Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Easy Homemade Smash Burger Tacos Recipe: Fun Family Favorite

Crispy edges meet juicy patties in this mouthwatering smash burger tacos recipe that blends two beloved culinary worlds.

Seared beef smashed to perfection creates an irresistible crunch in every bite.

Street taco charm meets classic burger flavor for an epic mashup that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Each taco packs a punch of savory goodness with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Melted cheese, caramelized meat, and soft tortillas come together in a dance of deliciousness.

The combination promises to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to wow your taste buds with this game-changing fusion that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Crave These Smash Burger Tacos

Why You’ll Crave These Smash Burger Tacos
  • Combine the best of burgers and tacos in one mouthwatering dish that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding different toppings, or adjusting the burger sauce to match personal taste preferences.
  • Deliver a crowd-favorite meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its crispy texture and familiar flavors.

Ingredients for Juicy Smash Burger Tacos

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A rich protein base that creates the signature meaty flavor of the smash burger taco.
  • Tortillas: Soft flatbreads that serve as the foundation and wrapper for the taco.
  • Cheese Slice: Melty dairy element that adds creamy texture and rich flavor to the taco.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides smooth consistency to the burger sauce.
  • Pickle Relish, Dijon Mustard, White Vinegar: Tangy condiments that contribute sharp and zesty notes to the sauce.
  • Sugar, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Seasonings that balance and enhance the sauce's overall flavor profile.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Diced Onions, Shredded Lettuce, Pickle Chips: Fresh and crunchy garnishes that add texture and traditional burger-style toppings to the dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the ground beef's natural flavors.
  • Cooking Oil: Helps create a crispy surface and prevents sticking during cooking.

How to Make These Viral Smash Tacos

How to Make These Viral Smash Tacos

Step 1: Whip Up Signature Burger Sauce

Create a mouthwatering sauce by mixing these ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Pickle relish
  • Dijon mustard
  • Sugar
  • White vinegar
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder

Stir everything until smooth and set aside for later flavor magic.

Step 2: Prepare Beef Portions

Divide ground beef into four equal balls.

Rolling helps ensure even coverage and perfect smashing later.

Step 3: Create Beef-Covered Tortillas

Spread each beef ball across a tortilla, covering the entire surface.

Season generously with salt and pepper for maximum flavor impact.

Step 4: Sizzle and Smash

Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat with a light oil coating.

Place tortilla beef-side down.

Press firmly with spatula to create a crispy golden crust.

Cook 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 5: Cheese and Crisp

Flip tortilla and immediately add cheese slice.

Cook an additional 1-3 minutes until tortilla reaches perfect crispness while maintaining foldability.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Remove tacos from skillet and add final touches:
  • Burger sauce
  • Diced onions
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Pickle chips

Fold and devour your incredible smash burger taco creation!

Burger Taco Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew

Burger Taco Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew
  • Ensure even coverage by gently pressing the meat across the entire tortilla surface using light, consistent pressure.
  • Maintain medium-high temperature to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the tortilla or overcooking the beef.
  • Prepare the burger sauce ahead of time and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and intensify.
  • Add cheese immediately after flipping the taco to create a perfectly melted, gooey layer that enhances overall flavor.
  • Use a well-seasoned or non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy, evenly browned tortilla base.

Storing and Warming Up Burger Tacos

  • Wrap individual smash burger tacos in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain food safety.
  • Separate tacos with parchment paper, then store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing with fresh toppings like lettuce and onions.
  • Thaw refrigerated tacos in the fridge overnight. Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring crispiness. Add fresh cheese if desired for extra melty goodness.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap tacos and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle fresh toppings after reheating to maintain crisp texture.

Favorite Sides with Smash Burger Tacos

  • Flavor Fusion Pairings
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or crisp lager to cut through the rich, savory beef and complement the tangy burger sauce.
  • Cool Citrus Quencher: Serve with a refreshing lemonade or sparkling lime soda to balance the burger taco's bold flavors and provide a zesty contrast.
  • Crisp Side Kick: Add a light, crunchy coleslaw or pickled vegetable salad to enhance the textural experience and provide a cool, acidic counterpoint to the warm, crispy taco.
  • Creamy Dip Delight: Prepare an extra batch of the burger sauce as a dipping sauce to intensify the flavor profile and add an extra layer of creamy indulgence.

Ways to Remix These Burger Taco Wraps

  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious alternative that keeps the burger flavor intact while reducing calories.
  • Turkey Burger Adaptation: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains the same smashing technique and crispy texture.
  • Vegetarian Plant-Based Option: Use Beyond Meat or Impossible burger crumbles instead of ground beef, ensuring the same sizzling experience with a meat-free approach.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Variation: Select corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla alternatives to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while preserving the original recipe's core technique.

FAQs

  • What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content. This ratio provides enough fat for juicy, flavorful meat while preventing the burger from becoming too greasy during cooking.

  • Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the burger sauce up to 3-4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the flavors will actually develop and improve over time.

  • Do I need a special pan to make smash burger tacos?

A cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle works best, but you can use any flat, sturdy pan that conducts heat well. The key is having a surface that can create a crispy, caramelized crust on the meat.

  • How do I prevent the meat from sticking to the pan?

Use a small amount of oil and ensure your pan is hot before adding the tortilla. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or a non-stick surface will help prevent sticking and make flipping easier.

Print
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Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Irresistible smash burger tacos blend juicy beef with crispy edges, creating a mouthwatering fusion of American and Mexican cuisine. Crisp tortillas and melted cheese elevate this dynamic dish you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 4 flour tortillas, 6 inches in size
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • Dill pickle chips
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 tablespoons pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Ingredients:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)

Instructions

  1. Whip up the signature burger sauce by blending mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until silky smooth. Set aside for later use.
  2. Portion ground beef into four equal spherical mounds, ensuring uniform smashing potential across tortillas.
  3. Spread each beef ball across a tortilla, completely covering the surface to maximize meat coverage. Generously season meat side with salt and pepper for robust flavor.
  4. Preheat skillet or griddle to medium-high heat, lightly coating surface with oil. Carefully place tortilla beef-side down, pressing firmly with spatula to create a crisp exterior. Cook 2-3 minutes until golden-brown crust develops.
  5. Flip tortilla and immediately crown with a cheese slice. Continue cooking 1-3 minutes until tortilla achieves a perfect crisp texture without burning.
  6. Transfer each smash burger taco to serving plate. Lavish with prepared burger sauce, then garnish with diced onions, shredded lettuce, and pickle chips. Fold and serve immediately for optimal taste and temperature.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef with around 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor and crispy edges while preventing excessive grease.
  • Flatten beef gently but firmly using a sturdy metal spatula to ensure even cooking and maximum surface area for caramelization.
  • Prepare all toppings and sauce beforehand to streamline the cooking process and serve hot, fresh tacos immediately after cooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 745
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 49 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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