These Easy Smash Burger Tacos bring together the best of both worlds! Juicy burger patties are smashed between warm tortillas and topped with cheese and your favorite fixings.
What’s great is you can mix and match all the toppings! I love piling on fresh lettuce and zesty salsa. You might just want to eat a few more than planned—their flavor is hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using an 80/20 blend for a juicy flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try lean ground turkey or chicken. These alternatives can work well but might require a little more seasoning for flavor.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are great for these tacos. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas can also work, but they won’t have the same flavor. You could even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite because it melts beautifully, but American cheese works well too for that classic burger taste. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives that melt.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: This creamy combo adds richness to the tacos. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream, and vegan mayo as a replacement for regular mayo.
Taco Seasoning: You can easily make your own using cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of chili powder if you don’t have a packet on hand. This way, you control the amount of salt and spice!
How Do You Get a Perfect Char on Your Smash Burgers?
The key to a perfect smash burger is high heat and minimal fuss! Start with a well-heated skillet, which helps sear the beef. Once seasoned, form the beef into balls and place them in the hot pan. Use a spatula to firmly smash them down.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high until it’s hot, about 2-3 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
- Smash the meat down firmly. Leaving it for 3-4 minutes lets that nice crust form!
- Once flipped, cover to melt cheese quickly without overcooking the patty.
These simple steps will help you achieve that delicious, crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American)
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- Pickles, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and tasty recipe will take around 30 minutes in total. Expect about 10 minutes for prep and another 20 minutes to cook the beef and assemble the tacos. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by taking your ground beef and placing it in a medium bowl. Season it generously with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. This step gives your beef great flavor!
2. Heat the Pan:
Next, take a large skillet and put it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet so the burgers don’t stick. You want it nice and hot so that the beef sizzles when it hits the pan!
3. Cook the Beef:
Now, form your seasoned beef into small balls, roughly 2-3 ounces each. Place these in your hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. Grab a spatula and smash each ball down flat to create a burger patty. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until a nice crust forms. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Once you flip the patties, add a slice of cheese on top of each one. Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to help the cheese melt beautifully!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
In another skillet or on a griddle, lightly toast your corn tortillas on both sides until they’re warm and get a little crispy. This will add a nice texture to your tacos.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a cheese-covered smash burger and place it in each warm tortilla. Top it off with shredded lettuce, a generous dollop of sour cream, and a mix of mayonnaise and sriracha if you like a bit of heat. Don’t forget to garnish with pickles for that extra crunch!
7. Serve:
Your Easy Smash Burger Tacos are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm and get ready for some delicious bites. Dig in and savor the flavors!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Just be aware that turkey can be leaner, so consider adding a bit of oil or cooking it on lower heat to prevent it from drying out. You may also want to adjust your seasoning to ensure it’s flavorful!
How to Keep Tacos Warm While Cooking?
To keep your tacos warm while you cook, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a warm oven (around 200°F or 95°C). This will help maintain their warmth without them getting soggy. Alternatively, you can cover them with a kitchen towel to keep the heat in if you prefer not to use the oven.
Can I Make the Beef Mixture Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the seasoned ground beef mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance. Just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat before shaping into balls and cooking them. It’s a great time-saver for a busy weeknight!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tacos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick option. Just be mindful that the tortillas may get a bit chewy when reheated, so adding fresh toppings can help refresh them!
