These Original Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your favorite burger! Imagine juicy beef patties tucked inside warm tacos, topped with delicious cheese and fresh veggies.
Mixing burgers and tacos? Yes, please! I love how simple they are to make. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party. Trust me, your friends will ask for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef (80/20): This fat content gives the burgers great flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, but these can be drier so keep an eye on cooking times.
Flour Tortillas: Small-sized tortillas are perfect for these tacos. If you want a healthier choice, try whole wheat tortillas or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Just make sure they’re warm to prevent breaking!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for heat, or even a vegan cheese if you’re looking for dairy-free options.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you want a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt or avocado in place of mayo for a creamy and nutritious alternative.
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash Burger Patty?
The key to creating yummy smash burger patties is all in the smashing! When you form the patties, be sure to start with a generous amount of beef. Once your skillet is hot, place the ball of beef on the skillet and use a spatula or burger press to push it down firmly until it’s very thin.
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high until hot. Don’t rush this step as it helps achieve that crispy edge!
- Add a bit of oil to the skillet after heating. It prevents sticking and adds flavor.
- After smashing, season well with salt and pepper to really enhance the flavor.
Flip only once to keep the juices in. Your patience will pay off when you get that perfect crispy crust!
How to Make The Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious Smash Burger Tacos in about 20 minutes. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the special sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Set this tasty sauce aside for later.
2. Form the Patties:
Now, let’s get to the beef! Divide the pound of ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and then gently flatten each ball to make a patty. They should be about the size of your tortillas.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a splash of cooking oil. Once the skillet is hot, put the beef patties in. Use a spatula or burger press to smash each patty down as flat as you can get them! Season with salt and pepper for flavor.
4. Add Cheese:
Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are nicely browned and crispy on one side. Then, flip them over and place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cook for another minute, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the patties are finishing up, it’s time to warm the tortillas! Take another skillet and heat the small flour tortillas until they are warm and flexible. This makes them easier to fold and enjoy.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! On each warm tortilla, add a cheese-topped beef patty, some shredded lettuce, and a few slices of pickles. Drizzle your prepared sauce over the top for that extra flavor.
7. Serve:
Fold the tortillas over the delicious filling, and your Original Smash Burger Tacos are ready to eat! Dive in and enjoy them while they’re hot and fresh!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may require a bit more oil when cooking to ensure they don’t dry out.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love a kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. For extra flavor, you can also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes into the patties before cooking.
Can I Prep the Ingredients Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for up to a week. You can also form the patties ahead of time; just layer them with parchment paper and store in the fridge for a day or two, or freeze for longer storage.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Tacos?
To reheat, it’s best to use a skillet rather than the microwave to keep the tortillas crispy. Warm the patties on medium heat for a few minutes on each side and briefly warm the tortillas in another skillet before assembling your tacos again.
