to coat.
- Place one beef ball in the skillet and press down firmly with a burger press or small pan to create a thin patty (about ¼ inch thick).
- Cook the beef undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a crispy crust forms on the bottom.
- Flip the beef patty. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped Hatch chilies on top.
- Cook for another 30-60 seconds until cheese is melted and beef is cooked to desired doneness.
- Warm tortillas in a separate skillet with butter or in the microwave until pliable.
- Assemble tacos by placing the beef patty onto the warm tortilla. Fold in half or roll up.
- Serve immediately with optional toppings like red onion, sour cream, and cilantro.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best crust and juiciness. Shred cheese from a block for better melting. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding beef to prevent sticking. Do not flip beef too early to allow the crust to form. Tortillas must be warm to prevent cracking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Hatch chili, smash burger, tacos, quick dinner, weeknight meals, ground beef, cheeseburger tacos, easy recipe