These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your classic burger! They feature juicy beef patties smashed to perfection and tucked inside soft tortillas. Yum!
Who knew burgers could be wrapped in tacos? I love making these for a quick dinner because they are so easy and satisfyingly messy—napkins are a must! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but be aware these can dry out more easily.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are traditional for tacos and have a nice texture. If you prefer, you can swap them for flour tortillas. They’re softer and hold up well, but might change the flavor a bit.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharpness. If you want to switch it up, Monterey Jack or American cheese can work too; they melt beautifully!
Mayonnaise Sauce: This sauce brings everything together. If you’re not a mayo fan, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream to give it a creamy texture. Adding some hot sauce can kick up the flavor too!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash Burger Patty?
Smashing the beef into thin patties is key for that classic burger taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Form loose balls of meat before hitting the skillet. This helps them stay juicy.
- Make sure your skillet is hot! This helps to get that nice browning on the patties.
- Use a sturdy spatula or a large burger press to smash the patties flat. A good smash is essential!
- Don’t move the patties around too much; let them sear for 2-3 minutes for a good crust before flipping.
Pay attention to cooking time; you want nice browning, and melted cheese is a must for that gooey finish. Enjoy making your Smash Burger Tacos!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Pickles slices, for garnish
- Cooking oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 25 minutes to make these delicious Smash Burger Tacos. You’ll be able to whip them up in no time and enjoy a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by mixing up the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. Set the sauce aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of cooking oil. While it’s heating, take the ground beef and form it into loose balls, about 2 ounces each. When the skillet is hot, place the beef balls in it and use a spatula to smash each ball down firmly to make thin patties. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side.
3. Season the Patties:
Once the patties have cooked for a bit, sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Give them a flip and let them cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re nicely browned and fully cooked. In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle a little shredded cheese on each patty, so it melts perfectly!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is frying, take another skillet and heat it over medium heat. Here, lightly char the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re warm and slightly toasted. This step adds a lovely flavor!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s time to put everything together! On each warm tortilla, place one of the smashed burger patties with the gooey melted cheese. Top it off with a handful of shredded lettuce and a generous dollop of your prepared sauce. Don’t forget to add some pickle slices on top for that extra crunch!
6. Serve:
Finish assembling all of your tacos and serve them immediately while they’re warm. You can also offer extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos with friends or family – they’re sure to love them!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they tend to be leaner than beef, so you may want to add a bit of oil or seasoning to keep them moist and flavorful during cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Smash Burger Tacos gluten-free, simply use corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free. Most corn tortillas are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the packaging to be sure.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the components separate if possible: store the beef patties and sauce in one container and the tortillas in another to maintain freshness. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave, and warm the tortillas quickly before serving.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before using it on your tacos. This can also help the flavors meld together nicely!
