What happens when classic burger simplicity meets the joyful hand-held experience of a taco? Introducing Smash Burger Tacos—the viral sensation that’s every bit as crave-worthy as its name suggests! Golden, crispy burger edges, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings are hugged by a soft tortilla, making this the ultimate weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing party food you’ll want to make on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Fast & Easy: From start to finish, these Smash Burger Tacos are on your table in just 10 minutes—no special equipment or fancy kitchen tricks needed.
- The Best of Both Worlds: All the savory depth and crispiness of a smash burger, perfectly wrapped taco-style for ultimate fun and flavor in every bite.
- Totally Customizable: Pile on your favorite toppings and sauces or swap out fillings according to your mood—these tacos play by your rules!
- Unbeatable Crowd Appeal: Whether you’re feeding family or friends, nobody can resist the mash-up magic of these hand-held beauties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Smash Burger Tacos is in their unfussy ingredient list—every item serves a delicious purpose, working together to deliver that signature juicy, crispy, creamy experience. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- Ground beef (80/20): This fat-to-lean ratio is the secret behind the irresistibly juicy, flavorful burger and those lacy crisp edges.
- Salt & pepper: Sometimes, the simplest seasonings are the most important—don’t skip this classic combo for the best-tasting beef.
- Small flour tortillas: Soft, pliable, and sturdy enough to catch all those savory burger juices without ripping; taco-sized is best.
- American cheese: Melts like a dream, adding that signature creamy richness you’d expect from a diner burger.
- Sweet and spicy pickles: These add a punch of crunch and that tangy-sweet kick that instantly brightens each bite.
- Shredded lettuce: For freshness, snap, and a hint of coolness to balance the hot, rich beef.
- Burger Sauce: A simple, homemade blend of mayo, ketchup, pickle relish, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a little black pepper—this ties everything together.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Smash Burger Tacos is how easy it is to riff on the recipe. Don’t be shy about putting your own spin on things—with just a few tweaks, you can make these perfectly suited to your tastes or dietary needs!
- Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss for a totally different flavor profile that keeps things interesting.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground “beef” and non-dairy cheese—these work wonderfully for a meatless take that’s just as satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the toppings for an extra punch of heat and excitement.
- Bun Replacement: Prefer corn tortillas or low-carb wraps? Swap them in and enjoy a new texture alongside all the classic burger flavors.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Step 1: Portion and Prep
Start by dividing your ground beef into eight equal balls, about 3 ounces each—think small golf balls! Have all your ingredients laid out and ready, because once you start smashing, things move quickly. Arrange tortillas, cheese slices, burger sauce, pickles, and lettuce within easy reach.
Step 2: Heat the Griddle
Fire up your griddle (or a large cast-iron skillet) over high heat, but only turn on the burner where you’ll actually sear the meat. This trick leaves a cooler spot for the finished tacos to rest, so the tortillas stay soft—not crunchy—after flipping.
Step 3: Season and Sear
Generously sprinkle salt and pepper onto one side of each beef ball, then place them seasoned-side down onto the hot griddle. Give each one some elbow room—space is your friend for perfect browning! Let them sizzle for a few seconds before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Smash with Tortillas
Immediately lay a flour tortilla over each sizzling beef ball, and use a sturdy spatula or burger press to flatten them as thin as possible. The goal? Get the beef edges to crisp and caramelize, even if the patty gets a bit bigger than the tortilla. Let cook for 2–3 minutes, until the beef is deeply browned underneath.
Step 5: Flip & Melt Cheese
With a bench scraper or strong spatula, scrape up the beef-and-tortilla “taco” and quickly flip to the cooler side of the griddle. Lay a slice of American cheese over the hot beef, then cover with a bowl or lid for a minute to help the cheese melt evenly and luxuriously.
Step 6: Add Toppings & Serve
Top each taco with sweet & spicy pickles, a handful of crunchy lettuce, and a good drizzle of burger sauce. Serve up your Smash Burger Tacos while they’re still hot and gooey—no need to let the meat rest, so you can dive right in!
Pro Tips for Making Smash Burger Tacos
- The Smash Secret: For the crispiest edges, press down firmly and evenly, making sure the beef spreads right to the edge of the tortilla—the meat will shrink as it cooks.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Covering your tacos with a bowl or lid right after adding the cheese helps everything melt beautifully and avoids overcooking your tortilla.
- Don’t Burn the Tortilla: After flipping, keep the tortilla off direct heat so it stays soft and bendable—nobody wants a crunchy, cracked taco shell here!
- Sauce It Up: Don’t skimp on the burger sauce—it’s the glue that holds all those big burger flavors together and adds irresistible tangy richness.
How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos
Garnishes
Garnishing your Smash Burger Tacos is half the fun! Load them up with extra burger sauce, sprinkle with freshly chopped onions or scallions for a pop of bite, and don’t forget a scattering of sesame seeds for that classic burger nostalgia. A little chopped dill or sliced jalapeño wouldn’t go amiss if you want vibrancy or a kick.
Side Dishes
Classic burger favorites like crinkle-cut fries or crispy tater tots are an absolute dream next to these tacos. For a fresh contrast, serve with a crunchy coleslaw or a bright, simple salad—something cool and tangy is the perfect counterpoint to the warm, cheesy taco.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Smash Burger Tacos on a big platter with a “taco bar” of toppings so guests can build their own—or cut them into halves and arrange in a picnic basket for a playful party appetizer. Secure each taco with a small parchment wrap or colorful toothpick for mess-free munching at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Smash Burger Tacos, store them individually wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep toppings and sauces separate for the freshest taste when reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked beef-tortilla-cheese base (without sauce, lettuce, or pickles) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding your fresh toppings.
Reheating
To recapture the delicious crispiness, reheat Smash Burger Tacos on a dry skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes (covered, if possible). Add cheese or toppings after warming, and finish with your sauces for that just-made magic.
FAQs
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Can I make Smash Burger Tacos without a griddle?
Absolutely! A large cast-iron skillet works just as well for pressing and browning the beef. Just be sure to work in small batches and keep one section of the pan cooler for resting the tortillas after flipping.
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What’s the best ground beef for Smash Burger Tacos?
80/20 ground beef gives you the ideal balance of juicy flavor and crispy edges. Leaner varieties don’t produce the same rich taste or caramelization—embrace a little fat for the best results!
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Can I prep Smash Burger Tacos ahead for a party?
Yes! Mix and shape the beef portions and prep all your toppings in advance. You can even brown the beef-and-tortilla bases just before guests arrive, then reheat quickly and add cheese and toppings right before serving for maximum freshness.
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Is there a gluten-free option for Smash Burger Tacos?
Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free tortillas, and double-check that your other ingredients (pickles, sauces) are certified gluten-free. The process is exactly the same and the flavor is just as irresistible!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s playful, insanely flavorful, and downright fun to share, give these Smash Burger Tacos a spot on your dinner table. They’re guaranteed to put a smile on every face, so go on—gather your favorite people, get smashing, and prepare for a new family favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintSmash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 Tacos 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
These Smash Burger Tacos are a delightful fusion of juicy burgers and flavorful tacos. Perfectly seared beef patties topped with cheese, burger sauce, pickles, and lettuce are sandwiched between soft flour tortillas to create a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Patties:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20, portioned into 3-ounce balls
- Salt & pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 8 slices American cheese
- Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Sweet and Spicy Pickles
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Portion the beef and prepare the workstation. Divide the ground beef into 3-ounce balls and gather all the necessary ingredients.
- Heat up the griddle. Preheat the griddle on high heat for searing.
- Season and cook the beef. Season the beef with salt and pepper, place on the griddle, then add a tortilla on top and press down to make it thin. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is crisp.
- Scrape and flip the tacos. Using a scraper, flip the tacos to the cooler side, add cheese, and cover to melt.
- Top and serve. Add burger sauce, pickles, and lettuce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Taco
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg