The Original Smash Burger Tacos bring a fun twist to your taco night! Crispy taco shells filled with juicy burger patties, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings are pure joy!
Who knew burgers and tacos could be best buds? I love loading mine with lots of toppings. It’s like a party in every bite! 🎉
Making these is easy—just smash and cook those patties, then stuff them into crunchy shells. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that makes everyone smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 85/15 works, but it won’t be as flavorful. For a non-beef alternative, try ground turkey or plant-based meat.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for these tacos. You can also use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. For a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are the way to go. Just ensure they are fresh for the best flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds great flavor and melts beautifully. For a twist, try pepper jack for some heat, or swap in a melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda. Vegan cheese can also be a good substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
Pickles: Sliced pickles add a nice crunch and tang. If you want something different, consider adding jalapeños for spice or diced avocados for creaminess. Sweet pickles would change the flavor but can be fun to try.
How Do You Perfectly Smash and Cook the Burgers?
The key to smash burgers is cooking them right for a crispy edge and juicy center. Here’s how to get them perfect:
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot! This is crucial for a nice sear.
- Divide the beef into four equal portions and quickly shape them into loose balls, not tightly packed patties.
- Place each ball on the hot skillet and press down hard with a spatula to flatten them immediately. Keep it flat; this is what creates the crust!
- Season with salt and pepper right after smashing. Let them cook untouched for 2-3 minutes.
- Flip when the edges are brown and crispy. Add cheese right after flipping and cover for a minute so it melts.
Following these steps will give you delicious, crispy smash burgers every time!
The Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
Seasoning and Cooking:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice until everything is combined nicely. Set this tasty sauce aside while you cook the burgers.
2. Make the Smash Burgers:
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil to keep things from sticking. Take your ground beef and divide it into four equal portions, each weighing about 4 oz. When your skillet is hot, place each beef portion down and use a spatula to smash it flat to form a thin patty. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are nice and crispy. Flip the patties over, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While your burgers are cooking, take the corn tortillas and warm them up! You can do this in another skillet or right on the grill. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! On each warm tortilla, place one of the smash burger patties with melted cheese on it. Top it off with a handful of shredded lettuce and a few slices of pickles. Finally, drizzle the delicious sauce you made earlier over the top.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the tortillas around the tasty filling to create your tacos. Serve them up warm and enjoy every bite of your smash burger tacos!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for the Smash Burgers?
While you can use leaner ground beef, like 90/10, the burgers might not be as juicy and flavorful. Using an 80/20 blend is recommended for that perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you opt for lean beef, consider adding a bit of oil or butter to compensate for the reduced fat content.
How to Warm Tortillas Without a Skillet?
If you don’t have a skillet, you can warm the corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 20-30 seconds. This will make them soft and pliable without the need for a pan!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using to ensure everything is well combined.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the components separate. Place the remaining burgers, sauce, and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge. The tacos can be assembled fresh when you’re ready to eat! This way, the tortillas won’t get soggy. Leftovers should be consumed within 2-3 days for the best quality.
