Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate union of two classic comfort foods, Smash Burger Tacos are your new obsession. Imagine the juicy, crispy-edged appeal of a smash burger, but with all the fun and versatility of handheld tacos. This ingenious mashup delivers the best of both worlds, featuring crave-worthy burger sauce, gooey cheese, and all the traditional fixings—wrapped up in a perfectly crisp tortilla. There’s genuine joy in each bite, and once you experience Smash Burger Tacos, you’ll want to make them for every gathering, game night, or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Smash Burger Tacos lies not just in their playful presentation, but in a lineup of straightforward ingredients you probably already love. Every item pulls double-duty to deliver big flavor, texture contrast, and that signature burger-taco mashup flair. Don’t skip on the sauce—it’ll give your tacos that classic “special sauce” zing!

• Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base for the burger sauce and helps meld all the flavors together.
• Pickle relish: Brings an irresistible tang and a pop of sweetness to your sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a spicy sharpness that lifts the whole flavor profile.
• Sugar: Just a touch balances out all the savory, spicy, and acidic notes in the sauce.
• White vinegar: For brightness and acidity, giving your burger sauce that craveable kick.
• Paprika: Delivers gentle warmth and a hint of smoky color to both sauce and beef.
• Onion powder: Provides the defined umami base in your burger sauce.
• Garlic powder: Lends depth and unmistakable savor to round out the flavors.
• Flour tortillas: The vessel for your “taco”—choose sturdy, 6-inch tortillas that crisp up beautifully.
• Lean ground beef: Smash burger classic; lean beef gives you great flavor and less grease.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning your beef and bringing out every flavor.
• Neutral oil: Ensures even browning and crisp texture without overpowering the dish—think vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.
• American cheese: Melts into rich, oozy perfection; swap for your favorite burger cheese as desired.
• Small onion (diced): Adds juicy crunch and a fresh, zippy bite to every taco.
• Dill pickle chips: The ultimate burger-taco topper, balancing richness with sharp tang.
• Shredded iceberg lettuce: Cool, crisp, and refreshing, it provides the perfect finish.

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Make the Burger Sauce

Start by mixing up your burger sauce—this step transforms the whole experience! In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and thoroughly blended. Set aside so all those punchy flavors meld beautifully while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Portion and Shape the Beef

Divide your ground beef into four equal portions. Now, here’s the fun part: Place a 6-inch flour tortilla on your work surface, and use your hands to spread one portion of beef evenly across the entire tortilla. Take your time to get a thin, consistent layer—smash burger style! This ensures even browning and that signature crispy edge in every bite.

Step 3: Season Generously

Before you cook, hit the exposed beef side of each tortilla with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy—seasoning here is the key to a mouthwatering, crave-worthy crust that’s bursting with classic burger flavor.

Step 4: Sear the Beef Tortillas

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high and brush it lightly with neutral oil. Gently lay each beef-topped tortilla, meat-side down, onto the hot surface. Immediately press down with a spatula for a few seconds to help the beef caramelize and adhere to the tortilla—a key Smash Burger Tacos move!

Step 5: Flip and Add Cheese

After 2 to 3 minutes, once you see a deep golden-brown crust forming, flip each tortilla. Lay a slice of American cheese over the beef side. Let the taco cook for another 1 to 3 minutes, depending on how crisp you want your tortilla—just be sure not to let it char. Cheese should get melty and irresistible.

Step 6: Assemble and Dress the Tacos

Transfer your assembled Smash Burger Tacos to a plate. Spoon on a generous dollop of your burger sauce, then load up with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips. It’s all about building those classic smash burger flavors, right inside your taco!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Repeat the cooking and assembling process for each taco, then dig in! Every bite will be everything you adore about burgers and tacos rolled into one.

How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos

Garnishes

Amp up your Smash Burger Tacos with extra burger sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fun twist, or even a few slices of ripe tomato. Fresh-cut jalapeños or thinly sliced red onions also add crunch and a little kick—don’t be afraid to get creative!

Side Dishes

These tacos are the life of the party all on their own, but they seriously shine alongside golden French fries, onion rings, or a pile of crisp tater tots. For something lighter, a tangy slaw or a crisp cucumber salad brings freshness to balance all the rich, savory goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve a “build your own” Smash Burger Tacos bar at your next gathering—let everyone pick their toppings and sauces. Or, stack tacos in a basket lined with fast food–style paper for that nostalgic touch. For mini bites, use street taco–sized tortillas so everyone can sample more than one!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Smash Burger Tacos, simply wrap each taco tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the burger sauce, lettuce, and pickles separately to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Freezing

The cooked taco bases (beef and tortilla, with cheese) freeze well. Let them cool completely, then stack with parchment paper in between and freeze in a zipper bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then reheat before adding fresh toppings and sauce.

Reheating

To reheat Smash Burger Tacos, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until hot and the tortilla crisps up again, or use an oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve that irresistible crispiness!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese has that perfect melty texture, feel free to swap for cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack if you want a little kick in your Smash Burger Tacos.

What’s the best beef to use for Smash Burger Tacos?

Lean ground beef (around 85 percent) works best—it gives you plenty of flavor without making the tacos greasy. If you prefer a juicier result, even 80 percent lean will shine; just drain any extra fat if needed.

Can I make these Smash Burger Tacos on the grill?

You sure can! Use a grill-safe griddle or cast iron pan to follow the same process. The high heat from the grill adds extra smokiness and helps crisp up those tortillas for an amazing finish.

What if I want to make these vegetarian?

Just swap in your favorite plant-based ground “beef” and vegan cheese slices. The burger sauce is easily made vegan with plant-based mayo. The method stays the same and you’ll still get deliciously crispy, flavor-packed Smash Burger Tacos.

How do I keep the tortillas from burning?

Keep your skillet at medium-high—not screaming hot—and don’t walk away as they cook. A thin even layer of beef protects the tortilla from direct heat, but check for golden browning every minute or so for perfectly crisp, never burnt, results!

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with Smash Burger Tacos. They’re playful, satisfying, and guaranteed to spark joy around your table—whether you’re feeding a crew or treating yourself. Give them a try and discover how much fun this delicious burger-taco combo can bring to your next meal!

Print