Easy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

If you crave a juicy, crispy-edged burger but adore the hand-held fun of tacos, this Easy Smash Burger Tacos recipe is about to become your new obsession. Think perfectly seasoned beef, seared and smashed right onto a flour tortilla, smothered with melty cheese, and finished with all your favorite burger fixings. It’s the best of both worlds—bold, beefy, and built for sharing!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Easy Smash Burger Tacos pulls its weight, from juicy, 80/20 ground beef to shatteringly crisp tortillas. Choose each one with care because even the toppings and sauce work together to create that crave-worthy, mouthwatering bite!

• 80/20 Ground Beef: The higher fat content is essential for achieving juicy, flavorful patties with crispy, caramelized edges.
• Kosher Salt & Fresh Black Pepper: Simple seasoning makes the beef shine, adding depth and balancing richness.
• Flour Tortillas (six-inch): Flour tortillas cling to the beef and crisp beautifully, unlike corn tortillas, which tend to break or dry out.
• Muenster or Provolone Cheese: Both melt exceptionally well and create that dreamy gooey layer over the hot beef—feel free to swap in your favorite melty cheese!
• Shredded Lettuce, Chopped White Onion, Dill Pickle Chips: These classic burger toppings add freshness, crunch, and tang—don’t skip the pickles for that signature bite!
• Burger Sauce: A mayo-based, tangy, slightly sweet sauce that brings all the flavors together with a creamy, zesty punch.

Variations

One of the best parts about Easy Smash Burger Tacos? You can riff on them endlessly—swap toppings, try new sauces, or even go plant-based if you’d like. Let your taste buds (and your fridge!) guide your creative choices.

• Cheese Switch-Up: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or sharp cheddar for extra tang—almost any melty cheese works.
• Low-Carb Version: Use low-carb tortillas or even crisp lettuce cups as a base for a lighter meal.
• Plant-Based Adaptation: Use a plant-based ground “beef” and vegan cheese for a delicious vegetarian version that doesn’t lose any of the fun or flavor.
• Add Bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top of your cheese before serving for an even bigger burger experience.

How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Whip Up That Burger Sauce

Start by stirring all the burger sauce ingredients together in a bowl. The mayo adds creaminess, tangy pickles and brine boost the flavor, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce brings savory depth. Whisk until fully combined, then pop the sauce in the fridge while you prep everything else. (Tip: You can make this up to three days ahead!)

Step 2: Season & Shape Your Burger Balls

Sprinkle salt and plenty of cracked black pepper over your ground beef, ensuring even distribution for full-flavored bites. Gently roll the meat into six 2½-ounce balls—handle them as little as possible so they stay tender and juicy. Chill in the fridge while your flat top or griddle gets blazing hot.

Step 3: Smash & Sizzle!

Fire up your flat top or a large skillet to high heat (no oil needed). Place each beef ball on the hot surface and immediately lay a flour tortilla on top. Use your burger press (or a heavy spatula and some elbow grease!) to smash down hard until the beef spreads thinly beneath the tortilla. Cook for one minute, press again, and let that fat render for crispy edges. Leave undisturbed for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Flip, Cheese, and Crisp

Using a sturdy spatula, scrape under each burger and flip it so the tortilla side meets the grill. Crisp for another two minutes—the tortilla should sizzle and brown beautifully. Immediately top with a slice of cheese so it melts right into the beef as the tortilla finishes crisping.

Step 5: Top & Serve

Remove your smash burger tacos, dollop or drizzle with burger sauce, then pile on shredded lettuce, onions, and plenty of pickles. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Easy Smash Burger Tacos

Garnishes

I love to shower these burger tacos with extra pickles and a handful of fresh, shredded lettuce—think classic burger toppings, only now handheld and ready to devour. For a little kick, sprinkle with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce, and don’t hesitate to add a few tender tomato slices or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for burger vibes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Smash Burger Tacos with a fresh side salad, sweet potato fries, crispy kettle chips, or even potato wedges for a retro diner feel. A quick batch of slaw or some grilled corn will add even more color and crunch to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy Smash Burger Tacos on a wooden board, taco bar–style, with bowls of every tasty topping for friends or family to build their own. For parties, cut tacos in half for bite-sized sliders, or wrap in parchment paper cones for the ultimate grab-and-go snack. Stack them high and watch your guests swoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra tacos, wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap and tuck them into an airtight container in the fridge. The burger sauce and toppings can be stored separately to keep everything as fresh as possible—just assemble before eating for the best results!

Freezing

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prep ahead, freeze the cooked burger-and-tortilla combos before adding cheese and toppings. Wrap tightly and freeze; then, simply reheat, add cheese, cover to melt, and finish with your fresh toppings just before serving.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on a hot skillet or griddle for best flavor and texture—this crisps the tortilla again and revives the beef. Top with cheese and cover until melted, then slather on sauce and add all your toppings. The microwave works in a pinch but may soften the tortilla a bit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Smash Burger Tacos—they’re fun, full of flavor, and guaranteed to become an instant favorite around your table. Whether you’re feeding friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe transforms burger night into something uniquely delicious. Dive in and enjoy every crunchy, melty, saucy bite!

Print