These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are the best of both worlds! Juicy beef patties are smashed for extra flavor and tucked inside soft tortillas, creating a fun meal everyone will love.
Talk about a win-win! I love how easy these are to whip up for a quick dinner or game night. Plus, who can resist a taco filled with burger goodness? Tasty and mess-free! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I suggest using an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean ground turkey or chicken works well, but they may be less juicy, so watch the cooking time closely.
Cheese: Cheddar and American are great for meltiness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a vegan cheese if you’re keeping it plant-based.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas add great flavor, but if you’re gluten-sensitive, opt for flour tortillas or corn tortillas made from masa harina. Both hold up well with the toppings.
Burger Sauce: Mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard blend nicely, but feel free to experiment with aioli, BBQ sauce, or even a yogurt-based sauce for a lighter dip!
How Do I Properly Smash the Patties Without Making a Mess?
Smashing the patties is key to achieving that delicious crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- After heating the skillet, keep it hot to sear quickly.
- Shape the beef into balls, not too tightly, to keep them tender.
- Use a flat spatula – a burger press can work too – and apply firm, even pressure for a few seconds.
- Avoid squishing them too much; you want a nice, thick patty that will cook evenly.
Don’t hesitate to add more oil if needed; you want the patties to sizzle loudly when they hit the pan!
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American)
- 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional)
- Pickles, for topping
- Cooking oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes of cooking time. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty batch of Easy Smash Burger Tacos ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, take your ground beef and sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix it; you want it to stay nice and juicy.
2. Cook the Burger Patties:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little cooking oil. While it heats up, divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls. Once the skillet is hot, place each ball on the skillet. Press down on each one with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Allow them to cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re browned on one side.
3. Melt the Cheese and Warm the Tortillas:
Carefully flip each patty over and immediately sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the burgers are cooked through. While that’s happening, warm your tortillas in a separate pan or over an open flame for a few seconds on each side until they’re soft and pliable.
4. Make the Burger Sauce and Assemble:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and sriracha (if using) to create a tasty burger sauce. Now, it’s time to assemble your tacos! Place a cheesy burger patty on each tortilla, top it with shredded lettuce, add a dollop of the sauce, and finish with some pickle slices on top.
5. Enjoy Your Tacos:
Serve your Easy Smash Burger Tacos immediately while they’re still warm and enjoy every bite of this fun twist on a classic dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just be aware that turkey may not have as much fat as beef, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil to maintain moisture and flavor.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicy?
If you’d like to kick up the heat, feel free to add more sriracha to the sauce or mix in some chopped jalapeños or diced hot peppers into the beef mixture. Just make sure to adjust according to your spice preference!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Taco Ingredients?
Store leftover burger patties and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked patties will last up to 3 days, while toppings like lettuce and sauce should be consumed within 2 days for best freshness. Reheat the patties on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the burger patties in advance by shaping them and storing them raw in the fridge for up to a day. Just cook them fresh on the skillet when you’re ready to eat. Alternatively, cook the patties ahead of time and reheat just before serving!
