Name: Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 6 small flour tortillas; 6 slices American or cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup diced pickles; 1/4 cup finely diced onion; 1/4 cup burger sauce or thousand island dressing; lettuce and tomato (optional); cooking spray or oil for griddle

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Ready for a game-changing twist on two American classics? This Smash Burger Tacos Recipe takes everything we adore about juicy smash burgers and packs it into handy taco form, perfect for fast weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, or just treating yourself to something fun and creative. Imagine crispy-edged beef layered onto golden tortillas, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and a dreamy burger sauce—all folded up to eat by hand. These tacos turn heads, disappear quickly, and bring smiles to every table.

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is its super simple ingredient list; each item is there for a reason, creating layers of flavor and texture you can’t resist. Grab these ingredients for mouthwatering results every time:

Ground Beef (80/20): The perfect fat ratio for juicy, flavor-packed burger patties that crisp up beautifully.
Salt: A little seasoning brings out the savory beefiness that anchors the whole taco.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and classic burger depth.
Garlic Powder: Rounds out the seasoning and enhances every bite.
Small Flour Tortillas: Soft, lightly toasted, and sturdy enough to hold the smash burger filling and toppings.
American or Cheddar Cheese Slices: Melts into a perfect, nostalgic blanket of flavor (pick your favorite or mix both).
Diced Pickles: Add the must-have tangy crunch that lifts each bite.
Finely Diced Onion: A little sharpness and texture keeping every taco lively and fresh.
Burger Sauce or Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy, tangy, just a bit sweet, and absolutely essential for that classic burger feel.
Lettuce and Tomato (optional): For added freshness, crunch, and a pop of color—customize to your taste.
Cooking Spray or Oil: Ensures a crisp tortilla and beef, and prevents sticking for easy flipping.

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Since these come together fast, you want to have everything ready: toppings chopped, cheese unwrapped, tortillas and beef close by. This little bit of prep ensures nothing is rushed, and every taco gets the perfect treatment.

Step 2: Portion the Beef

Divide your ground beef into six equal portions, rolling each one into a loose ball. The trick here is to keep them light and airy (no over-packing!) so you get maximum juiciness and those beautiful, lacy burger edges when smashed.

Step 3: Season and Flatten

Give each beef ball a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grab a tortilla, and place a beef ball in the center. Press it down firmly, spreading the meat into a thin, even layer over most of the tortilla’s surface. This step gives you that signature smash burger texture with every bite.

Step 4: Sear on the Griddle

Lightly grease your hot griddle or skillet. Working in batches, set each tortilla beef-side down on the pan. Smash again with your spatula, pressing the beef firmly into the griddle. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes—you’re looking for crispy, caramelized edges—then flip the tortilla so the beef side faces up and the tortilla crisps underneath. Another 1 to 2 minutes will do the trick.

Step 5: Cheese and Toppings

Place a cheese slice on each taco right after flipping. Cover loosely to help the cheese melt perfectly in the short window of time. You want that oozy, classic burger goodness!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove your smash burger tacos from the heat and top them with diced pickles, onions, a drizzle of burger sauce, and (if you like) lettuce and tomato. Fold them gently, serve hot, and get ready to watch them vanish!

How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

Turn up the flavor and eye appeal! Beyond the classic onions and pickles, try a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped fresh herbs like parsley, or a dash of hot sauce for those who love extra zing. A scatter of crispy fried onions adds even more burger-inspired crunch.

Side Dishes

This Smash Burger Tacos Recipe pairs perfectly with crispy oven fries, loaded potato wedges, or a simple slaw dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Want to keep things classic? A handful of kettle chips and a cold, fizzy drink round out the meal like a retro diner plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your smash burger tacos at a DIY taco bar with all the toppings in little bowls—everyone gets to customize! If you’re prepping for a party, go mini: use slider-sized tortillas or cut bigger ones for bite-size treats. Stack the finished tacos over a platter lined with checkered paper for that throwback burger-joint vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they go quickly!), let the tacos cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment if needed to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days, keeping their fantastic flavor and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, individually wrap cooled smash burger tacos in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze very well for up to a month. When you’re ready for a quick snack or lunch, you have a delicious option just waiting for you.

Reheating

For the best experience, reheat tacos on a skillet over medium heat—cover loosely to help the cheese melt and the tortilla re-crisp. The oven works well too: place directly on a baking sheet at 350°F until warmed through. The microwave is the fastest way but use short bursts to keep the tortilla from becoming chewy.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! This Smash Burger Tacos Recipe adapts beautifully to ground turkey or chicken—just make sure not to overcook, and consider adding a bit more oil since those meats are leaner. The flavor is lighter but just as tasty.

What’s the best cheese to use for these tacos?

Classic American cheese was made for melty burger bliss, but cheddar (mild or sharp) is a fantastic choice too. For a little zing, try pepper jack or even Swiss. Mix and match for your perfect melt!

How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Be sure to toast the tortillas until golden before serving or even lightly crisp both sides before adding the beef, as suggested in the notes. Assemble right before eating for the best texture—no soggy tacos here!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them without compromise.

What toppings work best besides the classic ones?

Go wild with toppings: crispy bacon, sliced jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, or even a fried egg make fantastic additions. The burger-taco mashup invites creativity, so add anything you love on a burger!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something playful, craveable, and totally satisfying, you have to give this Smash Burger Tacos Recipe a try. It takes all the magic of comfort food and delivers it in a fresh, fun new way—one bite will have everyone at your table hooked. Fire up your griddle and enjoy the delicious mashup!

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 tacos 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic tacos, featuring flavorful smashed beef patties, gooey cheese, and all the traditional burger fixings. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tacos:

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
6 small flour tortillas
6 slices American or cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced pickles
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1/4 cup burger sauce or thousand island dressing
lettuce and tomato (optional)
cooking spray or oil for griddle

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Instructions

Preheat the Griddle: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Prepare the Beef: Divide the ground beef into 6 portions, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and shape into balls. Flatten each ball onto a tortilla.
Cook the Tacos: Cook the beef-side down on the griddle, then flip and cook until beef is done. Top with cheese, let it melt, then add pickles, onions, sauce, lettuce, and tomato.
Serve: Fold gently and serve hot.