Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on two favorites! Imagine a juicy burger patty, perfectly smashed for extra flavor, tucked into a warm taco shell with your favorite toppings.
These tacos are perfect for a casual dinner or game day! I love loading mine up with cheese, lettuce, and a little salsa. Who doesn’t love a taco that brings out the best of a burger? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend gives the burger great flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using ground turkey or chicken, but expect a slightly different texture.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for these tacos. If you can’t find corn tortillas, flour tortillas can work too, but they have a different taste and texture.
Cheese: I love shredded cheddar for its sharpness, but you can try pepper jack for a spicy kick or even crumbled queso fresco for something lighter and fresher.
Sauce Ingredients: The combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard is classic! If you’re watching calories, use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt as a base; it still tastes great!
Spices: Smoked paprika adds depth; if you don’t have it, try regular paprika or even chili powder for a different twist. Garlic powder can be swapped with minced fresh garlic, but use less since fresh is stronger.
How Do You Smash a Burger Patty Properly?
Smashing the patty is the key to achieving that classic burger crust. It’s important to do this correctly to lock in the juices while getting a nice browning. Here’s how you can do it right:
- Heat your skillet well before adding the beef. High heat helps create that crust.
- Form each beef ball gently without packing it too tight. Use a spatula to smash it down firmly but quickly to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Season the patty right after smashing it. This allows the seasoning to adhere well while cooking.
- Cook for the first side until you see juices bubbling through the top before flipping.
If you prefer a thicker burger, adjust the thickness when smashing. Just cook a little longer to ensure it’s cooked through!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Pickles for garnish
- Optional: hot sauce for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and cooking the ingredients, and then just a few minutes assembling the tacos. They’re quick and super tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined and smooth. Set this delicious sauce aside for later!
2. Cook the Beef:
Get a skillet or griddle nice and hot over high heat. Take your ground beef and divide it into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a loose ball—don’t pack them tight. This helps keep your patties juicy!
3. Smash the Patties:
Place the beef balls onto your hot skillet. Quickly use a spatula to smash them down into thin patties. Season with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes or until a nice crust forms, then flip! Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked through.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate skillet, light up that heat again and warm the corn tortillas just until they are soft and pliable. This will only take a minute or so.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now, it’s time to put everything together! Place a cooked smashed burger patty onto each warm tortilla. Top them off with a scoop of shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and a generous drizzle of your prepared sauce.
6. Add Pickles:
For that extra crunch, add a few slices of pickles on top. They add a great flavor and texture!
7. Serve:
Serve your Smash Burger Tacos immediately while they’re hot and delicious! If you’re feeling adventurous, add some hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to adjust the cooking time since leaner meats may cook faster and could benefit from a little extra seasoning to enhance flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas for a softer texture. Alternatively, lettuce wraps are a great low-carb option. Just ensure you use sturdy leaves like romaine or iceberg to hold the burger and toppings well!
How to Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store unused ground beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for longer storage. The sauce can be kept in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week. When ready to use the sauce again, give it a good stir as ingredients may separate a bit over time.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Absolutely! You can add jalapeños or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you want to kick it up further, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes directly into the beef while cooking, or mix some chili powder into the sauce for added heat and depth!
