Go Back
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness) - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup lettuce, finely shredded - 1 large tomato, diced - 1/4 cup pickles, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 1 tablespoon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking oil (for frying) You can enhance your tacos with extra toppings. Try avocado slices for creaminess. Jalapeños can add a spicy kick. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor. Sour cream adds a cool and tangy touch. You can also use your favorite hot sauce for extra heat. The choices are endless, so mix and match! To make smash burger tacos, you need a few key tools: - A large skillet or griddle for cooking the beef. - A spatula to smash and flip the patties. - A mixing bowl for the sauce. - Another skillet or griddle to warm the tortillas. - A sharp knife and cutting board for prepping veggies. These tools will help you create delicious tacos quickly and easily. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by getting your toppings ready. Shred the lettuce. Place it in a bowl to keep it fresh. Next, dice the tomato into small pieces. Set it aside until you need it. Slice the pickles thinly and chop the onion finely. Keeping these items organized helps when you assemble the tacos. To make the special sauce, grab a small mixing bowl. Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in the bowl. Mix well until the sauce is smooth. This sauce adds a tasty twist to your tacos. Set it aside for later use. Heat a large skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a little cooking oil to prevent sticking. Take about four ounces of the ground beef and shape it into a loose ball. Place this ball on the hot skillet. Use a spatula to press down firmly. Flatten the burger to about half an inch thick. Season it with salt and pepper. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Once the beef patty is cooked, flip it carefully using the spatula. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Right after flipping, sprinkle a good amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet for about a minute, letting the cheese melt. While the patties cook, warm the corn tortillas in another skillet. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side. They should be soft and slightly toasted. Now, to assemble your tacos, place each cooked patty on a warm tortilla. Top it off with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped onion, and sliced pickles. Drizzle your homemade sauce over the top. Fold each tortilla over the filling, creating a taco shape. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! For smash burger tacos, I recommend using an 80/20 ground beef blend. This mix gives you the right fat content for juicy burgers. The fat makes the meat flavorful and tender. If you go leaner, your burgers might be dry. A good blend ensures your tacos stay moist and tasty. To get that perfect crust, heat your skillet on high. This step is key. Once the pan is hot, add a little cooking oil. Then, shape your beef into a loose ball. When you place it on the skillet, press down firmly. This creates a nice, golden crust. Let it cook without moving it for a few minutes. The crust forms best when you leave it alone. You can save time by prepping your ingredients in advance. Chop the vegetables a day before. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh. You can also make the sauce ahead of time. Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard, then store it in a jar. This way, when you’re ready to cook, everything is ready to go. Enjoy quick meals even on busy days! Pro Tips Choose the Right Beef: For the juiciest smash burgers, opt for an 80/20 blend of ground beef. This fat content ensures your burgers are flavorful and moist. Keep It Hot: Make sure your skillet or griddle is hot before adding the beef. This helps in creating that perfect sear and crispy crust that defines a great smash burger. Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the patties in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the temperature and result in steaming rather than searing. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Avocado, jalapeños, or even a spicy aioli can elevate your smash burger tacos to new heights. {{image_4}} To make spicy smash burger tacos, add heat with jalapeños. You can chop fresh jalapeños or use pickled ones. Mix in some hot sauce with your special sauce for extra zing. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper on the beef gives a nice kick too. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. For a vegetarian twist, swap the beef for a plant-based option. Use black beans or lentils as your base. You can also try a veggie burger made from chickpeas or quinoa. For more flavor, add spices like cumin or smoked paprika. Top with your favorite fresh veggies, and you’ll have a tasty meal. Create a unique sauce by mixing ingredients. Try adding chipotle mayo for a smoky taste. A ranch dressing can give a creamy touch. You can also mix in some barbecue sauce for a sweet, tangy flavor. Don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors to find your perfect match! To store leftover tacos, wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents drying out. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze these tacos for later. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each taco tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to two months. To reheat frozen tacos, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, use a microwave for about one minute. You can also heat them in a skillet on medium heat. This brings back their crispy texture. Enjoy your tasty tacos warm! The best meat for these tacos is ground beef with an 80/20 blend. This mix gives you a juicy burger. The fat adds flavor and moisture. You can also use ground turkey or plant-based meat if you prefer. Yes, you can use flour tortillas. They are soft and work well with the fillings. Just remember that they may add more calories. Corn tortillas have a nice flavor and are also gluten-free. To make these tacos gluten-free, use corn tortillas. Ensure that your toppings and sauces are gluten-free too. Check the labels on mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. This way, everyone can enjoy them. You can add many toppings! Consider avocado slices, jalapeños, or salsa for extra flavor. Chopped cilantro or green onions also add freshness. Get creative with your favorites for a fun twist. You can prep some parts in advance. Cook the beef and store it in the fridge. Warm the tortillas just before serving for the best taste. Keep your toppings fresh until you are ready to assemble. In this article, we covered the key ingredients and steps to make delicious Smash Burger Tacos. You learned how to prepare toppings, make special sauce, and cook beef patties. We explored tips for juiciness, achieving a great crust, and meal prep for busy days. Plus, we shared fun variations and storage info to keep your tacos fresh. Remember, experimenting with toppings and sauces can make each meal exciting. Enjoy making these tasty tacos, and share them with friends!

Smash Burger Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with smashed burgers, cheese, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup lettuce, finely shredded
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 0.25 cup pickles, thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Your Toppings: Begin by preparing all of your fresh toppings. Shred the lettuce and place it in a bowl. Dice the tomato and set aside. Slice the pickles thinly and finely chop the onion. Keep all toppings organized and ready for assembly.
  • Create the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Set this sauce aside to enhance the flavors of your tacos.
  • Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or griddle over high heat until hot. Add a small amount of cooking oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Take about a handful (approximately 4 oz) of the ground beef and gently shape it into a loose ball.
  • Smash the Burger: Place the beef ball onto the hot skillet and, using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten the burger to about 1/2-inch thick. Season generously with salt and pepper. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, until a rich, golden crust forms on the bottom.
  • Flip and Melt the Cheese: Carefully flip the patty with the spatula, allowing it to cook on the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. As soon as you flip it, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet for about one minute to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
  • Warm the Tortillas: While the patties are cooking, use another skillet or a griddle to warm the corn tortillas. Heat them for approximately 30 seconds on each side, or until they are pliable and slightly toasted. This step enhances their flavor and texture.
  • Assemble the Tacos: Once the beef patties are ready and the cheese is melted, place each patty on a warm tortilla. Top generously with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped onion, and sliced pickles. Drizzle your homemade sauce over the top of the fillings for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Serve: Carefully fold each tortilla over the filling to create a taco shape. Enjoy them immediately while they are still warm and delicious.

Notes

Serve with extra sauce on the side and garnish with cilantro or lime wedges.
Keyword burgers, easy recipe, tacos