These Easy Original Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your favorite burger! Picture juicy beef patties smashed for extra flavor, wrapped in soft tortillas.
They’re perfect for taco night, and I love piling on all my favorite toppings. Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy burgers in taco form? It’s a win-win! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but they won’t be as juicy.
Tortillas: Both flour and corn tortillas are great! I love using soft flour tortillas for this recipe, but if you prefer corn for a slightly different texture, go ahead!
American Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, giving you that classic cheeseburger taste. If you want to switch it up, try cheddar or Monterey Jack for a stronger flavor.
Dill Pickles: These add a nice crunch and tang. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit them or replace them with jalapeños for some heat.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Smash Burger Patties?
The key to a great smash burger is all in the technique. When you form the beef balls, be gentle—don’t overwork the meat for a juicy patty.
- Heat your pan until it’s really hot; this helps the patty develop a nice crust.
- Smash the beef ball firmly, but quickly. You’ll want it thin so it cooks evenly and gets crispy edges.
- Give it enough time to cook before flipping. The longer you let it sear, the crispier it will be.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious smash burgers that work perfectly in taco form!
Easy Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 6 small soft flour or corn tortillas
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup dill pickle slices
For the Smash Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp vinegar (optional for sauce tang)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and making the sauce, then around 10 minutes cooking the patties and assembling your tacos. A quick and delicious meal for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Smash Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar. Sprinkle in a bit of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, then pop it in the fridge to chill while you cook.
2. Form the Beef Balls:
Take your ground beef and divide it into 6 equal parts. Roll each part into a loose ball; make sure not to pack it too tightly for a juicier patty.
3. Heat the Pan:
Place your cast-iron skillet or flat griddle on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add your vegetable oil or butter, letting it heat up until it’s nice and shimmering.
4. Cook the Patties:
Put one beef ball onto the hot pan. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, smash it down into a thin patty, roughly 1/4-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until the edges turn crispy and brown.
5. Flip and Add Cheese:
Carefully flip the patty over and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the beef to finish cooking.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While you’re cooking the patties, take this time to warm up your tortillas. You can do this in another pan or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until they’re soft and pliable.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Once the patties are ready, place each cheeseburger patty onto a warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, pickle slices, and a generous drizzle of the smash sauce you made earlier.
8. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Fold the tortilla over all the delicious layers and serve immediately while it’s still hot and juicy. Enjoy your tasty smash burger tacos!
These delightful tacos combine all your favorite burger flavors in a fun, handheld way. Enjoy your meal! 🌮🍔
FAQ for Easy Original Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Yes! While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the meat is fully cooked.
How Can I Customize the Toppings?
Feel free to get creative! You can add toppings like sliced tomatoes, onions, avocado, or jalapeños. You can also try different sauces like BBQ sauce or spicy mayo to mix up the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet or microwave, and warm fresh tortillas to serve them again, so they stay soft.
Can I Make the Smash Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the smash sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using to bring back any thickness that might develop.
