If you’re a fan of burgers and tacos, you’re in for a treat! Smash Burger Tacos combine the best of both worlds—juicy, seasoned beef smashed onto a tortilla and cooked to crispy perfection. These handheld delights are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply whenever you’re craving something hearty yet fun. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make these tasty tacos from scratch, complete with a Big Mac-style burger sauce. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

These Smash Burger Tacos are a hit because they offer everything people love about burgers—juicy beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings—all in a taco shell. It’s a playful twist on traditional burgers, and it’s also incredibly easy to make. With the crispy edges of the beef, a golden tortilla, and the addition of a creamy burger sauce, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weeknight meals. Plus, it’s fully customizable with your favorite taco or burger toppings!

Ingredients for the Smash Burger Tacos

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

Burger Sauce (Big Mac Style) Ingredients:

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 Ingredients:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions on Making Smash Burger Tacos

Let’s break down the process so that you can create your own Smash Burger Tacos easily at home.

1. Preparing the Ground Beef and Tortillas

Start by dividing the 1 pound of ground beef into four equal portions. This helps to ensure that each tortilla gets the perfect amount of beef for a balanced taco. Next, lay out the 4 flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Take each portion of the ground beef and spread it evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla. The goal is to create a thin layer that covers the tortilla completely.

Once the ground beef is spread, season the upper side of the beef with a generous amount of salt and pepper.

2. Cooking the Smash Burger Tacos

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Gently place each tortilla with the beef side down onto the hot skillet. As soon as it hits the heat, use a spatula to press down on the tortilla, which helps the beef create that classic “smash burger” crust. Let it cook for about 2–3 minutes until the beef forms a golden-brown crust.

Once the beef is crispy and cooked, carefully flip the tortilla. At this stage, add a slice of American cheese to the cooked beef side and allow it to melt, cooking for another 1–3 minutes to your desired crispness for the tortilla.

3. Assembling the Tacos with the Perfect Toppings

With the beef and cheese cooked to perfection, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Top each taco with freshly diced onion, pickle chips, and shredded iceberg lettuce. Don’t forget to add a drizzle of the delicious burger sauce you prepared earlier!

Tips for the Perfect Smash Burger Tacos

Achieving the perfect Smash Burger Taco is all about a few key techniques.

How to Achieve the Perfect Smash Burger Patty: When spreading the ground beef on the tortilla, aim for an even layer, which ensures uniform cooking. Pressing down the beef into the skillet helps achieve a thin, crispy crust—an essential feature of smash burgers.
The Ideal Tortilla Crispness: You want the tortilla to be crispy but not burnt. Keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust the heat as needed. Around 1–3 minutes per side is the sweet spot for that perfect balance of crispness and chew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Smash Burger Tacos

Overcrowding the Pan: To ensure the tacos cook evenly and form a good crust, avoid overcrowding your skillet or griddle. Cook them one or two at a time.
Underseasoning the Beef: The beef needs a generous amount of salt and pepper. Since the beef is spread thin, it’s easy to underseason. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed!
Cooking the Tortilla Too Long: It’s important not to overcook the tortilla, or it can become too hard. Watch carefully as the tortilla can go from crispy to charred quickly.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Smash Burger Tacos

Presentation is key when serving these tacos. Stack them on a large platter and garnish with extra toppings like sliced avocado, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Pair these tacos with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad to complete the meal. You can also serve them with a bowl of extra burger sauce for dipping!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following tools:

Skillet or griddle
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl (for the burger sauce)
Sharp knife (for chopping the onions and lettuce)

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tacos on a hot skillet for a few minutes to revive the crispy texture of the tortilla and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortilla soggy.

Recipe Variations and Substitutes

Cheese Substitute: While American cheese melts beautifully, you can use cheddar, pepper jack, or any other melty cheese you prefer.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the burger sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Low Carb Option: For a lower-carb version, try swapping the flour tortillas for lettuce wraps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Smash Burger Tacos

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
A: Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but note that they are smaller and might break more easily when pressing the ground beef onto them. Flour tortillas hold up better during the cooking process.

Q: How can I prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy?
A: Ensure the skillet is hot enough before placing the tortilla on it. This helps to cook the beef quickly and gives the tortilla a crispy texture, preventing it from getting soggy.

Q: Can I prepare the burger sauce in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can make the burger sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Conclusion

Smash Burger Tacos are a fun and satisfying twist on traditional tacos and burgers that’s sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or at a game-day party, these tacos are a hit. Don’t forget to try out different toppings and share your creations!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe