These Smash Burger Tacos bring two favorites together in a fun way! Juicy beef patties are smashed and cooked until they’re nice and crispy, then tucked into soft taco shells. Yum!
For me, the best part is topping them with cheese, lettuce, and your favorite salsa. It’s like having a burger party—who doesn’t love that? 🍔🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works, but it may be drier. For a healthier swap, consider using ground turkey or chicken which can also work well.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas add that perfect crunch and flavor. If you’re unable to find corn tortillas, flour tortillas are a great substitute. They are softer and more flexible, which can also be nice!
Shredded Lettuce: Crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce gives that fresh crunch. You can also use mixed greens or even cabbage for a different texture. If you’re into it, arugula adds a peppery flavor twist!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold taste, but feel free to swap it for Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend if you prefer something milder or creamier. Vegan cheese can also be used for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Burger Patties?
The key to making delicious smash burger tacos is achieving that crispy texture on the patties. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a hot skillet or griddle so your beef sears quickly. This helps lock in juices.
- After placing the beef in the pan, use a spatula to firmly press down, flattening the patty. This is how they earn their “smash” title!
- Don’t disturb the patties for the first few minutes. Let them cook long enough for a nice crust to form. This is about 3-4 minutes.
- Finally, flip the patties gently to avoid breaking. Cook until they’re browned on the other side too, around 2-3 minutes.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- Pickles, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes total. You’ll spend about 5 minutes preparing the sauce and cooking the beef, and about 10 minutes warming the tortillas and assembling the tacos. Quick and super tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce (if you like it spicy). Stir well until everything is combined, and set it aside so the flavors can meld.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Place each portion in the skillet and smash them down with a spatula until they form thin patties. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the edges are crispy and nicely browned. Flip the patties and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While your beef is cooking, take a separate pan or griddle and warm the corn tortillas over medium heat. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on one side, flip it, and warm the other side until they are pliable. Keep them warm by stacking them in a clean kitchen towel.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place one of the smashed burger patties on each warm tortilla. Top each taco with a generous amount of shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese. Drizzle the sauce you prepared earlier all over the top, and don’t forget to add pickles for a tasty garnish!
5. Serve:
Serve your smash burger tacos immediately while they are warm. You can also offer extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this delicious and fun twist on tacos!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for the Tacos?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like beyond meat or lentils. Just be mindful that leaner meats may require additional seasoning or moisture, as they can dry out more quickly than beef.
How to Keep Tortillas from Getting Soggy?
To prevent soggy tortillas, make sure to warm them only until they’re pliable and serve the tacos immediately after assembling. If you need to prepare them ahead, you can wrap the filled tacos in parchment paper to keep them fresh, and just reheat briefly before serving!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover smashed burger tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, remove the toppings and warm the tortillas and beef separately in a skillet or microwave. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best texture.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using, and feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce if you like it spicy!
