These Easy Smash Burger Tacos bring together juicy beef patties and soft taco shells for a fun twist on dinner! Each taco is packed with flavor and great for sharing.
Who doesn’t love tacos? I love piling on my favorite toppings like cheese and salsa. They’re perfect for a quick meal or a tasty snack while binge-watching shows!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. If you’re looking to be leaner, you could use 90/10 blend, but it may be less flavorful. You could also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Tortillas: I prefer flour tortillas for a softer bite, but corn tortillas add a nice texture. If gluten-free is a goal, you can swap in corn tortillas easily.
Cheese: Cheddar and American are classic favorites for cheesiness. You could explore pepper jack for some heat or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Spicy Sauce: Mayonnaise, ketchup, and sriracha create a tasty combo. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayo for a healthier twist, or even ask for salsa instead of ketchup for added flavor.
How Do I Get a Good Sear on the Smash Burgers?
A great sear gives the burger that amazing crust and flavor. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. This is key for a good sear!
- Don’t press too hard when smashing the patties. You want to flatten them but not to the point where you push all the juices out.
- Let them cook without moving them until you see a crust forming, about 3-4 minutes.
- When you flip, add cheese right away to allow it to melt beautifully.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly seared smash burger patties every time!
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pickles (sliced)
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the ingredients and cooking, making for a quick and satisfying meal that you can enjoy right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to mix it all together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as that can make the patties tough.
2. Cooking the Patties:
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, divide the beef mixture into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Roll each portion into a ball and place them in the skillet. Using a spatula, smash each meatball down to form a patty, making sure to create a nice sear. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until a crust forms on the bottom.
3. Adding Cheese and Finishing the Patties:
Carefully flip the patties over and immediately add a generous amount of cheese on top of each one. Cook for another minute until the cheese melts beautifully over the smashed burgers. Once done, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Cooking the Tortillas:
In the same skillet, add the tortillas. Cook each side for about 30 seconds until they are slightly crispy. This gives a nice texture for your tacos!
5. Making the Spicy Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and sriracha to create a deliciously spicy sauce. Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference.
6. Assembling Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place a cheesy smash burger patty on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles. Finally, drizzle your spicy sauce over the top.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy Smash Burger Tacos are ready! Serve them immediately and enjoy each tasty bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. However, keep in mind that these meats can be drier, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or some grated cheese to the mixture for extra moisture and flavor.
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance! Form the patties and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cook them straight from the fridge to get that perfect sear!
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, separate the components if possible. Keep the cooked patties and toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, pickles) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the patties in a skillet and warm the tortillas before assembling again.
What If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise?
If you don’t have mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream makes a great alternative for that creamy base in the sauce. You can also try using avocado or even a ranch dressing for a different flavor twist!
