Get ready for a tasty twist on your favorite burger with Smash Burger Tacos! These soft tortillas are filled with juicy beef and topped with all your favorite fixings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
I love how easy it is to make these tacos! You can whip them up fast for a fun dinner. Plus, who can resist smashing that burger down for extra flavor? Yum! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that they may dry out faster, so watch the cooking time!
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are ideal for this taco style. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas work fine, or you can cut larger tortillas down to size. Using lettuce wraps could also make it a low-carb option.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a nice zing, but feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend if you’re feeling adventurous. Just ensure it melts well!
Sauce Ingredients: The mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard mix gives a classic burger vibe. You can use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a lighter version, or skip the ketchup for a more tangy taste.
How Do I Get Perfectly Smashed Burgers?
Getting great smash burgers is all about technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot; this helps create a good sear.
- When you add the beef, smoosh it down firmly with a spatula to a thickness of about ½ inch. This enhances the browning!
- Season well with salt and pepper right after smashing to infuse flavor.
- Only flip once! Cook until nice and brown before turning, usually around 3-4 minutes on one side.
- Cover with a lid for the last minute to help the cheese melt perfectly.
With these tips, you’ll achieve that delicious crust everyone loves on smash burgers! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook, so you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time! Just follow the steps, and you’ll be enjoying these tasty Smash Burger Tacos in around 25 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce (if you like a bit of heat). Stir until everything is well combined and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. While it heats up, divide the ground beef into four equal portions, about 4 oz each. When the skillet is hot, carefully add a portion of the beef to the skillet.
3. Smash the Burgers:
Using a spatula, smash the beef down flat in the skillet. Season it with salt and pepper. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Then, flip it over and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each burger. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt perfectly over the burgers.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, take another skillet or a griddle and warm up the corn tortillas. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re pliable and warm, ready for filling.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Once the burgers are done, place each smashed burger with the melted cheese onto a warmed tortilla. Then, top each taco with some shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and a generous drizzle of your prepared sauce.
7. Serve:
Fold the tortillas over the delicious filling, and serve your Smash Burger Tacos right away while they’re warm. Enjoy every bite of this awesome twist on classic flavors!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef! Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner than beef, so you may want to add a bit more oil to prevent it from drying out. Also, feel free to adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, separate the tacos if possible, and warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Reheat the tortillas briefly on a griddle to keep them pliable.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may settle. This makes assembly even quicker on taco night!
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute for corn tortillas. Just warm them in the same way, and they’ll work beautifully for wrapping up your Smash Burger filling!
