Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

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.

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!

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

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!

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