These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on two favorites! You get juicy, flavorful burger patties wrapped in soft tortillas—perfect for taco night!
Honestly, who can resist a burger in taco form? I love piling on toppings like cheese and pickles. Trust me, your dinner guests will be raving about this delicious combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The 80/20 blend gives these tacos great flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use 90/10 ground beef, but it might be less juicy. Alternatively, ground turkey or plant-based meat works well too!
Tortillas: You can use flour or corn tortillas based on your preference. Flour tortillas are soft and flexible, while corn tortillas are a bit firmer and provide a more traditional taste. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortillas available in stores.
Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack are great options too. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan cheese slices.
Pickles: Dill pickles add a nice crunch. If you aren’t a fan, consider using pickled jalapeños for some heat, or leave them out altogether!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash on My Burger Patties?
Smashing makes the burgers crispy on the outside while keeping them juicy on the inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a hot skillet to get that amazing sear. Let it preheat for a couple of minutes.
- When placing the beef ball in the skillet, press down firmly with a spatula until it’s thin—aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Don’t flip the patties too early! Allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes to achieve a nice brown crust before flipping.
- Adding cheese right after flipping will help it melt perfectly.
This technique gives the best burger texture and taste, making those tacos extra delicious!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 small flour or corn tortillas
- 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 4-6 dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for sauce)
- 1 tsp vegetable oil or butter (for tortillas)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun taco night with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet:
Start by preheating a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. This is key for getting that perfect sear on your patties!
2. Prepare the Beef:
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each portion into a loose ball. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over each ball to season them to your liking.
3. Smash the Patties:
When the skillet is hot, place one or two beef balls onto the skillet. Using a spatula or a heavy flat tool, press down firmly to smash each ball into a thin patty. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving them. This helps achieve a nice sear!
4. Add the Cheese:
Flip the patties, and as soon as you do, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked to your preferred doneness. Once done, remove them from the skillet.
5. Heat the Tortillas:
In another pan, lightly heat the tortillas with a bit of oil or butter, just until they’re warm and slightly charred for added flavor. You want them soft but with a little bit of a crisp edge.
6. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and smoked paprika. This creamy sauce is what ties all the flavors together!
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
To put together each taco, lay a warm tortilla flat. Spread some of the sauce down the center, then add the smashed burger patty with melted cheese. Top it off with shredded lettuce and 1-2 pickle slices for that crunch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the tortilla over the fillings and serve immediately while warm and juicy. These smash burger tacos are perfect for a quick meal, and they’re sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful smash burger tacos with that crispy exterior and melty cheese, complemented by crisp pickles and a creamy, tangy sauce!
FAQ for Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat’s fat content and type.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicy?
If you love heat, add sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños as a topping. You could also mix some hot sauce into the mayo sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the burger patties in a skillet to retain their juiciness and warmth, and assemble fresh tacos just before serving!
