Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Introducing Smash Burger Tacos, a culinary mash-up that brings together the juicy richness of smash burgers with the handheld convenience of tacos! It’s a delightful surprise that marries two beloved classic foods into one irresistible meal. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal with friends or a quick dinner treat for the family, these tacos are bound to impress with their cheesy, meaty goodness and a tangy kick from the special sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of smash burger juiciness with the crunch of a fried taco shell is profound.
  • Customizable: With a variety of toppings and sauces, these tacos are adaptable to any palate.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Everyone loves tacos and burgers, so why not combine them into a meal that pleases everyone?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the essentials that make these Smash Burger Tacos an unforgettable experience. A few simple ingredients come together to create a dish filled with flavor, texture, and fun. Each element is a star in its own right, contributing to the delicious symphony that unfolds with every bite.

  • Lean Ground Beef: The heart of your smash burger, ensuring juiciness and flavor. Opt for 80/20 beef for the best balance of moisture and meatiness.
  • Flour Tortillas: These act as your taco “shells” and when cooked right, provide a perfect crispy layer.
  • American Cheese: A classic melting cheese that adds a creamy, tangy note, but feel free to get creative with your cheese choice!
  • Diced Onion: For a slight crunch and sharpness to balance the richness.
  • Burger Sauce/Big Mac Sauce: This homemade sauce is essential for that tangy, zesty finish—adjust the ingredients to match your preferred taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Smash Burger Tacos invite creativity! You can tweak this recipe to suit various dietary needs or flavor preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table. Let your imagination run wild and give these variations a try.

  • Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce for an extra kick.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative to keep it veggie-friendly.
  • Cheese Lovers: Mix in a blend of cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack for an elevated cheesy experience.

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Begin by dividing your ground beef into four equal portions. This initial step ensures each taco gets an equal portion of the tasty burger patty. Spread each portion onto a flour tortilla, pressing to achieve a consistent thickness—this is crucial for that perfect crispy edge.

Step 2: Cook the Tacos

Heat a skillet on medium-high, lightly oil the surface, and place a beef-covered tortilla meat-side down. Press gently with a spatula—this helps achieve the signature ‘smash’ effect. After a few minutes, flip to add cheese and allow it to melt gloriously on top.

Step 3: Assemble

After cooking, lay the tacos on a plate and start layering with the flavorful burger sauce, vibrant lettuce, crispy onions, and tangy pickles. Each layer contributes to a symphony of flavors that complement the savory beef.

Pro Tips for Making Smash Burger Tacos

  • The Right Press: Press gently just enough for a thin patty but not too hard to prevent tearing the tortilla.
  • Cheese Melt: Let the cheese melt completely by covering the skillet for a few seconds post-flipping.
  • Patty Flavor Boost: Generously season the beef with salt and pepper right before cooking for maximum flavor.
  • Sauce Magic: Prepare the burger sauce at least an hour ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Enhance your Smash Burger Tacos with jalapeño slices for heat or avocado for that creamy boost. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also offer a refreshing note that counters the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pile the plate with sides that complement the richness of the tacos. Crisp, refreshing coleslaw or a classic Mexican street corn salad would balance the meal perfectly without overwhelming the taste of the tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the tacos on a large platter and serve with sections of the sauce and toppings so guests can create customized flavors. Or, serve them tucked in festive taco holders to elevate the presentation and keep things tidy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, wrap the tacos individually in foil and place in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to keep the sauce separate to maintain the tortilla’s integrity.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze, cook the tortillas and beef without applying other toppings. Allow them to cool, stack with parchment paper in between, and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos again, warm them up in a skillet over medium heat for that freshly cooked feel. Alternatively, an oven preheated to 350°F will work, taking about 10 minutes to heat through.

FAQs

  1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

    Absolutely! While flour tortillas provide a soft and crispy combo, corn tortillas can give a more authentic taco feel but may require more careful handling during cooking.

  2. What can I use if I don’t have a griddle?

    No griddle? No problem! A large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan will work wonderfully for cooking these tacos.

  3. Is there a low-carb option?

    You could use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas to create a low-carb version of the Smash Burger Taco without sacrificing flavor.

  4. Can the burger sauce be made in advance?

    Yes! Making the sauce a day ahead enhances the flavor profile as it allows all the elements to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Smash Burger Tacos aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience that’s simple to prepare yet big on flavor. Make these for your next meal, and you’ll find yourself wondering why you didn’t combine your love for burgers and tacos sooner. Give them a try and let your taste buds embark on this flavor-packed journey!

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Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 381 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Discover how to make delicious Smash Burger Tacos, a fusion of crispy, flavorful ground beef patties with your favorite taco ingredients and a special burger sauce, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas for a fun and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Burger Sauce / Big Mac Sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 tablespoons pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Tacos:

  • 4 Flour tortillas, 6 inches in size
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • Salt and pepper, both to taste
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
  • 4 slices American Cheese (or your preferred cheese)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • Dill pickle chips, for topping
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce, for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the burger sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Portion the beef: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal parts, shaping each into a ball.
  3. Assemble the tortillas: Place a tortilla on your work surface, and evenly spread one portion of ground beef over it, covering the entire surface.
  4. Season the beef: Lightly season the top of the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Cook the smash burger: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil. Carefully place the tortilla with the beef side down onto the hot surface and gently press with a spatula to form a thin patty.
  6. Cook and flip: Let cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden-brown crust forms. Flip the patty and immediately add a slice of cheese on top. Cook for another 1-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy to your liking.
  7. Remove and repeat: Transfer the cooked taco burger to a plate. Repeat the process for remaining tortillas.
  8. Assemble the tacos: Spread sauce on each taco, then add shredded lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • The sauce can be made a day ahead and improves in flavor after resting for 30-60 minutes.
  • Use fajita size tortillas (6 inches). For smaller street taco-size tortillas, cut the beef accordingly, yielding approximately 8 tacos.
  • If you prefer a different sauce, substitute with ketchup, mustard, or any preferred burger condiments.
  • Cooking is best done on a griddle for even results, but a skillet works fine; cook 1-2 tacos at a time depending on pan size.
  • Store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to customize your tacos.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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