These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic burgers. You get juicy beef smashed into crispy taco shells with all your favorite toppings.
Who knew tacos could be so beefy and delicious? I love loading mine up with cheese, lettuce, and a touch of salsa. It’s a fiesta in every bite! 🎉
Making these tacos is a breeze! Just form the patties, cook them up, and stuff them in crunchy shells. Perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty party treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that these leaner meats may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for these tacos. However, if you can’t find them, feel free to use flour tortillas. They’ve got a different texture but work great too. Just remember to warm them well!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds that gooey goodness. You can switch it up with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a little extra kick!
Mayonnaise: The sauce blends mayo, ketchup, and mustard, giving it a nice tang. If you prefer a healthier version, try Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a creamy texture.
Pickle Relish: Using pickle relish adds some zest to the sauce! If you don’t have it, diced pickles or even a splash of vinegar can do the trick.
How Do You Get the Perfect Smash Patties?
Creating those smash patties is key to unlocking flavor! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Start with a hot skillet for a good sear. Make sure to heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil.
- After placing the beef ball in the skillet, use your spatula to press it down firmly. But don’t press too hard, just enough to flatten it. This creates a nice crust!
- Season generously with salt and pepper right after smashing. This enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip gently and add cheese right away to melt while the patty finishes cooking.
Following these steps will help you achieve deliciously crispy smash burgers every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish (if you’re using it). Stir well and set it aside so the flavors can blend together.
2. Shape the Patties:
Next, take your ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions, around 2 ounces each. Gently roll each portion into a loose ball. This will be the base for your smash burger patties.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of cooking oil. Once the skillet is hot, place one beef ball in the pan. Using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten it into a patty. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s browned and crispy.
4. Add Cheese:
Carefully flip the patty and immediately sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cook for an extra 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the beef is nicely cooked through. Repeat this step for all patties.
5. Prepare the Tortillas:
While the patties are cooking, take another skillet and warm up the corn tortillas over medium heat. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they’re soft and pliable.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place one or two cooked smash burger patties with melted cheese into each tortilla. Top them off with some shredded lettuce, diced onions, and drizzle your prepared sauce over everything.
7. Serve:
Serve your delicious Smash Burger Tacos warm, with any extra sauce on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for the Patties?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional for smash burgers, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, so ensure the meat is cooked through to a safe temperature, especially for poultry.
What If I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
No problem! You can use flour tortillas as an alternative. They may have a different texture but will still hold the delicious fillings well. Just warm them up as you would corn tortillas to ensure they’re pliable and easy to fold.
How Do I Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, but for the best texture, consider reheating them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. This is a great time-saver—just give it a good stir before using it in your tacos!
