Introduction
Burger tacos combine the best of both worlds—the juicy, flavorful bite of a smash burger with the crispy, handheld convenience of a taco. This fusion dish is taking social media by storm, and for good reason! It’s quick to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and is a family-friendly favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or looking for a fun weeknight dinner idea, burger tacos are a game-changer. Imagine a crispy tortilla acting as a burger bun, loaded with juicy beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. Sounds mouthwatering, right? Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible burger tacos at home!
What Are Smash Burger Tacos?
Smash burger tacos are a genius hybrid of a classic smash burger and a taco. Instead of cooking a patty separately, seasoned ground beef is smashed directly onto a tortilla and seared to crispy perfection. The result? A taco-burger hybrid that delivers the rich, beefy goodness of a burger with the crunch and portability of a taco.
Why are they called smash burger tacos? Simple! The technique involves pressing (or smashing) the beef into a tortilla, ensuring a crispy crust and juicy bite. As they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these burger tacos will win everyone over!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Bold, Savory Flavor: A perfect blend of crispy beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes!
✅ Budget-Friendly: More affordable than takeout, using pantry staples.
✅ Customizable: Change up the toppings, cheese, or even the type of meat!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Quick Overview
Making smash burger tacos is a breeze! You’ll be smashing seasoned beef onto tortillas, cooking them to crispy perfection, and topping them with classic burger fixings. Let’s break it down step by step.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | 80/20 blend for juiciness |
| Salt & pepper | 1 tsp each | Adjust to taste |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp | Optional for extra flavor |
| Small flour tortillas | 6 | Use street taco-size for best results |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | Or American cheese slices |
| Diced onions | 1/2 cup | Adds crunch and flavor |
| Shredded lettuce | 1/2 cup | Classic burger topping |
| Diced tomatoes | 1/2 cup | Optional for freshness |
| Pickles | 1/4 cup | Adds a tangy kick |
| Burger sauce | 1/4 cup | Mix mayo, ketchup, and mustard |
| Butter | 1 tbsp | For frying |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add butter.
- Season the Beef: Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into small meatballs.
- Smash the Burgers: Place a tortilla on a clean surface, add a meatball on top, and press down firmly to flatten it into the tortilla.
- Cook: Place the tortilla beef-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until crispy.
- Flip & Add Cheese: Flip the tortilla, add shredded cheese, and let it melt.
- Assemble: Remove from the pan and top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and burger sauce.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy immediately with your favorite sides!
What to Serve with Burger Tacos
- Crispy Fries: The perfect burger-sidekick.
- Coleslaw: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Milkshakes: A sweet contrast to the savory burger tacos.
Pro Tips for the Best Burger Tacos
✔ Use fresh, high-quality beef for the best taste.
✔ Smash the beef firmly to create a crispy crust.
✔ Don’t overload with toppings—balance is key!
Healthy Cooking Tips
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier option.
- Reduce cheese and add extra veggies to lighten up the dish.
Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
- ¼ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup sliced pickle
- ¼ cup burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard mix)
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat a griddle or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and flatten each into a thin patty.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place a tortilla on a clean surface and press a beef patty directly onto one side.
- Lay the tortilla-side up on the hot griddle and smash the beef patty down using a spatula.
- Cook for about 2–3 minutes until the edges are crispy, then flip.
- Place a slice of cheese on the cooked beef side and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from the griddle and top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and burger sauce.
- Fold and serve immediately.
Storing & Reheating
| Storage | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
| Fridge | Up to 3 days | Reheat in a skillet for 2 minutes per side |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight and reheat in a pan |
Conclusion & More Recipes
These smash burger tacos will quickly become a household favorite! They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. If you loved this recipe, check out these other tasty ideas: ✅ Cheeseburger Quesadillas
✅ BBQ Chicken Tacos
✅ Buffalo Ranch Tacos
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Store cooked taco shells in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! They’ll be slightly crispier but just as delicious.
What’s the best cheese for burger tacos?
Cheddar, American, or Pepper Jack are great choices for melting.
Can I grill these instead of using a skillet?
Yes! Use a flat-top griddle on your grill for the best results.
How do I prevent soggy tacos?
Make sure to cook on high heat to crisp up the tortillas.
What sauce goes best with burger tacos?
A mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickles makes a perfect burger sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tortillas and check your seasonings.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make mini versions for parties?
Absolutely! Use slider-sized portions for a fun party treat.
Do I need to use a cast-iron skillet?
Not necessarily, but it helps create the best crispy crust.
