Smashed Cowboy Butter Steak-Style Tacos with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Crispy, golden smashed steak-style tacos packed with juicy seasoned beef, melty cheese, bold cowboy butter, and crunchy tortillas — served with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce that takes every bite completely over the top.
Ingredients
For the Smashed Steak-Style Meat
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Cowboy Butter
6 tbsp melted butter
3 cloves garlic, grated
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp flaky salt
For the Tacos
10–12 small flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar or American cheese
Butter or oil for skillet
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce
½ cup mayo
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp pickle juice
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
Pinch cayenne
Optional Add-Ons
Pickles
Diced onions
Jalapeños
Shredded lettuce
Hot honey drizzle
Extra cowboy butter
Directions
Prepare the Steak-Style Meat
Season the ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Roll into 10–12 small meatballs.
Sear & Smash the Steak-Style Tacos
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add a little butter or oil.
Place a flour tortilla in the skillet.
Set a meatball in the center of the tortilla.
Smash firmly with a spatula or press so the meat spreads wide across the tortilla.
Cook 2–3 minutes until browned.
Flip so the meat side hits the pan.
Immediately top with cheese so it melts into the meat.
Brush or drizzle cowboy butter around the tortilla as it crisps.
Repeat with remaining tacos.
Make the Cowboy Butter
Whisk melted butter with garlic, parsley, Dijon, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, and flaky salt.
Brush each taco again right after cooking for maximum flavor.
Make the Spicy Dipping Sauce
Whisk mayo, ketchup, hot sauce, pickle juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne until smooth and creamy.
Serve
Arrange tacos on a platter.
Add pickles, onions, jalapeños, or lettuce if desired.
Serve with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.