Smash Burger Tacos are an exciting twist on the classic burger! Picture tasty beef patties smashed onto a hot skillet, topped with gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Yum!
These tacos are like a party for your taste buds! I love how quick they are to make, perfect for a fun dinner with family. Just add your favorite toppings, and you’re ready to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The 80/20 blend gives the best flavor and juiciness, but you can switch to leaner beef or ground turkey if you prefer less fat. Just make sure to add some seasoning to boost flavor!
Flour Tortillas: I love using small flour tortillas for these tacos, but you can easily swap them out for corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar deliciously melts over the patties. If you’d like, you can try pepper jack for a kick or use your favorite cheese blend for variety.
Burger Sauce: The combination of mayo, ketchup, and mustard creates a classic flavor. You can mix it up with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or add barbecue sauce for a fun flavor change!
How Do I Smash the Beef for the Best Patties?
Smashing the beef helps create that signature crust you want in a smash burger. Here’s how:
- First, make sure your skillet is really hot! This helps the burger sear perfectly.
- Roll the ground beef into balls. They’ll flatten out better this way.
- Cook each ball for 2-3 minutes and then gently smash it with a spatula or a burger press.
- Don’t press too hard; you want a thin patty, but not a mushy mess.
And don’t forget: let it cook undisturbed for the first couple of minutes for that great crust!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
For The Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the beef patties and warming the tortillas, then just assemble everything and enjoy these yummy Smash Burger Tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef Patties:
Start by heating a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add about a tablespoon of cooking oil. While the skillet gets hot, divide your ground beef into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and season them with salt and pepper for extra flavor. Once the skillet is ready, place a beef ball onto it and smash it down with a spatula or burger press to flatten it into a thin patty.
2. Searing the Patties:
Cook each patty for about 2-3 minutes or until a nice brown crust forms on the bottom. Then, flip the patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Immediately after flipping, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of each patty so it can melt while the other side finishes cooking. Yum!
3. Making the Burger Sauce:
While your patties are cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce (if you’re feeling spicy!). This tasty sauce will give your tacos that delicious burger flavor.
4. Warming the Tortillas:
In a dry skillet, warm your flour tortillas for about 20-30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easier to fold. You want them to be nice and pliable!
5. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to make your tacos! Place a cheesy smash burger patty on each warmed tortilla. On top of the patty, add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles to give it that crunchy freshness you love.
6. Finishing Touches:
Drizzle your homemade burger sauce over the top of the filled tacos. You can add more toppings if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Smash Burger Tacos!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, but keep in mind that it may result in less juicy patties. A blend like 90/10 is a great alternative if you’re looking for lower fat, but avoid using anything leaner than that as it might dry out when cooked.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, place each taco in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. For best results, you might want to keep the toppings separate from the patties and tortillas to maintain freshness. Reheat the patties in a skillet for a few minutes until warmed through!
Can I Make the Burger Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the burger sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld nicely, making it even more delicious when you’re ready to use it!
What Toppings Can I Substitute or Add?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for some heat or add avocado slices for creaminess. Other great additions include jalapeños, red onions, or even crispy bacon bits!
