These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your favorite burgers! With juicy beef patties smashed flat in a soft tortilla, they’re bursting with flavor.
These tacos are perfect for a casual dinner or a snack while hanging out with friends. I love piling on toppings like cheese and pickles—they really make it special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is great for juicy burgers. You can use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just season well, as these can be milder.
Tortillas: I recommend small corn tortillas for a more authentic taco feel, but flour tortillas are lovely too if you prefer a softer texture. You could also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice!
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor, but feel free to swap it for Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you like a little spice. Cream cheese could be an interesting twist too if you’re feeling adventurous.
Condiments: The mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice make a fantastic sauce. If you want a healthier twist, swap mayo for Greek yogurt. Adding sriracha for a kick can be fun, too!
What’s the Best Way to Smash the Burger Patties?
Smashing the patties is key to achieving that crispy, crunchy texture. Here’s how you can do it right:
- Use a hot skillet; it should sizzle when you add the beef. This helps create a nice crust.
- Divide the meat into portions and gently form balls, then place them in the skillet.
- Using a spatula or a large flat tool, firmly press down on each ball to flatten it into a patty. Press evenly but don’t squish it too hard!
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are browned before flipping. This is where you get that fantastic Maillard reaction!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor)
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-6 pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and another 15-20 minutes to cook everything. In total, plan for around 30-35 minutes to bring your Smash Burger Tacos from start to finish. Quick and yummy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon, making sure not to overmix. You want to keep the beef tender for those perfect smash burgers!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of cooking oil. Let it heat up until it’s nice and hot. This is key for a good sear on the burgers!
3. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Once the skillet is sizzling, drop each portion in the skillet and use a spatula to press down hard to flatten them into thin patties. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are brown and crispy. Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes. They should be perfectly cooked and flavorful!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, take another skillet or a griddle and warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re soft and pliable, ready for folding!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
On each warm tortilla, start with a layer of shredded lettuce. Then, place a smash burger patty on top, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and a few slices of pickles. Look at that delicious stack!
6. Mix and Add the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice to create your special sauce. Drizzle this tasty mix over the top of each taco, adding delicious flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the tortillas in half to hold everything together and serve them up while they’re warm. Enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos for a fun twist on a classic meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger for a different flavor or dietary preference. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may require added fat to maintain moisture and flavor.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, consider mixing in cayenne pepper or chili powder into the beef mixture. You can also top the tacos with sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or add a spicy salsa to kick up the flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the beef patties, tortillas, and toppings separate. Store the patty in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cook on the skillet until warmed through. Wrap tortillas in plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh, but use within a couple of days for best results.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time. This makes it super easy to assemble your tacos quickly when you’re ready to eat!
