These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on dinner! Imagine juicy burger patties hugged by warm tortillas, topped with your favorite fixings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal, and you can customize them how you like. I always add extra pickles because, well, more crunch makes everything better! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juiciness. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that they may be slightly drier, so add a little oil while cooking.
Tortillas: I love using small flour tortillas for their soft texture, but corn tortillas also work wonderfully. If you’re gluten-free, opt for corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas!
Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully, but you can use cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, there are great plant-based cheese alternatives available.
Special Sauce: This sauce adds a zesty kick! If you’re short on ingredients, you can substitute with ranch dressing or barbecue sauce. It may not be identical, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Smash Patties?
Smashing the patties creates a crispy edge and a juicy center. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before you add the ground beef; a medium-high heat works best.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Place only a few balls at a time for even cooking.
- Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash down the balls quickly; the sooner you do this, the better the sear will be.
- Season each patty generously with salt and pepper once they’re smashed, then let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get those nice crispy edges.
With these tips, you’ll have tasty smash burgers ready for your tacos in no time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 6 slices of American cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup special sauce (recipe below)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for cooking)
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1-2 tsp pickle juice (from pickles)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious tacos in about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then set aside.
2. Prepare the Skillet:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil or butter and let it heat up until shimmering but not smoking.
3. Shape the Ground Beef:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 6 loosely shaped balls. Be gentle; don’t compress them tightly, as you want your patties to stay tender.
4. Cook the Patties:
Place 2-3 of the beef balls into the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, smash each ball down firmly into a thin patty. Sprinkle salt and pepper liberally on top. Let them cook for about 2 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and brown.
5. Add Cheese:
Carefully flip the patties. If you’re using cheese, place a slice on each patty now. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are fully cooked.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate skillet or microwave, warm the tortillas until they are soft and pliable. This makes assembling your tacos much easier!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Place one or two smashed burger patties inside each tortilla. Drizzle the special sauce generously over the meat for delicious flavor.
8. Add Toppings:
Top each taco with shredded lettuce and chopped onions for extra crunch and freshness.
9. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your tasty smash burger tacos right away! If desired, serve with extra special sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Dig in and enjoy this quick, delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
FAQ for Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, such as 90/10 or even ground turkey. However, keep in mind that leaner meats might be drier, so you may want to add a little olive oil to the pan when cooking to maintain moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the tacos fresh when you’re ready to eat again. Cooked beef patties can be kept for up to 3 days, while tortillas and toppings can last about 2-3 days in the fridge.
Can I Freeze the Patties?
Absolutely! You can freeze the raw smashed patties before cooking. Just make sure to lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before cooking to retain their juiciness.
What Else Can I Add to My Tacos?
Feel free to customize your tacos with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado, or even bacon bits. You can also experiment with different sauces such as hot sauce or guacamole for an extra kick!
