Get ready for a fun twist on dinner with these Smash Burger Tacos! They combine juicy, seasoned beef patties with all your favorite taco toppings.
What’s not to love? A crispy taco shell filled with deliciousness equals double the joy! I love adding extra pickles and a splash of hot sauce for a kick! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is great for burgers because the fat keeps them juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 85/15 works too. For a twist, you could swap in ground turkey or chicken, but these will yield a drier taco.
Flour Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are perfect, but you can swap for corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just warm them well, as they can crack more easily than flour tortillas.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using cheddar for its sharp flavor. However, feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a kick. For dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives.
Mayonnaise: This is the base of your sauce, but if you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt adds creaminess with a bit of tang. For a zesty spin, use a flavored mayo like chipotle.
How Do You Properly Smash the Patties?
Smashing the patties is crucial for that nice crust and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, ensure your griddle or frying pan is hot enough. This helps get that crispy edge.
- Add a small amount of cooking oil before placing the beef balls on the heat.
- Once you put the beef balls down, press down firmly with your spatula until they’re about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t rush this—let them cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping, as this gives time for that crust to form.
Remember, the evenness of the smash impacts the cooking, so try to get them flat.
The Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup dill pickle slices
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll mix the sauce, cook the patties, warm the tortillas, and assemble your delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is blended together smoothly. Set this tasty sauce aside for later!
2. Form the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 6 equal portions, each about 4 ounces. Roll each portion into a ball; this will make them easy to smash later.
3. Smash the Patties:
Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a little cooking oil. Once the pan is hot, place the beef balls on it and immediately use a spatula to smash them down until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Cook these little patties for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and browned.
4. Add Cheese:
Now it’s time to flip the patties! Once you’ve done that, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate pan, gently toast the flour tortillas until they are warm and pliable. This makes them easier to fold and eat!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Place one cheese-topped patty onto each tortilla. Now, top it off with shredded lettuce and dill pickle slices for that crunchiness. Drizzle your deliciously prepared sauce over the top.
7. Serve:
Fold the tortillas over the fillings so they look like tacos. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and enjoy every bite of your Original Smash Burger Tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey! Just be aware that turkey may be leaner, so you may want to add a bit of oil to the pan when cooking to keep the patties juicy. The seasoning and sauce will help keep the flavors bold and delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe with Homemade Tortillas?
Absolutely! Homemade tortillas can add a fresh touch to your tacos. Just remember to keep them warm after cooking, wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel to maintain their softness before assembling your tacos.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Leftover tacos can be tricky because they’re best fresh, but you can store the components separately. Keep the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet for a few minutes before assembling with fresh toppings!
Can I Use Different Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your tacos with toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, or different sauces. Avocado or guacamole can make a great addition too, adding creaminess and flavor to your dish!
