These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your classic taco night! With juicy beef patty bits stuffed in soft tortillas, they’re both tasty and quick to make.
What’s great is how you can add all your favorite toppings—think cheese, lettuce, and a drizzle of sauce! I love making these on busy nights; they’re just so simple and sure to please everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend gives great flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, you could try ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind they can dry out faster.
Tortillas: I prefer soft flour tortillas for their softness, but corn tortillas add a nice flavor. If gluten-free is needed, look for corn tortillas or gluten-free flour options.
Cheese: I love American cheese for its meltiness. However, cheddar or pepper jack can work as great alternatives for a bit more flavor.
Burger Sauce: This optional sauce is pretty tasty! If short on time, you can use store-bought mayonnaise and ketchup. You could also make it healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
How Can I Perfectly Smash the Burger Patties?
The key to a great smash burger is the technique used to cook it. Here’s how to get perfectly crispy, juicy patties:
- Form loose balls of meat and don’t squish them too tight.
- Use a hot skillet with oil or butter; this helps fry the edges as it cooks.
- Smash the meat down quick with a spatula. Press firmly but don’t be afraid to apply some pressure for a good crust.
- When cooking, let the burger be! Don’t move it around until it’s ready to flip.
Following these steps ensures that you achieve that delicious crispy edge on your smash burgers, making your tacos even tastier!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 small soft taco-sized flour tortillas or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 4 slices American cheese or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (for cooking)
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing or burger sauce (see below)
For the Burger Sauce (optional):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll need about 5-10 minutes for preparation (making the sauce and shaping the patties), and then another 10-15 minutes to cook and assemble everything. It’s super quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Sauce (If Making):
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. This sauce adds extra flavor, so set it aside for later!
2. Form the Beef Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 6 equal portions, each about 2.5 ounces. Roll each portion loosely into a ball but don’t pack it too tight—looser means juicier!
3. Heat the Skillet or Griddle:
Place a large cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil or butter and wait until it’s hot and shimmering—this is key for that crispy edge!
4. Cook the Smash Burger Patties:
When the skillet is ready, take one beef ball and place it in the pan. Immediately smash it down with a spatula or burger press until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are nice and crispy.
5. Flip and Add Cheese (Optional):
Flip the burger patties over and place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
Quickly warm the tortillas in the same skillet for about 15-20 seconds per side. Just enough to make them pliable and slightly toasted.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Grab a tortilla and place one or two smash burger patties inside. Top them off with shredded lettuce, chopped onions, and a drizzle of the prepared burger sauce or Thousand Island dressing for extra flavor!
8. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy these delicious smash burger tacos while they’re warm, with any extra sauce on the side for dipping!
These tasty tacos combine the juicy goodness of burgers with the fun of handheld tacos—unstoppable for a weeknight meal! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
Absolutely! While an 80/20 blend offers the best flavor and juiciness, you can use leaner ground beef. Just keep in mind that it may dry out more easily, so be cautious not to overcook it.
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the burger patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to cook the patties just prior to serving to keep the tortillas from getting soggy!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The patties will last about 3 days, and you can easily reheat them on a skillet or in the microwave. Warm the tortillas just before serving again!
What Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add sliced tomatoes, pickles, jalapeños, avocado, or even a dollop of sour cream. Anything you’d put on a burger will work great!
