Smash Burger Tacos combine two favorites: juicy smashed burgers and crispy taco shells! With ground beef, cheese, and fresh toppings, they are super tasty and fun to eat.
Who wouldn’t want a burger that you can hold in one hand? I love dressing them up with all my favorite toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, or even a little guacamole. Yum! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use an 80/20 blend for its perfect balance of flavor and juiciness, but feel free to switch to turkey or a plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a leaner option or a vegetarian choice.
Tortillas: Small corn or flour tortillas work well for these tacos. If you’re gluten-free, check out corn tortillas, which also add a lovely flavor. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist!
Shredded Lettuce: Any leafy green can work in place of lettuce—try spinach or even arugula for a peppery bite! I often mix romaine and green leaf for added crunch.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is my go-to for its bold flavor. If you want something different, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice twist. Vegan cheese is also an option for dairy-free tacos!
Pickle Juice: This adds zing to the sauce! If you prefer tang, you can swap it out for lemon juice or omit it altogether if you don’t have it on hand.
How Can I Ensure My Burgers Get a Perfect Crust?
Getting that irresistible crust on your smash burger is all about the technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating your skillet until it’s really hot; this is key for searing.
- Use a bit of cooking oil to prevent sticking—just enough to coat the bottom.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add your beef portions and smash them down immediately with a spatula. Don’t be shy; the more pressure you apply, the better the crust!
- Season generously with salt and pepper right after smashing; it helps form that crust while cooking.
- Let them cook undisturbed until you see juices starting to rise (about 2-3 minutes), then flip for another minute or two. This gives time for that golden crust to form.
With these tips, your burgers will turn out crispy and delicious every time!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 pickles (slices or whole, as preferred)
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 20 minutes in total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the sauce and cooking the burgers, and another 10 minutes warming the tortillas and assembling everything together. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the special sauce for your tacos! In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined, and then set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, let’s cook the beef! Take a sturdy cast-iron skillet or a flat top and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil to coat the bottom. Once the skillet is hot, divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions. Place each portion onto the skillet and smash it down gently with a spatula to create thin patties. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top of each patty. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until a nice crust forms on the bottom, then flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re cooked through. Yum!
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
While your burgers are cooking, it’s time to warm up the tortillas! You can do this in another skillet over low heat or directly over a flame for a few seconds on each side until they’re warm and maybe a bit charred. This makes them extra tasty!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together! On each warmed tortilla, place a cooked smash burger patty. Then, add some shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese on top. If you love pickles, throw some slices over the cheese. Finally, drizzle your homemade sauce over everything for that extra flavor.
5. Serve:
To finish, fold the tortilla over the filling like a taco. Serve immediately while everything is warm and enjoy your delicious Smash Burger Tacos! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
While you can use leaner ground beef, it might result in drier tacos. For the juiciest flavor and texture, I recommend sticking to the 80/20 blend. If using leaner beef, consider adding a tablespoon of oil to keep the patties moist while cooking.
How to Keep Tortillas from Getting Soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to warm the tortillas just before assembling the tacos. Also, consider adding the sauce in moderation, or serve it on the side for dipping. You can also toast the tortillas in the skillet without any filling to provide a barrier against moisture.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
For best results, store the components separately. Wrap any leftover burgers in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas, sauce, and toppings in separate containers to maintain freshness. Reheat the beef in a skillet before assembling the tacos again!
