Get ready for a fun twist on dinner with Smash Burger Tacos! These are crispy taco shells filled with juicy, smashed beef patties, cheese, and all your favorite toppings.
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to eat a burger in a taco? It’s the best of both worlds! I love adding extra salsa and avocado for some zing. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend (80% meat, 20% fat) gives the best flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for something leaner, you could use 90/10, but remember, it might not be as juicy. Turkey or chicken can also work for a lighter option!
Tortillas: I love using small flour tortillas for their soft texture. Corn tortillas are a good gluten-free alternative, but they tend to be sturdier, so be cautious when folding them.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is classic here. If you’re a little adventurous, try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Monterey Jack for a milder melt.
Condiments: The mayo-ketchup-mustard sauce is delicious, but feel free to swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. You could also add a splash of BBQ sauce for a new flavor!
Hot Sauce: This is optional, but I say include it! A touch can really elevate the flavors. If you prefer milder tacos, use a low-heat sauce or leave it out altogether.
How do I get the perfect smash burger patty?
The trick to getting that iconic smash burger is all in the technique! When you shape the beef balls, make sure they’re fairly even to promote uniform cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high heat and add oil before you start cooking.
- Once the skillet is hot, place a beef ball and press down firmly with a spatula. This creates a good sear.
- Don’t flip too soon! Cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s nicely browned, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Getting that crispy edge is key, so don’t rush the process. Enjoy your tacos while they’re piping hot!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb 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 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-6 pickles, sliced
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Other:
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious Smash Burger Tacos in about 25 minutes total. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or the burgers might be tough!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, adding a splash of cooking oil to prevent sticking. Let the oil heat up for a minute.
3. Form the Burger Patties:
Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball. This should make nice, round patties when cooked!
4. Cook the Patties:
Place a beef ball on the hot skillet and use a spatula to press down firmly to form a thin patty. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the other side is browned. Remove the patties from the skillet and repeat with the remaining beef.
5. Make the Burger Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until smooth and set aside.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
In the same skillet you used for the burgers, warm the flour tortillas for a few seconds on each side. This softens them, making them easier to fold and eat.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
On each tortilla, place a smash burger patty. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and sliced pickles. Drizzle some of the burger sauce over the top for extra flavor.
8. Fold and Serve:
Carefully fold the tortillas around the fillings to create delightful little tacos. Serve immediately while they’re warm and enjoy your tasty Smash Burger Tacos!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While an 80/20 blend gives you a great balance of flavor and juiciness, you can use leaner ground beef, like 90/10. Just keep in mind that it might be a bit drier, so consider adding a little moisture, such as extra mayonnaise in the sauce, to compensate.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Burger Sauce?
If you’re looking for a mayo substitute, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream works wonderfully! They will still give you a creamy texture while also adding a bit of tanginess to the sauce. Adjust the seasonings slightly if needed for taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Taco Ingredients?
To keep your ingredients fresh, store the leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the tortillas and fresh toppings, separately wrap them and keep in the fridge. Reheat the patties in a skillet before assembling your tacos again!
Can I Make the Burger Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the burger sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the tacos!
