These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic flavors! Picture crispy burger patties in soft taco shells with all your favorite toppings. It’s a taco party!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good burger? Packing it into a taco just makes it even better! I like to add loads of cheese and a dollop of salsa for extra yum. Enjoy with friends for a great time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 or even ground turkey work, but the texture may be less juicy.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect here. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas also work well, but they have a different texture. Just warm them before using!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its flavor. If you want something different, pepper jack adds a nice kick, or try queso fresco for a milder taste.
Onion: Diced onions add crunch and flavor. If raw onions are too strong for you, sauté them quickly in the skillet for a few minutes.
Burger Sauce: While ranch or Thousand Island are great, you can mix mayo with ketchup and a bit of pickle juice for a quick homemade version!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Smash Burger Patty?
Smashing the burger is key to getting that tasty crust. Use a hot skillet and don’t be afraid to apply firm pressure when smashing the meat with your spatula! Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat your skillet well before adding the oil.
- Form a loose ball of meat and place it on the skillet. Smash it down right away.
- Let it sear! Avoid moving the patty around for the first 2-3 minutes, so it gets a good crust.
- Flip it gently, add cheese, and continue cooking until melted.
With these steps, you’ll enjoy flavorful, juicy tacos that are sure to impress! Enjoy the cooking process!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (e.g., ranch dressing or Thousand Island dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes to serve up delicious smash burger tacos. Perfect for a quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Toppings:
Before diving into cooking, let’s get our toppings ready! Start by shredding the lettuce and dicing the onion. Then, measure out your burger sauce. Keep everything aside for easy assembly once the cooking is done.
2. Cook the Beef:
Grab a large skillet or griddle and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot. Now, take about a quarter of the ground beef (about 4 ounces) and roll it into a loose ball. Place it in the skillet, then smash it down with a spatula to create a nice patty shape. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper for extra flavor!
3. Sear the Patty:
Let the patty cook for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to develop a lovely crust. Flip the patty over and sprinkle some cheese on top. Cook it for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and keep it warm while you cook the remaining patties.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Using the same skillet makes things easier! Place the corn tortillas in the skillet one by one, warming them for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them to be pliable and lightly toasted. Stack them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm for serving.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Take a warm tortilla, place a cooked smash burger patty right in the center, and add a generous topping of shredded lettuce, diced onion, and a drizzle of burger sauce.
6. Serve:
Repeat the process for the rest of your tortillas and patties. Once you have all your smash burger tacos ready, serve them warm. You can add some extra burger sauce on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative to beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as lean meats may cook faster. Don’t forget to season well, as they can be less flavorful than beef!
How Can I Keep Leftover Taco Ingredients Fresh?
Store leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers. The cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the raw veggies should stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Avoid assembling the tacos in advance to keep everything crisp and delicious!
Can I Make These Tacos Spicy?
Yes! For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or sliced chili peppers to your toppings. You can also mix some hot sauce into the burger sauce for some added heat. Adjust to your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until warmed through. You can warm the tortillas in the microwave or on the stovetop briefly to revive their texture. Assemble just before serving for the best result!
