These smash burger tacos are a fun twist on your favorite burger! Juicy beef is smashed and cooked, then tucked inside soft tortillas with all your favorite toppings.
Who knew tacos could be so meaty and satisfying? I love adding a little cheese, lettuce, and a dollop of salsa—it’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉
Making these tacos is super easy. Just cook the beef, pile it in the tortillas, and enjoy! They’re great for a quick dinner or a fun get-together with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try 90/10, but it won’t be as flavorful. For a plant-based alternative, consider using lentils or a veggie burger mix.
Flour Tortillas: Small tortillas are key for the taco shape. If you prefer healthier options, whole wheat or corn tortillas are great substitutes. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb idea!
Cheddar Cheese: This recipe shines with classic cheddar, but feel free to swap in pepper jack for a kick or even mozzarella for a milder taste. If you want dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese options.
Burger Sauce: This sauce adds a nice touch! You can adjust ingredients based on your taste. Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version or skip the relish if you don’t like pickles.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Smash Burger?
The key to a great smash burger is all about technique! Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. This helps it brown nicely.
- Form loose balls of meat, not tightly packed patties. This way, they’ll smash down easily and cook quickly.
- Use a sturdy spatula to press down on the patty firmly. This creates that crispy edge we all love!
- Don’t flip too early—let it cook for 2-3 minutes on one side to get that nice crust. When you flip, add cheese right away to melt it perfectly.
Personal tip: I like to put a lid on the skillet during the last minute of cooking. This helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps the burgers juicy!
The Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll enjoy combining the burger flavors with the convenience of tacos—perfect for a quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Burger Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be your delicious burger sauce to top the tacos—set it aside for now!
2. Prepare the Skillet:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little oil to the pan. This will help the patties cook and get that nice crispy bottom.
3. Shape the Beef Patties:
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions, each about 4 ounces. Form them into loose balls and season them with a bit of salt and pepper. Don’t worry about making them perfect—just keep them nice and loose!
4. Smash and Cook the Patties:
Place each beef ball onto the hot skillet. Using a spatula, smash each ball down flat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is browned and crispy. Yum!
5. Add Cheese:
Flip the patties over and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one. Let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. This is where the magic happens!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the patties are cooking, warm the flour tortillas in a separate pan for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they’re soft and pliable. This makes them easy to fold and fill!
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place one cheesy beef patty into each tortilla, then add a few slices of cucumber and a handful of shredded lettuce. Finally, drizzle on a generous amount of your burger sauce. It’s all about layering those flavors!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the tortillas over to create your tacos and serve them immediately. Enjoy the amazing combination of burger and taco flavors—perfect for any meal or gathering!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Sure! While an 80/20 blend is recommended for flavor and juiciness, you can use leaner options like 85/15 or even 90/10. Just keep in mind that the patties may be drier, so consider adding a bit more seasoning or a splash of beef broth to maintain some moisture during cooking.
What Tortilla Alternatives Can I Use?
If you’re looking for a different option, corn tortillas can work well too! Just make sure to warm them properly to avoid breaking. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free flour tortillas available at most grocery stores.
How Can I Store Leftover Taco Ingredients?
To keep your ingredients fresh, store the cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and fresh toppings like lettuce and cucumber separate to maintain their freshness. Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave and assemble when ready to eat!
Can I Customize the Burger Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the burger sauce to your taste. You can add spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor, or swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Experiment with different mustards or hot sauce to make it your own!
