Smashed Cowboy Butter Steak-Style Tortilla Melts with Spicy Dipping Sauce

 Crispy tortillas cradle a thin, juicy beef patty infused with smoky seasoning and a bold cowboy butter glaze, then are loaded with melty cheese and served with a spicy, tangy dipping sauce—every bite is a blend of crunch, richness, and heat.

Serves: 4–6 (makes 10–12 melts)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

For the Smashed Steak-Style Beef

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)

• 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 unsalted butter, melted

• 3 cloves garlic, grated

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp flaky sea salt

For the Tortilla Melts

• 10–12 small flour tortillas (taco-size)

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or American cheese

• Butter or neutral oil, for cooking

For the Spicy Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)

• 1 tbsp pickle brine

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• Pinch of cayenne

Optional Toppings

• Sliced pickles

• Thinly sliced red onion or diced white onion

• Sliced jalapeños

• Shredded iceberg lettuce

• Hot honey or extra cowboy butter for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

• In a bowl, combine ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overwork.

• Roll the seasoned beef into 10–12 equal-sized meatballs. Set aside.

2. Make the Cowboy Butter

• In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, grated garlic, parsley, Dijon, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, and flaky salt. Set aside.

3. Make the Spicy Dipping Sauce

• In another small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, pickle brine, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

4. Cook the Tortilla Melts

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil.

• Place one tortilla in the skillet, then set a meatball in the center.

• Using a spatula or the bottom of a heavy pan, firmly press down on the meatball until it spreads thinly and evenly across most of the tortilla.

• Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the beef is browned and crispy around the edges.

• Flip the tortilla melt so the beef side is now down. Immediately sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

• Brush or drizzle some of the cowboy butter around the edges of the tortilla as it cooks. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is golden and crisp.

• Transfer to a plate and brush the top lightly with more cowboy butter. Repeat with remaining tortillas and meatballs, adding more butter or oil to the skillet as needed.

5. Serve

• Arrange tortilla melts on a platter. Top with optional pickles, onion, jalapeños, or lettuce if desired.

• Serve warm with the spicy dipping sauce on the side, and extra cowboy butter or hot honey for drizzling.

Tips for Success

• Keep the skillet hot to ensure a crispy sear on the beef and tortilla.

• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

• Make it ahead: The cowboy butter and dipping sauce can be prepared a day in advance.

• Customize the heat: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to taste.

• For extra crunch, lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet before adding the meatball.

Enjoy these bold, buttery, cheesy melts straight from the skillet—perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or casual entertaining.