Get ready for an exciting twist on tacos with these Smash Burger Tacos! Packed with juicy ground beef and melted cheese, they’re a fun mix of two favorite foods.
Picture this: crispy tortillas filled with all the good stuff, plus a sprinkle of your favorite toppings. I can’t resist adding extra pickles—who’s with me? 🙌
What I love most is how quickly they come together. A quick smash on the grill and voilà, tasty tacos ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I suggest using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use 90/10, but the burgers may be less juicy. For a plant-based option, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Tortillas/Taco Shells: Small flour tortillas are my go-to because they’re soft and fold easily. If you prefer a crispier texture, use taco shells or even corn tortillas. Whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas can work well too!
American Cheese: I love the meltiness of American cheese, but feel free to switch it up! Cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss are great alternatives. Just ensure whatever you choose melts nicely to create that gooey texture.
Special Sauce: The mayo, ketchup, and mustard combo is classic. You can substitute yogurt for mayo for a healthier twist, or use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a different flavor. Spice it up with sriracha instead of hot sauce for an extra kick!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash on My Burgers?
The key to a great smash burger is the smashing technique! You want to create that crispy edge while keeping the inside juicy. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your griddle or skillet until hot. A hot surface ensures a nice sear.
- Place the loose beef balls onto the hot surface, then smash them down immediately. Don’t hold back! Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to get that nice, flat patty.
- Season well with salt and pepper after smashing, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until edges are crispy before flipping, then add cheese to melt perfectly.
Remember, the key is to let the heat do the work without overcrowding the pan. Enjoy the process—it leads to a delicious outcome!
How to Make Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas or taco shells
- 4 slices American cheese (or cheese of your choice)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup pickles, sliced
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
For Cooking:
- Cooking oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up these tasty smash burger tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Cooking Surface:
Start by preheating a griddle or a large skillet over medium-high heat. To prevent sticking, add a small amount of cooking oil to coat the surface. Let it heat up while you prepare the beef.
2. Shape the Beef:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions, about 2 ounces each. Gently roll each portion into loose balls. Don’t compact them too much; this helps keep your burgers juicy!
3. Cook the Burgers:
Once your griddle is hot, place each beef ball on it. Use a spatula or a burger press to smash each ball down into a thin patty. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see crispy edges forming.
4. Add the Cheese:
Time to flip the patties! Once flipped, add a slice of cheese on top of each one. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted. Yum!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, warm your flour tortillas or taco shells on a different part of the griddle. You want them to be pliable and easy to fold. Just a minute or two should do the trick!
6. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a cheese-covered burger patty and place it into each tortilla. Top with a handful of shredded lettuce and some sliced pickles. For extra flavor, drizzle on the special sauce you’ll make next.
7. Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce if you’re using it. Stir well to combine everything. Then, generously drizzle this sauce over your assembled tacos.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your smash burger tacos are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately with any extra toppings or condiments you like. Get ready to dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a healthier alternative, but it’s usually leaner, so try to use a dark meat turkey or mix in a little olive oil to maintain juiciness. Season well since turkey has a milder flavor than beef!
How to Keep Tortillas from Getting Soggy?
Warm the tortillas just before assembling your tacos instead of letting them sit too long. You can also use slightly thicker tortillas or taco shells to create a barrier for the moisture from the patties!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mayonnaise sauce in advance! Just mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This also lets the flavors meld for even better taste!
How to Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Assemble the tacos fresh again to keep the tortillas from getting soggy!
