Smash burger tacos bring together your favorites in a tasty way! Juicy burger patties are cradled in warm tortillas, topped with cheese, and all your favorite fixings.
These tacos are a fun twist on classic burgers! I love making them for a quick dinner—just smash, cook, and stuff. It’s hard to eat just one; you might end up with a taco tower! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 (80% lean meat, 20% fat) gives the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works too, but it may be less juicy. For a different flavor, try ground turkey or chicken.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas provide a nice crunch while flour tortillas are softer and more flexible. I usually go for corn for that authentic taco taste. If gluten-free is a must, there are great gluten-free tortilla options available.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic for these tacos, melting nicely. If you want something different, pepper jack adds a great kick, or go for a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a smooth texture with taste.
Pickles: I love the addition of pickles for a unique flavor! If you’re not a fan, chopped jalapeños or even olives can add a fun twist. Sweet pickles work well too if you prefer those.
Mayonnaise: This creates a creamy base for the sauce. You can lighten it up by using Greek yogurt or omit it entirely if you’re watching calories. Just be mindful of the flavor balance!
How Do You Smash the Patties for Perfectly Crispy Edges?
Creating those crispy edges is key for a great Smash Burger Taco. It’s all about technique and timing! Here’s how you can do it:
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot before adding oil and beef. The hot surface helps sear the meat.
- After adding your ground beef, avoid stirring early. Let it sear for around 2-3 minutes, which will create a crust.
- Now, use a sturdy spatula to firmly press down on the beef. It should be about half an inch thick for the best crunch.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring it browns nicely on the bottom. The result? Delicious crispy edges with juicy meat!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- Cooking oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes mixing the sauce and cooking the beef, followed by 10 minutes to prepare the tortillas and assemble your tacos. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine everything. Set the sauce aside for later; it will add a delicious touch to your tacos!
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of cooking oil to it. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the skillet, and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Allow the beef to sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring so that a nice crust forms on the bottom.
3. Smash the Patties:
Once the beef has a good sear, use a spatula to smash down the beef patties, spreading them out to create thin, crispy edges. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked through and nicely browned. This gives it that juicy, smash burger flavor!
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, prepare your tortillas. In a separate pan, lightly toast the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they are warm and pliable. This makes them easier to fold when you assemble your tacos.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
To assemble your tacos, take a warm tortilla and add a scoop of the crispy smashed beef in the center. Top it off with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles for a wonderful crunch and flavor!
6. Add Sauce and Serve:
Now, drizzle the yummy sauce you made earlier over the taco fillings. Carefully fold the tortilla to enclose all the delicious ingredients inside. Serve your Smash Burger Tacos immediately, and feel free to add extra pickles or sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, but keep in mind that it may not be as juicy! If you opt for 90/10 or leaner, consider adding a bit of olive oil or another cooking fat to keep the tacos moist and flavorful.
What If I Don’t Have Corn or Flour Tortillas?
No worries! You can substitute with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or use pita bread or naan to create a different flavor profile. Just make sure whatever you use is pliable enough to hold the filling!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before using, as ingredients may settle or separate.
How to Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the toppings separate from the tortillas to prevent them from becoming soggy. To reheat, simply warm the beef in a skillet and then assemble fresh tacos!
