These Easy Smash Burger Tacos combine juicy beef patties with all your favorite taco toppings, wrapped in a soft tortilla. It’s a fun twist that everyone will enjoy!
It’s like your favorite burger and taco had a delicious baby! I love loading mine with cheese, lettuce, and a spicy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for less fat, try 90/10, but it may not be as flavorful. For a twist, ground turkey or plant-based meat could work well too!
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are traditional and delicious. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas can be a good substitute. Just remember, they may change the flavor a bit.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice. You could swap it out for pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even use a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Burger Sauce: The homemade sauce is easy to make! You can switch mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to cut calories or add flavor with a splash of hot sauce for extra zing.
Taco Seasoning: This is optional but adds great flavor! If you don’t have any, a mix of cumin, paprika, and garlic powder can work just fine.
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash Burger Texture?
The key to great smash burgers is in the technique! Start by forming loose balls of meat and smashing them down on a hot skillet. This creates a delicious crust. Here’s how:
- Use medium-high heat and let the skillet get really hot before you add the beef.
- Smash the beef ball with a spatula, hold it for about 10-15 seconds for a nice crust.
- Don’t flip too soon! Wait for 2-3 minutes until a good sear forms on the bottom.
- Season immediately after smashing to help the flavors stick.
With these tips, you’ll achieve that perfect burger experience in every taco!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (optional)
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon diced pickles
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Slices of pickle for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook these delicious Easy Smash Burger Tacos. This includes a little time for mixing up the burger sauce, cooking the burgers, and warming the tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, diced pickles, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your tasty burger sauce. Once mixed, set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Skillet:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and drizzle a little olive oil in it. You want the pan to be nice and hot for cooking the burgers!
3. Shape the Burger Patties:
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Form each portion into a loose ball—don’t pack it too tightly! This will help create that delicious smash burger texture.
4. Cook the Burger Patties:
Once the skillet is hot, place one beef ball on the skillet. Use a spatula to smash it down flat—this is what makes it a smash burger! Cook it for about 2-3 minutes until a nice crust forms. Season it with salt, pepper, and optional taco seasoning for added flavor.
5. Add the Cheese:
Flip the smashed patty over and immediately place cheese on top. Cook for another minute or until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through. Yum!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, take another skillet and warm the corn tortillas until they are soft and pliable. This will make them easier to fold later.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put them together! On a warm tortilla, place one melted cheese smash burger. Top it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of your special burger sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off each taco by adding a couple of slices of pickle on top for crunch. Then, fold the tacos in half and serve them warm. Enjoy your Easy Smash Burger Tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that it cooks a bit faster, so adjust your cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying out. You might also want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey can be less flavorful than beef.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make these tacos gluten-free, just ensure that you use gluten-free tortillas. Check that your condiments, like mayonnaise and sauces, don’t contain gluten as well. There are plenty of gluten-free options available now!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover burgers and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave, and warm the tortillas in a dry skillet to bring them back to life before assembling your tacos again.
Can I Use Larger Tortillas for This Recipe?
Of course! If you prefer larger tacos, feel free to use larger flour or corn tortillas. Just be aware that you may need to adjust how much filling you add so they don’t burst from being overstuffed!
