These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your classic burger! Juicy beef patties, crispy taco shells, and all your favorite toppings come together in one delicious bite.
Who knew we needed tacos and burgers in one? I love topping them with cheese, lettuce, and that zesty sauce. Perfect for taco night or any night when you’re feeling a bit cheeky! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit of oil for moisture.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a classic taco vibe, but flour tortillas are softer and can handle the filling better. Use whatever you have on hand, and even try lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to switch it up! Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, or you can go with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack or even vegan options.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess, but substitutes like Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt also work well. Enjoy a lower-fat option without losing taste!
Jalapeño: If you prefer less heat, use diced bell peppers or omit them altogether. For more spice, try serrano peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne.
How Do You Smash the Patties for the Perfect Burger Tacos?
Smashing the burgers is key to getting that tasty crust. Here’s how to nail it:
- Divide your ground beef into equal portions but don’t overwork the meat; keeping it loose gives better texture.
- Heat your skillet well to medium-high—this helps create a nice sear.
- Once the beef is in the skillet, use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly. You want them thin but not falling apart, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season with salt and pepper right after smashing for added flavor.
- Cook until browned on one side (about 3-4 minutes) before flipping to ensure proper cooking.
This technique creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy. Enjoy your ultimate burger taco creation!
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
- Fresh lettuce, shredded (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for a quick and delicious meal. You’ll spend a little time mixing the sauce, cooking the beef, and assembling the tacos. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and taco seasoning until well combined. Set aside this tasty sauce—it adds great flavor!
2. Preheat the Skillet:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add about a teaspoon of oil to the pan to keep the burgers from sticking.
3. Cook the Beef:
Take your ground beef and divide it into 8 equal parts. Form loose balls—don’t overwork the meat! This will help keep the burgers juicy.
4. Smash the Patties:
Put the meatballs in the hot skillet. Using a spatula, smash them down to create thin patties. Season the tops with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re browned, then flip them over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Add Cheese:
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty in the skillet. Cover the skillet briefly with a lid to help the cheese melt nicely.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, warm your tortillas. You can use a separate skillet or carefully hold them over the flame for a few seconds on each side until they are lovely and pliable.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place one smashed burger patty in each warm tortilla. Add a generous dollop of the sauce you prepared along with some shredded lettuce and a few jalapeño slices if you like a bit of heat.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your smash burger tacos immediately while they are warm! Feel free to garnish with more sauce or any of your favorite toppings. Happy eating!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! If you prefer ground turkey or chicken, just be aware that they’re leaner than beef, so they might need a bit more seasoning for flavor. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil can help maintain moisture and juiciness!
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
For an extra kick, you can mix some cayenne pepper into the ground meat or add more sliced jalapeños. You can also try adding pickled jalapeños or a hot sauce to the sauce mix!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix the sauce ingredients a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using to ensure everything is well combined.
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover assembled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, try warming the patties separately and then assemble with fresh tortillas to keep everything nice and warm!
