These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic burgers! Picture juicy, smashed beef patties tucked inside soft taco shells, topped with cheese, lettuce, and all your favorite sauces.
I love how these tacos bring the best of both worlds—tacos and burgers! Perfect for game day or any day you want something tasty and a little messy. Who can say no to that? 😉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend of ground beef gives the best flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, a 90/10 blend works, but it might be a bit drier.
Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for a more authentic taste. Flour tortillas are softer and can also work well, especially for a milder flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar complements the flavors nicely, but feel free to swap in American cheese for extra meltiness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Shredded Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is crisp and refreshing, but you could use romaine or even coleslaw mix for an extra crunch and flavor.
Mayonnaise Mix: If mayonnaise isn’t your thing, try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. It pairs well with the ketchup and mustard too!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Smash Burger Patty?
One of the tricks to a good smash burger is in the way you form and cook the patties. For the best results, make sure you don’t pack the beef too tightly into the balls. This keeps them juicy and lets them cook more evenly.
- Make balls about the size of a golf ball (about 4 oz).
- Preheat your griddle or skillet. It should be hot enough that meat sizzles when you place it down.
- Use a heavy spatula to smash the ball down flat. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness for that perfect crust.
- Resist the urge to press down repeatedly; let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to get that nice sear.
The Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Optional: hot sauce for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy delicious tacos in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until everything is combined. Take a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Set this tasty sauce aside for later.
2. Make the Burger Patties:
Grab the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions, roughly 4 ounces each. Form these into loose balls, but don’t compact the meat too tightly; you want them to stay juicy!
3. Heat the Griddle or Pan:
Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add a touch of oil to prevent sticking. You’re ready to cook those patties!
4. Smash the Patties:
Place one of the beef balls onto the griddle. Using a heavy spatula, smash it down flat until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat this process with the other beef balls, giving them ample space on the griddle.
5. Cook the Patties:
Let the patties cook without moving them for about 2–3 minutes until you see a nice crust forming on the bottom. Flip each patty over and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another minute until the cheese melts beautifully.
6. Prepare Tortillas:
While the patties are cooking, warm the tortillas on another section of the griddle or in a dry skillet until they’re pliable. This makes them easier to fill and enjoy!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
On each warm tortilla, place a cheesy smashed burger patty. Next, add some shredded lettuce and pickles. Finally, drizzle on the delicious sauce you prepared earlier. Feel free to add hot sauce if you want an extra kick!
8. Serve:
Serve your smash burger tacos immediately while they’re hot, garnished with any additional toppings you love. Enjoy your tasty taco twist on classic burgers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While the recipe recommends an 80/20 ground beef blend for the best flavor and juiciness, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, especially with leaner meats.
What If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise?
No worries! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. If you want to keep it creamy, you could also use sour cream as a replacement. Just remember to adjust any seasonings to suit your taste!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover patty and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The patties will last up to 3 days, and the sauce and toppings can last about 5 days. To reheat, warm the patties on the stovetop or in the microwave, and warm the tortillas briefly before serving.
Can I Use Larger Tortillas?
Yes, you can use larger tortillas if that’s what you have on hand! Just note that it might make for larger tacos. Adjust the amount of filling as needed so they don’t overflow. Enjoy experimenting with different sizes!
