These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your classic burger. They feature juicy, crispy beef patties tucked into soft tortillas, topped with fresh veggies and your favorite sauces.
Who knew burgers could get so cozy? I love how easy they are to make—perfect for taco night or when you’re feeling a bit adventurous. Serve them with a side of fries, and you’re golden!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For these tacos, I recommend using ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 or 85/15. It gives great flavor while keeping the patties juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but they might not be as juicy.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for something different, flour tortillas can be a satisfying substitute. Just remember, they may be a bit softer and might not hold up as well as corn tortillas.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using classic cheddar for its smooth melt and rich taste. However, you could also swap it for American cheese for extra creaminess or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Both would work nicely!
Condiments: The mayo, ketchup, and mustard sauce is key! You can swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier version. If you want a bit of zest, adding a splash of pickle juice can brighten the flavor!
How Do You Get that Perfect Smash on the Patties?
Smashing the patties is what gives them their unique texture and flavor. The trick is to not overwork the meat, so handle it gently. After shaping the beef into loose balls, you want to heat your skillet properly. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium-high heat and allow the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s ready.
- Space the beef balls out, then place a sturdy spatula on top and press down firmly but evenly. This creates that crispy crust.
- Cook without moving the patties for about 2-3 minutes to let that crust form.
- Make sure to season right after smashing for maximum flavor!
Trust me, this simple technique will elevate your smash burger tacos to the next level!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for optimal flavor)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the sauce and shaping the beef, and about 15-20 minutes cooking everything up. This meal is quick and perfect for a fun dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce if you’d like a little kick. Stir well and set the sauce aside for later. This will give your tacos a tasty zing!
2. Shape the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions. Form each portion into a loose ball (about 2 ounces each). Remember, don’t pack them too tightly; you want them to be fluffy so you can smash them easily later!
3. Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet or griddle, pour in a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is nice and hot and seems to shimmer—this means it’s ready for cooking.
4. Cook the Patties:
Place 4 of the beef balls into the skillet, leaving some space between each one. Now, take a sturdy spatula or burger press and smash each ball down until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see a nice crust forming on the bottom.
5. Add Cheese:
Carefully flip the patties over and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is gooey and melted, and the patties are cooked to your preferred doneness.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate skillet, lightly toast the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side or until they are warm and pliable. This helps prevent them from cracking when you fill them.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put the tacos together! Place two cheesy patties into each warm tortilla. Top them off with shredded lettuce and sliced pickles. Drizzle your prepared sauce over the top for extra flavor!
8. Serve:
Enjoy your smash burger tacos right away while they are warm and crispy! If you like, you can serve extra pickles and sauce on the side for dipping. Delicious and fun to eat!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great substitute for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just be aware that it may not have the same richness in flavor, so consider adding a bit of oil or seasoning to enhance the taste.
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cheddar or want to try something different, feel free to use Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even a melty cheese like mozzarella. Just ensure your choice melts well to maintain that gooey texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend using an oven or skillet to retain crispiness instead of a microwave, as that will help keep the tortillas and patties from getting soggy.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the sauce a day in advance! Just mix the ingredients together and store them in the fridge in a sealed container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your tacos even more delicious when you’re ready to serve!
