Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your usual tacos! They combine juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings all wrapped in soft tortillas. Yum!
These little delights are perfect for those days when you can’t decide between burgers and tacos. I love stacking them high and drizzling on lots of salsa—even the dog gets jealous! 🐶
Making Smash Burger Tacos is super easy! Just cook those patties, add cheese, and fill the tortillas. It’s a quick meal that brings smiles, guaranteed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers that aren’t too greasy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but they won’t have the same flavor. A mix of ground beef and pork is also tasty!
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas add a nice texture. If you can’t find these, use flour tortillas as a substitute or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little heat. For a dairy-free choice, try vegan cheese shreds.
Condiments: The combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard is essential for that burger taste. If you’re avoiding mayo, try Greek yogurt as a creamy substitute. And don’t forget the pickle relish—it adds a nice tangy flavor!
How Can I Get a Perfectly Crispy Burger Patty?
Achieving the right crust on your burger patty can make all the difference! Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure your skillet is hot—this helps form that beautiful crust.
- When smashing the patties, use a sturdy spatula and apply enough pressure to flatten but not too much to lose juiciness.
- Season well with salt and pepper just before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Cook on high heat for about 3-4 minutes. Don’t flip too soon; let that crust develop!
- After flipping, immediately add cheese so it melts perfectly as the burger finishes cooking.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have tasty, juicy Smash Burger Tacos ready to enjoy!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 5 minutes preparing the sauce and warming the tortillas, and then around 10-15 minutes cooking the beef and assembling the tacos. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and optional pickle relish. Stir well until everything is combined. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later use.
2. Heat the Tortillas:
Grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Add a splash of cooking oil to the pan. Warm the corn tortillas one by one, about 30 seconds on each side, until they’re soft and pliable. Once warmed, transfer them to a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep them warm.
3. Cook the Beef Patties:
In the same skillet, turn up the heat to high. Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions, roughly 4 ounces each. Gently form each portion into a loose ball. Place them in the hot skillet and use a strong spatula to smash them down into flat patties. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Allow them to cook for about 3-4 minutes until a lovely crust forms on the bottom.
4. Flip the Patties:
Carefully flip each patty and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are fully cooked through.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place one cheesy burger patty on each warm tortilla. Top with plenty of shredded lettuce and diced onions. Drizzle the prepared sauce over everything for that extra flavor!
6. Serve:
Your Smash Burger Tacos are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them hot and feel free to add any extra toppings you like, such as jalapeños, more cheese, or salsa. Enjoy!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for These Tacos?
While you can use leaner ground beef, such as 90/10, the tacos might be less juicy. The 80/20 blend is ideal for achieving a tasty, juicy flavor. If using lean beef, consider adding a tablespoon of cooking oil to the mix to keep them moist.
How to Keep Tortillas from Getting Soggy?
To prevent soggy tortillas, make sure to warm and dry them slightly before filling. Using a small amount of oil when heating helps create a barrier. Additionally, adding your toppings right before serving keeps everything fresh!
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using to ensure everything is well combined.
What Other Toppings Could I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Avocado slices, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even pickled onions make great additions. You can also switch out the cheese for pepper jack or a dairy-free alternative based on your preferences!
