These Easy Original Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on two favorites! Picture juicy, smashed burgers inside warm tortillas topped with cheese, lettuce, and your favorite sauce.
Who knew tacos could be so meaty and delicious? I love making these when I want a quick dinner that everyone will gobble up. Serve with some chips, and you’re set for a tasty night! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using an 80/20 blend because it gives a great mix of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but the texture will be different—just a bit drier.
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are soft and tasty, but corn tortillas also work well for a more traditional taco experience. If you’re gluten-free, go for corn or gluten-free flour tortillas.
Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic burger taste. Cheddar is a great substitute if you prefer a sharper flavor. Don’t forget to check for non-dairy cheese if you’re looking for vegan options.
Condiments: The sauce is key to bring everything together! You can swap out mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangy touch, or add some hot sauce for a kick. Experimenting is half the fun!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Smash Burger Patties?
Making crispy smash burger patties is all about the technique. The key is to smash the meat firmly on a hot skillet. This not only creates a nice crust but also gives you that crunchy edge.
- Start with a hot skillet—this helps form a great sear.
- Use a spatula or a burger press to smash the meat down quickly; don’t hesitate! More surface area equals more crunch.
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper right after smashing for maximum flavor.
- Keep an eye on your cooking time; around 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and add cheese for that melty goodness.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious smash burger tacos ready to impress! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- For Assembly:
- 4 small flour or corn tortillas
- 4 slices American cheese or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4-6 slices dill pickles
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes of cooking, so you can have these tasty tacos ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, if using. This creamy burger sauce is what makes these tacos extra special! Set it aside for later.
2. Shape the Beef:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a loose ball. Remember, you don’t want to pack them too tightly—just enough to hold their shape.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Get your cast iron skillet or heavy pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add in the vegetable oil or butter and let it heat up—this is what will give your burgers a beautiful sear!
4. Smash and Season:
Carefully place one beef ball in the hot skillet. Using a spatula or burger press, smash it down firmly to about 1/4 inch thick. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
5. Cook the Patties:
Let the patties cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges are nice and crispy and browned. Flip them carefully and let them cook for another 1-2 minutes. Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to let it melt perfectly.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the patties are finishing up, warm your tortillas in a separate dry pan or quickly in the microwave so they become soft and pliable.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Place a delicious smash burger patty inside each warm tortilla. Top it with a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce, a few pickle slices, and a generous drizzle of that creamy sauce you made earlier.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in immediately while they’re hot and juicy! These smash burger tacos are perfect for taco night, and you’ll love how easy they are to whip up!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for flavor and juiciness, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that they might cook quicker, so watch the timing!
How Do I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like a kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños to the tacos or mixing a bit of hot sauce into your burger sauce. You could also use pepper jack cheese for an extra zing!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, and it will still taste fresh!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the taco components separately in airtight containers. The cooked patties will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave and assemble fresh tacos!
