These Smash Burger Tacos combine your favorite burger flavors with a fun taco twist! Juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and fresh toppings all wrapped snugly in a warm tortilla.
It’s like a party in your mouth! I love to pile on the toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, and a squeeze of ketchup. Perfect for taco night or when you’re just craving something different!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. You can substitute with turkey or plant-based ground meat for a leaner or vegetarian option, but the texture may vary slightly.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas add a delicious crunch. If you prefer, flour tortillas also work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may heat up faster.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but feel free to swap it for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick! For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based shredded cheese.
Burger Sauce: While a store-bought burger sauce or Thousand Island dressing is great, you can make your own by mixing mayo, ketchup, relish, and a dash of mustard for a homemade touch.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Smash Patty?
The technique of smashing the beef is key for a tasty burger texture. When you form a ball and then smash it, you create more surface area, allowing for a delicious crust. Follow these steps to get it just right:
- Heat your skillet or grill until it’s very hot — this helps the meat sear quickly.
- After placing the beef ball on the skillet, press down firmly with a spatula to flatten it out. You want it about a quarter-inch thick.
- Season immediately with salt and pepper to infuse flavor right into the meat.
Don’t rush through this process! Letting the patties cook undisturbed for the first few minutes helps develop that nicely browned crust.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup onions, diced
- 1 cup burger sauce (or thousand island dressing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take around 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the patties, along with an additional 10 minutes for heating tortillas and assembling your delicious tacos. It’s quick and super satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Skillet:
Start by heating a large skillet or flat-top grill over medium-high heat. Add a splash of cooking oil to the pan to keep the burgers from sticking. Get it nice and hot before adding the beef!
2. Forming the Burger Patties:
Take your ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions—this makes the perfect size for tacos! Roll each portion into a ball and set them aside for a moment. We’ll smash them down in the next step!
3. Cooking the Patties:
Place each beef ball onto the hot skillet. Now for the fun part! Use a spatula to smash each ball down flat into a patty. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook these patties for about 2-3 minutes until they’re nice and browned on the bottom, then flip them over to cook the other side.
4. Melting the Cheese:
Once you flip the patties, immediately sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese while the burgers finish cooking. Let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Heating the Tortillas:
While the patties are cooking, it’s time to warm up the corn tortillas! Grab a separate pan and heat it over medium heat. Place the tortillas in the pan, warming them for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re slightly soft and warm.
6. Assembling Your Tacos:
Now comes the best part—assembly! Take 1-2 cheesy burger patties and place them onto each warm tortilla. Pile on some shredded lettuce, sprinkle the diced onions, and give everything a generous drizzle of your favorite burger sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your smash burger tacos immediately while they’re hot and delicious! You can add an extra side of burger sauce for dipping if you’d like an extra kick. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and will work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey may cook faster. You can also add a bit of olive oil to the turkey for moisture since it tends to be drier than beef.
How Do I Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store leftovers separately. Keep the burger patties and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave and warm the tortillas again just before serving to maintain their texture.
Can I Make the Burger Sauce from Scratch?
Definitely! For a homemade burger sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, a few pickles (finely chopped), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the ingredients to your liking for a delicious custom sauce!
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you don’t have corn tortillas, flour tortillas work well too! You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or even pita bread for a fun twist. Just make sure whichever you choose can handle the tasty fillings!
