These Easy Smash Burger Tacos combine two favorites in one fun bite! Juicy beef patties are smashed and tucked inside warm tortillas, creating a tasty mix of flavors.
It’s hard to resist these delicious little tacos! You can add your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa for an extra flavor kick—perfect for a quick dinner or a party!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go for ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind it might not be as juicy.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for this recipe, but you can substitute with flour tortillas if you prefer. The texture will differ, but they’ll still taste great! You could also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar and American cheese are classic choices. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pepper jack for a little kick, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant.
Taco Seasoning: This adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have any, a mix of cumin, chili powder, and paprika can be used instead. I sometimes skip it altogether for a simpler taste.
Sriracha or Hot Sauce: This adds spice, but feel free to reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can use a zesty salsa or hot chili oil for a different flavor twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash Burger Patty?
Getting that delicious crust on your smash burger patty is crucial. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough before adding your beef. This step is key to achieving that flavorful crust! Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of cooking oil to help with browning.
- Form the beef into balls, but don’t pack them too tightly. Loosely formed patties will remain tender.
- When placing the beef in the skillet, press down firmly with a spatula to flatten them out. Don’t be shy about it!
- Allow enough time for the patties to cook without moving them too much. This helps to build that crust!
Remember, the caramelization from that crust is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so resist the urge to flip too soon!
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha or your preferred hot sauce
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (optional)
- Dill pickles (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s great for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start off by seasoning your ground beef in a mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, and your optional taco seasoning if you like. Gently mix everything together, but be careful not to overwork the meat. You want it to stay tender!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Get a large skillet and put it on medium-high heat. Add just a small amount of cooking oil to the pan to help prevent sticking and get that nice crispy crust on your burgers.
3. Cook the Beef:
Once your skillet is hot, divide the beef into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls. Place the balls in the skillet and use a spatula to smash each one flat into a thin patty. Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes until they form a nice crust, then flip them over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until browned and cooked through.
4. Melt the Cheese:
As soon as you flip the patties, sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet for about a minute to let the cheese melt beautifully.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the cheese is melting, take a separate pan and warm your corn tortillas over medium heat. Warm them for about 30 seconds on each side until they are nice and pliable—this will make wrapping up your tacos easier!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a warm tortilla and place one cheeseburger patty in the middle. Add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and drizzle on some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. It’s your taco, so feel free to add as much sauce as you like!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add some dill pickle slices on top for an extra crunch and tangy flavor. Serve these tasty Easy Smash Burger Tacos hot and enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer. Keep in mind that leaner meats may result in less juiciness, so consider adding a bit of oil to retain moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers. The filled tacos can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. For the best taste, reheat the patties and tortillas separately so they don’t get soggy.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Definitely! You can add jalapeños or other hot peppers to the topping, increase the sriracha, or incorporate a spicy cheese blend. Adjust according to your heat preference!
What Type of Cheese Works Best?
Cheddar and American are both great choices for melting. If you want something a bit different, pepper jack adds a nice kick! Feel free to mix different cheeses together for extra flavor.
