# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Taco Shells
04 - 8 mini flour tortillas (4-5 inches diameter)
05 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Cheese
06 - 8 slices American cheese or cheddar, quartered
→ Toppings
07 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
08 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
09 - 1 ripe tomato, diced
10 - 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
11 - 1/3 cup burger sauce or mayonnaise
12 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional)
13 - 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions of approximately 2 ounces each. Season each portion evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.
03 - Place a tortilla on the hot skillet. Center a seasoned beef portion on the tortilla. Using a spatula or burger press, firmly smash the beef flat until it nearly covers the tortilla surface. Cook for 2-3 minutes, applying gentle pressure, until the bottom develops a golden-brown crust.
04 - Flip the tortilla and beef together as one unit. Top the cooked beef side with a cheese slice. Cook for 1 minute until the cheese fully melts and the tortilla becomes golden and crispy.
05 - Transfer the completed mini taco to a warm plate. Repeat the smashing, cooking, and cheese-melting process with the remaining tortillas and beef portions. Add additional oil to the skillet as needed between batches.
06 - Layer lettuce, tomato, diced onion, and pickles inside each warm mini taco. Drizzle with burger sauce, mustard, and ketchup according to preference. Fold and serve immediately.
