Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

There’s something about combining two comfort foods—burgers and tacos—that just feels like a stroke of pure genius. These smash burger tacos are not only fun to make, but they deliver the same satisfaction as biting into a juicy burger, with the added crunch and handheld ease of a taco. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual family dinner or a weekend get-together with friends, they’re bound to become a regular request. The best part? You can customize them to your heart’s content, but trust me, even in their classic form, they’re pretty much perfection.

Now, let’s get into the delicious details and see why these smash burger tacos need to be on your must-make list!

this RECIPE

My first taste of smash burger tacos (a love story)

I first encountered smash burger tacos during a summer barbecue that went a little off-script. We ran out of buns but had plenty of tortillas and all the burger fixings. Someone—brilliantly, might I add—decided to smash the burger meat directly onto the tortillas, giving birth to this glorious fusion of flavors. The result? A perfectly cooked, crispy-edged patty with all the cheesy, savory goodness of a classic burger, but with the extra bonus of a crunchy, slightly charred tortilla. From that moment, smash burger tacos became a staple in my house. Every time I make them, I get flashbacks to that sunny afternoon, complete with the laughter, the smell of grilled meat, and the slight panic of realizing we were out of buns.

It’s funny how some of the best recipes come out of happy accidents, right?

The origin story (from burger to taco)

The smash burger, as many burger aficionados know, gets its name from the technique of pressing (or smashing) the patty onto a hot griddle, creating those sought-after crispy edges. Tacos, of course, need no introduction—who doesn’t love a good taco? Marrying these two favorites feels like an obvious win. And while traditional smash burgers are served on soft buns, placing the ground beef directly onto a tortilla adds an irresistible crunch. This fusion has gained quite the cult following in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s quick, customizable, and downright delicious.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

• Ground beef: The lean ground beef forms the base of your burger-taco hybrid. I recommend using ground beef with around 80-85% lean to fat ratio. This ensures your meat stays juicy, but not greasy. If you’re out of ground beef, ground chicken or turkey can work too—though the flavor will be lighter. Just don’t forget to season generously.
• Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, tortillas replace traditional burger buns here. I like to use 6-inch flour tortillas because they crisp up beautifully and provide just the right balance to the meat. Corn tortillas are another option, though they’ll offer a slightly different texture and flavor.
• American cheese: Melty, gooey, and comforting, American cheese is my go-to for smash burgers. If you’re not a fan, cheddar or Swiss could be a fun swap, but nothing melts quite like American cheese. It’s the classic for a reason.
• Dill pickle chips: No burger—or taco—feels complete without the tangy snap of pickles. They add that hit of acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. If you’re not a fan of dill pickles, bread and butter pickles are a slightly sweeter alternative.
• Shredded iceberg lettuce: The crisp crunch of iceberg lettuce brings some much-needed freshness to balance out the warm, cheesy burger. Romaine can work in a pinch, but nothing beats that satisfying iceberg crunch.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can totally skip)

• A good skillet or griddle: This is the heart of the operation. Whether you use a cast-iron skillet, stainless steel pan, or a griddle, make sure it’s large enough to comfortably fit your tortilla and can hold heat well for that perfect sear.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula is essential for smashing the burger onto the tortilla and flipping it without tearing. I recommend a metal one for its strength and ability to get right under the crispy edges.
• Mixing bowl and whisk: For whipping up your burger sauce, you’ll need a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine the mayonnaise, mustard, relish, and spices into a creamy, tangy topping.

Everything else is pretty simple! If you’ve got those basics, you’re good to go.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

1. Prepping the beef: Start by dividing your ground beef into four equal portions. You’re looking for around 4 ounces per taco. Make sure your beef is cold before working with it so that it holds together better.
2. Spreading the beef onto the tortilla: Place a tortilla on your work surface, and with your hands or a spatula, evenly spread one portion of ground beef across the entire surface. You want a thin, even layer. Don’t worry if it looks sparse—that’s what you want for that crispy smash!
3. Season generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! This step is key for flavor, especially since the beef layer is thin.
4. Cooking the smash burger tacos: Heat your skillet or griddle to medium-high and coat it lightly with oil. Place your tortilla, meat-side down, onto the hot surface. Press it down gently with your spatula to make sure it gets that signature smashburger crust. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and browned.
5. Cheese, please: Flip the taco and immediately top it with a slice of cheese. Let it melt while the tortilla crisps on the bottom—about another 1-2 minutes. You want the tortilla to be golden and just starting to crisp around the edges.
6. Assembling your taco: Remove the taco from the skillet and top with diced onions, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a drizzle of your homemade burger sauce. Repeat for the remaining tacos, and boom—you’re done!

Pro tip: Keep an eye on the tortilla while it’s cooking. You want it crisp, but not burned, and that line can get crossed quickly. If you’re worried, lower the heat a little after the first flip.

Variations and fun twists

There’s so much room for creativity with smash burger tacos, so here are a few variations I’ve experimented with that might inspire you:

• Vegan twist: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative like Beyond or Impossible meat, and use vegan cheese. Trust me, you won’t miss the meat with all those toppings!
• Low-carb version: For a keto-friendly option, try using cheese wraps instead of tortillas. These hold up surprisingly well and give you even more cheesy goodness.
• Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or swap the American cheese for pepper jack to bring some heat. A drizzle of spicy mayo or sriracha can also add a nice fiery touch.
• Taco seasoning: You can add a little taco seasoning to the ground beef for a Tex-Mex flair. Just sprinkle it over the meat after smashing it onto the tortilla for that taco vibe.
• Seasonal veggies: In summer, swap out the iceberg lettuce for fresh arugula or spinach. In the colder months, roasted bell peppers or caramelized onions are a cozy, hearty alternative.

How to serve smash burger tacos (because presentation matters!)

If I’m serving these for a party, I like to set up a little taco station with all the fixings so people can assemble their own smash burger tacos. Lay out bowls of shredded lettuce, pickles, diced onions, and plenty of sauce for drizzling.

For plating, you can serve each taco with a slice of pickle on top or a little mound of crispy fries on the side. I also love a side of sweet potato fries or even some simple potato chips for extra crunch. Want to make them fancy? Sprinkle a little sesame seed mix over the top to mimic the vibe of a burger bun!

What to drink with smash burger tacos?

These smash burger tacos pair great with refreshing drinks. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Iced tea with lemon: The tartness of the lemon balances the richness of the burger and cheese. It’s refreshing without being too overpowering.
• Sparkling water with lime: For something simple but bubbly, sparkling water with a twist of lime is a great choice. The bubbles cut through the richness nicely.

Storing and reheating smash burger tacos

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), storing them is simple. Place the fully assembled tacos in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, pop them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use the oven or toaster oven to bring back that crispy edge. Just avoid the microwave—it will make the tortillas too soft and lose that satisfying crunch.

Scaling the recipe up or down

This recipe is super easy to adjust depending on how many mouths you’re feeding. If you’re cooking for just two, halve the ingredients. If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double or triple the amounts. The only thing to watch out for is the cooking space—if your skillet or griddle is small, you’ll need to cook in batches. Just keep the cooked tacos warm in a low oven until everything’s ready.

Final thoughts (go try this!)

I could go on and on about these smash burger tacos, but honestly, you just need to try them. They’re one of those meals that’s so easy to make, yet so satisfying. The combination of flavors and textures is pure magic, and you can adapt them in countless ways to suit your preferences. So, get in the kitchen, grab some tortillas, and let the smash taco burger fun begin!

FAQ

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can! Corn tortillas will have a different texture and flavor, but they’ll still be delicious. Just be sure to keep an eye on them as they cook—they tend to crisp up faster than flour tortillas.

2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the crispiest results, reheat the tacos in a skillet or oven. Avoid the microwave, as it’ll make the tortilla soggy.

3. Can I freeze smash burger tacos?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing fully assembled tacos, but you can freeze the cooked ground beef portion. Thaw it and cook as usual with fresh tortillas.

4. What type of cheese works best?
American cheese is a classic choice for its meltability, but cheddar or Swiss would also work well if you prefer a different flavor.

5. How can I make these tacos healthier?
You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, use low-fat cheese, and serve them with a side of veggies instead of fries.

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