If you’re craving a fun twist on classic comfort food, this Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is just what you need. Combining the juicy, crispy goodness of a smash burger with the handheld convenience of a taco, this dish brings together hearty, flavorful beef, melty cheese, and a zesty, tangy sauce all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It’s a game-changer for taco nights or any time you want something quick, satisfying, and downright delicious with just the right balance of textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Smash Burger Tacos Recipe plays a crucial role, from the seasonings that pack the burger with flavor to the fresh toppings that add crunch and brightness. With simple, everyday pantry staples, you’ll create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the tangy burger sauce, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Pickle relish: Adds sweet and briny bursts that elevate the sauce and the overall taco experience.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a mild tang that complements the richness of the beef and mayo.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity and round out the sauce’s flavor.
- White vinegar: Provides a subtle sharpness that brightens each bite.
- Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth to the sauce without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Delivers savory notes that enhance the burger’s meaty good taste.
- Garlic powder: A must-have for that classic flavor punch.
- Flour tortillas (6 inches): Soft yet sturdy, the perfect vessel for holding all the delicious fillings.
- Lean ground beef: The star protein, seasoned and smashed for a crispy, juicy texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef perfectly.
- Neutral oil: Necessary for cooking without adding competing flavors.
- American cheese slices: Melts beautifully, adding richness and a gooey finish.
- Small onion, diced: Adds a fresh crunch and sharpness to the toppings.
- Dill pickle chips: Briny, tangy bites that contrast deliciously with the meaty filling.
- Shredded iceberg lettuce: Offers a crisp, refreshing texture and a palate-cleansing crunch.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and refrigerate for at least 30 to 60 minutes. This rest period lets all those bold flavors blend beautifully, creating a rich and tangy burger sauce that’s key to the Smash Burger Tacos Recipe.
Step 2: Portion the Beef
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions, then roll each into a ball. This makes it easier to spread the beef evenly over the tortillas and ensures consistent cooking for every taco. Using lean beef helps achieve a juicy patty that crisps up nicely without excess grease.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos with Beef
Place one flour tortilla on a clean work surface and evenly spread one beef ball over the entire tortilla surface. Press it out gently so it covers the tortilla fully, essentially forming a thin, round patty directly on your taco shell. This step is crucial because it gives you that iconic “smash” burger thinness for crisp edges.
Step 4: Season the Beef
Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the beef-covered tortilla. Seasoning at this point ensures the meat has the perfect savory flavor right from the first bite. Don’t be shy here – well-seasoned beef is the foundation of this Smash Burger Tacos Recipe’s irresistible taste.
Step 5: Cook the Smash Burgers
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with your neutral oil. Carefully place the tortilla beef-side down onto the hot surface. Using a spatula, press down gently to keep the beef thin and help it develop that beautiful crust that smash burgers are famous for. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Step 6: Flip and Add Cheese
Flip the taco burger carefully and place a slice of American cheese on top. Let it cook for another 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly and the tortilla edges get crispy to your liking. Watch closely to avoid any burning; you want golden, crunchy edges without char.
Step 7: Repeat for Remaining Tacos
Remove your cooked smash burger taco from the heat and repeat the cooking process with the remaining beef and tortillas. This ensures every taco comes out fresh and perfectly cooked.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Finally, top each smash burger taco with a generous spoonful of the burger sauce, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a few dill pickle chips. These fresh toppings add crunch, tang, and brightness that complement the rich meat and melted cheese wonderfully. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the ultimate fusion of burger and taco!
How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like shredded iceberg lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips bring vibrant texture and flavor contrast to the smash burger tacos. The crunch and tang from these toppings balance the savory beef and creamy sauce, making each bite lively and layered.
Side Dishes
Pair your Smash Burger Tacos Recipe with crispy fries, a simple coleslaw, or even a light salad for a complete meal. The fries echo the classic burger experience, while a fresh salad adds a bright counterpoint that prevents the meal from feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the smash burger tacos on a large wooden board, alternating with small bowls of extra sauce, pickles, and some fresh sliced radishes for color. For casual dinners, pile them high on a colorful plate, letting the vibrant toppings peek through for that mouthwatering appeal. Wrapping them in parchment paper can also make them easier to eat on the go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers—which might be tough—wrap each taco securely in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The fresh toppings are best added just before serving again to keep them crisp.
Freezing
Since these tacos combine crispy elements and fresh toppings, freezing is not ideal for preserving quality. Cooked beef patties alone can be frozen, but the tortillas and toppings won’t hold up well once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Smash Burger Tacos Recipe, remove any fresh lettuce and toppings first. Warm the beef and tortilla gently in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness without drying out the meat. Add fresh garnishes after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this Smash Burger Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! While American cheese melts superbly and keeps the classic burger vibe, you can swap in cheddar, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda for a flavor twist that suits your palate.
What if I don’t have pickle relish? Can I substitute it?
If you don’t have pickle relish on hand, finely chopped dill pickles mixed with a bit of sugar can work well as a substitute. The key is to maintain that sweet and tangy contrast in the burger sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian friendly?
Definitely! Try replacing the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or seasoned crumbled tofu. Keep the same smashing and cooking technique for a similar texture, and enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos Recipe vegetarian style.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
You can, but keep in mind corn tortillas are more delicate and might not hold the smashed beef as easily. If you do use corn tortillas, warm them well to increase pliability and consider using smaller burger portions to avoid tearing.
How important is the smashing technique for the beef?
The smashing is crucial because it creates thin patties that develop crispy edges with a juicy interior. This contrast is what makes the Smash Burger Tacos Recipe uniquely satisfying compared to traditional thicker burger patties.
Final Thoughts
This Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is such a joyful way to bring two beloved comfort foods together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something special for dinner, these tacos deliver rich, crispy, and tangy flavors that are impossible to resist. Give this recipe a try, and you might find it becoming your go-to meal when you want a little burger magic with a taco twist.
Print
Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy, crispy goodness of classic smash burgers with the convenience of a taco format. Featuring a tangy burger sauce, melted American cheese, and fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips, these tacos make for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Main Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas, 6 inches in size
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, both to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
- 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred burger cheese)
- 1 small onion, diced
- Dill pickle chips, for topping
- Shredded iceberg lettuce, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes to meld flavors.
- Portion the beef: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- Assemble the tacos: Place a tortilla on your work surface and evenly spread a beef portion over it, covering the entire surface.
- Season the beef: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the meat-covered side of the tortilla.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with oil.
- Cook the smash burgers: Gently place the tortilla with the beef side down onto the hot surface. Press lightly with a spatula to form a thin patty. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip and add cheese: Flip the taco burger, add a slice of cheese on top, and cook for another 1-3 minutes until the cheese melts and tortilla edges become crispy to your liking. Avoid charring the tortilla.
- Repeat: Remove from heat and repeat the cooking process with the remaining beef portions and tortillas.
- Assemble and serve: Top each smash taco with the prepared burger sauce, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the burger sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- You can substitute the American cheese with Cheddar or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Use lean ground beef for a slightly healthier option and less grease during cooking.
- If you prefer a gluten-free alternative, substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
- Press gently when smashing the beef to avoid tearing the tortilla.
