Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Say hello to the mind-blowing fusion you never knew you craved: Smash Burger Tacos! This recipe unites the juicy, crispy joy of a classic smash burger with the ease and handheld fun of tacos. Each bite is bursting with melted cheese, tangy sauce, crisp veggies, and charred beef—wrapped in a golden tortilla.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for Smash Burger Tacos is refreshingly straightforward, but each ingredient packs a punch. Every component brings its own unique magic—from crisp lettuce and tangy sauce to juicy beef and melty cheese!

• Lean Ground Beef: Go for an 80/20 blend if you want the perfect balance of juicy and flavorful patties that crisp up beautifully.
• 6-inch Flour Tortillas: The tortilla becomes both the “bun” and the vessel—use fajita-size for hearty tacos, or scale down to street taco size for snacking.
• American Cheese (or your favorite): Classic for a reason—it melts into a gooey blanket, but cheddar or pepper jack also work wonders.
• Neutral Oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado): Just a drizzle helps create that signature crust and prevents sticking.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning brings the beef to life, so don’t skimp!
• Diced Onion: Adds a zippy crunch—yellow onions are classic but red work, too.
• Dill Pickle Chips: That pop of acidity and crunch cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Fresh, crisp, and essential for true burger nostalgia.
• Homemade Burger Sauce: Creamy mayo, relish, Dijon, and spices—this “secret sauce” is dreamy on every bite.

Variations

The beauty of Smash Burger Tacos is how effortlessly you can remix them! Swap toppings, adjust for dietary preferences, or experiment with spice—these are built for creativity as much as flavor.

• Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or even spicy pepper jack for a twist on the classic melt.
• Tortilla Options: Make it low-carb with Mission carb balance tortillas or gluten-free with your preferred brand.
• Add Bacon or Jalapeños: Crispy bacon and fresh or pickled jalapeños take it to a whole new level.
• Veganize It: Use plant-based ground “beef,” vegan cheese, and vegan mayo for a plant-forward spin.
• Slider-Size: Make mini Smash Burger Tacos using street taco tortillas for a party platter or fun kid-friendly dinner.

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prep the Magic Burger Sauce

Start by stirring together all the burger sauce ingredients—mayonnaise, relish, Dijon, sugar, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and rosy, and pop it in the fridge so the flavors can blend while you make the tacos. (Trust me, the quick chill makes it even better!)

Step 2: Portion and Press the Beef

Divide the ground beef into four equal balls (or more if using street-size tortillas). Place a tortilla on your work surface, then gently press and spread one portion of beef over its entire surface, forming a thin, even layer right to the edges. Sprinkle with salt and pepper—this is where the flavor starts!

Step 3: Sear and Smash!

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high and brush with oil. Place the tortilla meat-side down onto the hot surface. Use a sturdy spatula to press it down for a few seconds, forming those signature crispy edges. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until you get that golden, caramelized crust—this step gives Smash Burger Tacos their wow factor!

Step 4: Flip, Cheese, and Crisp

Flip the taco burger so the tortilla hits the pan, then immediately top the beef with a slice of cheese. Cook for 1–3 minutes more, depending on how crisp you want your tortilla—soft and bendy or golden and crunchy. Avoid burning; just aim for toasty perfection.

Step 5: Load Up With Classic Toppings

Remove your smash burger taco from the heat. Spread with that dreamy burger sauce, shower on shredded lettuce, scatter diced onions, and layer on dill pickle chips. Every bite will taste like your best burger memory!

Step 6: Repeat, Assemble, and Devour

Repeat the process for each taco. Serve Smash Burger Tacos while hot, letting everyone top theirs just how they like—it’s part of the fun and ensures every taco is fresh and flavorful!

How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos

Garnishes

For the quintessential burger-shop finish, sprinkle on extra sesame seeds or a dusting of smoked paprika. Chopped parsley or sliced scallions add a burst of color, and a few extra pickle chips on the side never hurt anyone!

Side Dishes

Pair these Smash Burger Tacos with golden French fries or crispy tater tots, or keep it fresh with a simple coleslaw or pickle spears. Sweet potato fries, onion rings, or even baked beans make a classic meal feel restaurant-worthy at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn taco night into a build-your-own burger bar with bowls of toppings and sauces, or slice each taco into wedges for party-friendly sliders. These tacos also look gorgeous stacked on a wooden platter, ready to grab and go at your next backyard bash.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (they disappear fast!), store the cooked Smash Burger Tacos and burger sauce separately in airtight containers. Toppings like lettuce and pickles keep best stored dry in individual containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

For best quality, freeze only the cooked beef-and-tortilla bases. Let them cool, stack with parchment between, and wrap tightly; freeze up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and refresh on a hot skillet—then add fresh toppings before serving.

Reheating

Reheat Smash Burger Tacos on a dry skillet over medium for a couple minutes to restore that crispy bottom. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes if making a batch, then finish with sauce and toppings.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Smash Burger Tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—a little bit nostalgic, a little bit unexpected, and totally irresistible. I hope you’ll give them a try for your next taco night or family dinner. Once you taste that crispy, cheesy, saucy combination, I promise you’ll be hooked just like I am!

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