These Original Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic burgers! Enjoy crispy beef patties tucked in warm tortillas, topped with cheese and your favorite veggies.
Who knew burgers could get even better in taco form? I love piling on the toppings and making a mess—it’s all part of the fun! 🍔🌮
Making these tacos is super easy, just smash the beef, cook it, and assemble. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty weekend treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer an 80/20 blend for the right mix of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can go with 90/10 or even ground turkey, but this will reduce the richness.
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are great for this recipe, but corn tortillas are a delicious alternative if you want a gluten-free option. They have a nice texture and flavor that complements the meat well.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic for these burgers. If you want a bit more kick, try pepper jack or even a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack. They’ll add a nice twist to your tacos!
Sauce Ingredients: The combination of mayo, ketchup, and mustard is fantastic! If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, use Greek yogurt as a base, and toss in some hot sauce for a spicy kick!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Patties?
Getting those smash burger patties crispy is key to the overall flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough when you start. A good medium-high heat helps the meat sear, creating that delightful crust.
- When you place the beef portion onto the skillet, smash it down firmly with your spatula. The more surface area in contact with the skillet, the crispier it gets!
- Don’t rush the cooking time! Let them cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping. This helps form a nice crust.
- Once flipped, add cheese right away so it can melt beautifully over the patty.
How to Make Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup pickles, sliced
- Optional: diced onions or tomatoes for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 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 10-15 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 25 minutes to enjoy delicious smash burger tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet:
Start by preheating a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. This is where you’ll be cooking your burger patties, so make sure it’s nice and hot!
2. Make the Sauce:
While the skillet heats up, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This will be your tasty sauce! Once mixed, set it aside.
3. Form the Burger Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions, about 2 ounces each. This will be the size of your burger patties.
4. Smash the Patties:
Place each beef portion onto the hot skillet. Use a spatula to smash the patties down flat—this helps them get crispy! Don’t forget to season them with a bit of salt and pepper for flavor.
5. Cook the Patties:
Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges look crispy. Flip each one over, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is all melty and gooey!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
In the last minute of cooking, warm up the flour tortillas in a separate pan or on the griddle. You want them soft and pliable to hold your delicious fillings!
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place a cheesy burger patty on each warm tortilla. Top them off with shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and a nice drizzle of the sauce you made earlier.
8. Add Extra Goodness (Optional):
If you’re feeling it, you can also sprinkle some diced onions or tomatoes on top for a little extra flavor and crunch. Make it yours!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your smash burger tacos immediately while they’re warm and yummy. Enjoy every bite of this tasty twist on burgers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, especially if the meat is leaner, to avoid drying it out.
How Can I Store Leftover Tacos?
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the patties, toppings, and tortillas separate to maintain freshness. Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave, and warm the tortillas quickly on the stove before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Warm Flour Tortillas?
To warm flour tortillas, heat a skillet over medium heat and place the tortillas on for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and pliable. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. This helps prevent them from drying out!
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate a bit. This makes your taco assembly quicker and easier!
