Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on two favorites! Picture juicy burger patties nestled in soft taco shells with all your favorite toppings. It’s a simple, tasty meal that everyone will love!
Who knew tacos could be this delicious? I like to pile on the cheese and pickles—it’s like a party in every bite! 🌮🍔 You won’t want to stop at just one taco!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend (80% lean meat, 20% fat) gives great flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but they won’t be as rich. I recommend sticking to beef for that classic burger taste.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are ideal for these tacos since they’re sturdy enough to hold the patties. If corn tortillas aren’t available, flour tortillas are a good substitute, but they’ll have a different texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is a great choice for its meltiness. You could swap it out for Monterey Jack or a pepper jack if you want a little heat. I like melting cheddar for that classic cheeseburger feel.
Iceberg Lettuce: It adds crunch, but romaine or even shredded cabbage can be used. I prefer iceberg for its crispness; it’s refreshing and balances out the richness of the meat and cheese.
Onions: Diced onions give texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of raw onions, try grilled onions instead for a sweeter taste. Green onions are also a milder option that works well.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Smash Burger Patties?
The cooking process is key to getting those deliciously crispy edges! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet or griddle. Make sure it’s really hot to create a nice sear.
- When rolling the beef into balls, don’t overwork it. Just gently form them, which helps keep the juiciness.
- After smashing the patties, season them with salt and pepper immediately so the flavors can hit while cooking.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping to develop that crust; then a quick 1-2 minutes on the other side to finish cooking.
- For melty cheese, add it during the last minute and cover the skillet to trap the heat, ensuring it melts evenly.
With these tips, your burgers will turn out juicy and flavorful, perfect for your tacos!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying tortillas)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for cooking, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onions and shred the iceberg lettuce thoroughly. Set them aside so you’re ready to assemble your tacos once the patties are cooked!
2. Make the Beef Patties:
Take your ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions, roughly 2 ounces each. Roll each portion into a ball gently; try not to overwork the meat. These will be the delicious little patties for your tacos!
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little vegetable oil to coat the pan. Place each beef ball onto the skillet and quickly smash them down with a spatula to flatten into patties. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until a nice crust forms on one side, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until they are browned and fully cooked through.
4. Add Cheese:
During the last minute of cooking, add a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt perfectly!
5. Fry the Tortillas:
While the cheese is melting, grab another pan and heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they become slightly crispy but still pliable. This gives your tacos a delightful texture!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take each corn tortilla and place two cheese-stacked smash burger patties on top. Add a generous portion of shredded lettuce and diced onions. Drizzle with your burger sauce to add flavor and moisture.
7. Serve:
Serve your Smash Burger Tacos immediately with some extra burger sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation! Feel free to customize with any of your favorite toppings or add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat!
Can I Use Different Ground Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative if you prefer. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you choose; aim for a safe internal temperature of 165°F for poultry or follow your product’s cooking guidelines for plant-based options.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicy?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing diced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the beef mixture before cooking, or add spicy salsa and sliced pickled jalapeños as a topping. Hot sauce is also a tasty addition for those who love the kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
For best results, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked patties and toppings can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the patties in a skillet and bring the tortillas back to life in a hot pan for a few seconds on each side.
Can I Prepare the Beef Patties in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef patties ahead of time! Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, then freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be cooked straight from the freezer, just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
