If you love burgers and tacos, this recipe is a match made in heaven! These easy smash burger tacos wrap juicy beef patties and your favorite toppings in soft tortillas.
It’s super fun to make and even more fun to eat! I love piling on cheese, lettuce, and salsa for that extra yum factor. Trust me, these will be a hit at your next dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend gives the tacos the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but be aware they may need extra moisture.
Tortillas: I suggest soft corn tortillas for a traditional flavor, but flour tortillas work too! If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are a safe bet. Just heat them well so they stay pliable.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a great tangy flavor. You can also swap it with Monterey Jack for a milder taste or even pepper jack for a little spice.
Pickles: I love classic dill pickles, but feel free to try other types, like bread-and-butter pickles for sweetness or even jalapeño slices for a kick.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Smash Burger Patties?
Getting those tasty crispy edges is all about smashing the patties down firmly and cooking on high heat. Here are some tips:
- Start with a very hot skillet. A cast-iron skillet is perfect for heat retention.
- Form your beef into loose balls; don’t compact them too much. It keeps them tender.
- Use a sturdy spatula to press down hard on the beef—aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes so they can form that crispy crust.
- Season after smashing for even distribution of flavor.
With this technique, you’ll get deliciously crispy smash burger tacos that are sure to impress!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 small soft corn or flour tortillas
- 6 slices of cheddar cheese, cut in half to fit
- Pickle slices, about 12
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for the sauce and to season)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Toasting:
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the tortillas)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delicious meal. You can have these tasty smash burger tacos ready in just 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and half of the smoked paprika. Mix well and set this tasty sauce aside for later.
2. Prepare the Beef Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into six equal portions. Gently form each portion into a loose ball, being careful not to compact the meat too much.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a griddle or cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat until it’s very hot. You want it sizzling when the meat hits it!
4. Cook the Patties:
Put each beef ball in the hot pan. Immediately smash it down with a spatula to flatten it to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the edges to become browned and crispy.
5. Flip and Add Cheese:
Carefully flip each patty and place half a slice of cheese on top of each one. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the burger is fully cooked.
6. Toast the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, heat a separate skillet on medium heat. Lightly brush each tortilla with butter and toast for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and slightly golden.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and place a cooked smash burger patty inside. Top it with shredded lettuce, two pickle slices, and drizzle on the sauce you prepared earlier.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious smash burger tacos immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy the juicy, crispy goodness!
This recipe cleverly combines the juicy, crispy texture of smash burgers with the convenience of tacos, crafting a perfect handheld meal. The smoky mayo ketchup sauce and pickles bring classic burger flavor into a fun taco format.
FAQ for Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that ground turkey or chicken tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or a little broth to help maintain moisture while cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, separate the cooked patties, tortillas, and toppings (lettuce, pickles, and sauce) into airtight containers. The patties can stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days, while the tortillas are best consumed within 2-3 days.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using—flavors might deepen while it sits!
What Toppings Can I Add to Customize My Tacos?
Feel free to get creative! You can add sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even your favorite guacamole for a bit of a twist. The beauty of these tacos is that you can personalize them to match your taste!
