Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that combines the best of both worlds—juicy burgers and crave-worthy tacos—let me introduce you to Smash Burger Tacos. This deliciously inventive fusion serves up thin, crispy-edged burger patties melting into warm tortillas, finished with classic burger fixings and a tangy homemade sauce. Every bite is packed with nostalgic burger flavor, a bit of crunch, fresh toppings, and a handheld taco twist. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or wow-worthy party food, Smash Burger Tacos are going to be your new obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Smash Burger Tacos are built from simple, accessible ingredients, yet each one is essential for crafting the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Here’s what you need and why it matters:
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 80/20 or 85/15): The fat content ensures juicy, flavorful burgers with those irresistibly crispy edges.
- Small Tortillas (6, about 6″ in diameter): Soft tortillas hold everything together and soak up all the burger goodness.
- Salt and Pepper (or preferred burger seasoning): Simple seasoning draws out the beef’s savory richness. Customize to your taste.
- American Cheese (6 slices): Melty, classic, and utterly essential for that comforting burger feel.
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce (2 cups): Adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Diced Onion (1/4): Offers an aromatic bite and classic burger flavor.
- Dill Pickle Slices (12-18): Bring tang, crunch, and that iconic burger zing.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Acts as a creamy base for the signature burger sauce.
- Sweet Relish (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- Mustard (1 tablespoon): Delivers tang and a hint of sharpness to the sauce.
- Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brightens the flavors in the sauce.
- Sugar (2 teaspoons): Balances tang and acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth to the sauce.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers color and gentle smokiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors in the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Step 1: Make the Burger Sauce
Start by preparing the flavor-packed burger sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Set the sauce aside—it’s the magical finishing touch that brings the entire Smash Burger Tacos experience together.
Step 2: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Get your skillet or griddle nice and hot over medium-high heat. This is crucial for creating those addictively crispy burger edges. A screaming hot surface ensures maximum caramelization and flavor on every patty.
Step 3: Portion and Shape the Beef
While the pan is heating, divide the ground beef into six even portions, roughly 3 ounces each. Roll each portion lightly into a ball. This simple prep step makes it easy to smash the burgers ultra-thin for that classic smash burger effect.
Step 4: Smash and Season the Patties
Place each beef ball onto your hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten into thin patties—it’s the “smash” in Smash Burger Tacos! Immediately season with salt, pepper, or your favorite burger seasoning to boost flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Cook and Cheese the Burgers
Let the patties cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges turn crispy and brown. Flip them, then instantly crown each one with a slice of American cheese. Cook for another minute or two, just until the cheese is melty and burgers are cooked through. The result: juicy, crispy, cheesy perfection.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
To make the tortillas soft and pliable (and bring out their fresh aroma), heat them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave. This tiny step keeps your Smash Burger Tacos from cracking and makes assembly a breeze.
Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
Spread a generous swipe of that craveable burger sauce onto each tortilla. This protects the shell from getting soggy and adds flavor in every nook and cranny.
Step 8: Add the Smash Burger Patty
Now for the star: place a hot, cheese-topped smash burger patty on each prepared tortilla. The warmth instantly melts some of the sauce, marrying all the flavors together.
Step 9: Top with Lettuce, Onion, and Pickles
Finish with a mound of shredded iceberg lettuce, some diced onion, and a few dill pickle slices. These toppings add crunch, color, tang, and freshness that define each bite of Smash Burger Tacos.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Smash Burger Tacos are ready! Serve them up hot with extra burger sauce alongside. Watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dive into this irresistible cross between taco night and burger bliss.
How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect platter, scatter extra shredded lettuce and more pickle slices on top or around your Smash Burger Tacos. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped chives can also add a fun twist and elevate the look even more.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries or baked potato wedges pair beautifully with the hearty flavors of Smash Burger Tacos. If you want to lighten things up, a simple slaw or tangy cucumber salad makes a bright, refreshing accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
To turn this meal into a party, set up a Smash Burger Tacos bar! Lay out all the toppings and sauces in small bowls alongside the warm tortillas and patties. Let everyone build their own, making it a fun, interactive dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Smash Burger Tacos, store each component separately for best texture. Keep the cooked patties covered in the refrigerator, store veggies in airtight containers, and refrigerate extra sauce in a jar. Assembled tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but these steps will help everything stay crisp and flavorful for up to two days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked burger patties for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing the tortillas or toppings, as they don’t retain quality after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat the patties, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and any cheese is bubbly again. Microwave works in a pinch, but the skillet brings back some much-needed crispiness. Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While American cheese delivers that iconic melt and flavor, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss for a new spin on your Smash Burger Tacos. Just make sure your cheese of choice melts well.
What’s the best way to smash the burger patties?
For the perfect smash, you’ll want a stiff, flat spatula. Press down firmly and quickly on each beef ball soon after placing it on the hot pan. For extra leverage, use a piece of parchment paper between the spatula and meat to prevent sticking.
Can I make these with ground turkey or a meat alternative?
Yes! Ground turkey or a plant-based ground beef substitute both work beautifully for Smash Burger Tacos. Just be gentle as turkey or veggie mixes can be a bit softer, and remember to season generously.
Are there gluten-free options for the tortillas?
Definitely. Swap in your favorite gluten-free tortillas, or use corn tortillas for a naturally gluten-free take. Just be gentle warming them, as they can be more delicate than flour varieties.
Can I prep anything in advance for quicker assembly?
You bet! The burger sauce can be made up to three days ahead and kept in the fridge. You can also shred lettuce, chop onions, and slice pickles in advance, then store them separately for easy grab-and-go assembly when it’s taco time.
Final Thoughts
If you love burgers and tacos, you absolutely have to give Smash Burger Tacos a try. They’re outrageously satisfying, totally customizable, and sure to wow everyone at the table. Grab your skillet and get smashing—your new favorite dinner is just minutes away!
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Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Smash Burger Tacos recipe that combines the flavors of a classic smash burger with the convenience of a taco.
Ingredients
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet relish
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 6 tortillas (about 6″ in diameter)
- Salt and pepper (or burger seasoning of your choice)
- 6 slices American cheese
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 12–18 dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the Smash Burgers: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- While the pan is heating, divide the ground beef into 6 even portions (about 3 ounces each). Roll each portion into a ball.
- Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet, and using a spatula, smash each ball down firmly to form a thin patty. Season with salt, pepper, or your preferred burger seasoning.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges of the patties are crispy, then flip the burgers and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the burgers are fully cooked.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.
- Spread a small amount of the burger sauce on each tortilla.
- Place a cooked smash burger patty on each tortilla.
- Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle slices.
- Serve: Serve the Smash Burger Tacos immediately, with extra burger sauce on the side if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Smash Burger Tacos, Burger Sauce, American Cheese, Taco Recipe
