These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic tacos! They feature juicy burger patties smashed into tasty tortillas, topped with cheese, lettuce, and your favorite sauces.
Who knew tacos could be so beefy? I love how easy they are to customize for everyone’s tastes. Serve them with some extra toppings for a taco party that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend provides juicy flavor, but you can use leaner beef if you’re watching fat. Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option.
Tortillas: I love the texture of corn tortillas, but flour ones are great if you want something softer. If gluten is a concern, there are excellent gluten-free tortillas available.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is a classic choice. Feel free to swap in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. Vegan cheese is also a solid option if you’re dairy-free.
Onion: I recommend yellow onions for their nice sweetness, but red onions add a lovely color and bite. For a milder flavor, use green onions.
Pickles: While optional, pickles add a great crunch! If you’re not a fan, try jalapeños for heat or avocado for creaminess instead.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Smashed Burger Patty?
The key to a great Smash Burger is everything from forming your patty to cooking it just right. You want those crispy edges, which come from pressing and cooking the beef properly.
- After forming the beef into balls, make sure not to handle too much; this keeps it tender.
- Heat your skillet until it’s very hot before adding the beef. The hotter it is, the better the sear you’ll achieve.
- When you smash the beef ball, press down firmly and evenly with a spatula—this maximizes surface area and creates a nice crust.
- Season the patties right after smashing for maximum flavor.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup pickles, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (or Thousand Island dressing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should be ready to serve your tasty Smash Burger Tacos in about half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Shred the lettuce, dice the onion, and pickles (if using), and measure out your cheese and burger sauce. Having everything ready makes cooking easier!
2. Form the Patties:
Next, take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal balls, about 2 ounces each. Be gentle with the meat—don’t overwork it to keep the patties nice and tender.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of cooking oil. Let it get nice and hot before you add the beef.
4. Cook the Beef:
Once the skillet is hot, add the beef balls in batches, making sure to space them out. Use a spatula to smash each ball down into a patty. Season those bad boys with salt and pepper! Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
5. Add Cheese:
Time to flip the patties! When you do, immediately top each one with a small handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover your skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese quickly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is all gooey and delicious!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate skillet (or you can use the same one if it’s not too messy), lightly toast the tortillas on both sides for about 30 seconds each. You want them warm and pliable, ready to hold all that goodness!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a tortilla and place a smashed burger patty with that melted cheese right in the center. Add some shredded lettuce, diced onion, and pickles if you like. Drizzle with your burger sauce for the finishing touch!
8. Serve:
Place your tasty Smash Burger Tacos on a plate and serve immediately. Don’t forget to set out some extra burger sauce on the side for dipping—you know you want it!
Enjoy your mouthwatering Smash Burger Tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef, though keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so consider adding a bit of oil to keep the patties moist. Cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, wrap the assembled tacos tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, it’s best to warm the tacos in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Burger Sauce?
If you don’t have burger sauce, you can use mayonnaise mixed with ketchup and a dash of mustard for a quick alternative. You can also try ranch dressing or a spicy aioli for a different flavor profile.
Can I Freeze Cooked Burger Patties for Later Use?
Absolutely! After cooking the patties, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer, just reheat in the skillet or microwave when you’re ready to make tacos again!
