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Caramelized Onion Smash Burger Tacos

Caramelised Onion Smash Burger Tacos – Easy 30-Minute Budget Dinner

These caramelised onion smash burger tacos combine the best of burgers and tacos in one easy, budget-friendly meal. With crispy smashed beef, sweet caramelised onions, melted cheese, and a creamy burger sauce, they’re ready in just 30 minutes and cost only a few dollars per serve. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast, filling, and full of flavour.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 750
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g Beef Mince
  • 8 Flour Tortillas
  • 1 Tbsp Oil
  • 2 Brown Onions, Large
  • 1 Tbsp Butter
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 4-8 Slices Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp Ketchup or Tomato Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Pickle Relish or Chopped Pickles
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp Pepper
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tsp Onion Powder

Method
 

  1. Heat a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Lightly oil the surface.
  2. Add the sliced onions with a small pinch of salt and cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until soft, golden, and caramelised. Remove and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, mix all burger sauce ingredients together until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Divide the beef mince into 8 loose balls (do not compact tightly).
  5. Increase the pan heat to high. Place a beef ball into the hot pan and immediately smash it down firmly using a spatula or burger press until thin.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder while cooking. Let the beef cook for 2–3 minutes without moving it to develop a crust.
  7. Flip the beef, add a slice of cheese on top, and cook for a further 1–2 minutes until cooked through and melted. Repeat with remaining beef.
  8. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for 20–30 seconds per side until soft and slightly toasted.
  9. Assemble each taco by layering smashed beef, caramelised onions, and a drizzle of burger sauce.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • For best results, use 80/20 beef mince. The higher fat content helps create a juicy patty with a crisp, caramelised crust when smashed.
  • Make sure your pan is properly preheated before adding the beef. A hot pan is essential for achieving the signature smash burger texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef. Work in batches so each patty gets full contact with the surface and browns properly.
  • Caramelising the onions slowly over medium heat brings out their natural sweetness. Rushing this step will result in sharper, less developed flavour.
  • Tortillas can be lightly toasted in the pan for extra structure and flavour, helping them hold up better once filled.
  • The burger sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making meal prep faster on busy nights.
  • These tacos are best served immediately while the beef is hot, the cheese is melted, and the tortillas are still slightly crisp.