Mediterranean Smashburger Tacos

The Mediterranean Smashburger Taco takes everything you love about a crispy smash burger and infuses it with bright, earthy Mediterranean spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano. Using a 50/50 mix of ground lamb and beef, we press the patty directly onto a mini pita, creating a single, sturdy, and flavor-packed taco base. Top with homemade, herby Tabouli and cool Tzatziki for the perfect balance of hot, cold, rich, and fresh. This recipe is perfect for outdoor cooking on the grill or griddle or for an exciting weeknight meal inside with a cast iron!

Crispy Mediterranean Smashburger Taco with lamb, pita, Tzatziki, and Tabouli.

Yield: 12-16 tacos
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Special Equipment: Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle, Sturdy Metal Spatula or Burger Press, Charcoal Grill or Electric Burners

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20 preferred

• 1 pound ground lamb 80/20 preferred

• ⅓ cup red onion, very finely minced

• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp lemon zest

• 1 ½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 ½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)

• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

  For Assembly:

• 12-16 Mini Pita Flatbreads (approx. 4-5 inches wide)

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced for topping

• Prepared Tzatziki Sauce

• Prepared Fresh Tabouli

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, minced red onion, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and all the spices (cumin, oregano, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper). Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meat tough.

2. Portion: Divide the meat mixture into 12 to 16 equal portions and roll them into loose balls. Keep chilled until ready to cook.

3. Smash & Sear: Preheat your cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface with oil.

   Place a meatball on the hot surface. Immediately press a mini pita flatbread firmly on top of the meatball using a sturdy spatula or burger press. Smash the meat ball until the patty is paper-thin and adheres to the pita.

4. Flip & Toast: Cook for 3-4 minutes until the meat is browned, crispy, and fully cooked. Flip the taco and cook the pita side for 1 minute just to warm and lightly toast the bread.

5. Assemble: Transfer the smash tacos to a platter. Top immediately with a spoonful of Tzatziki Sauce, a generous scoop of Tabouli, crumbled feta, and thinly sliced red onion. Serve immediately.