These Smash Burger Tacos combine the best of two worlds! Juicy, seasoned beef patties are tucked inside warm tortillas, making each bite super tasty and fun.
Who knew tacos could be so exciting? I love these for a quick dinner or a casual get-together. You can load them up with your favorite toppings, and trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 mix of ground beef. It has enough fat to keep the patties juicy. If you want a leaner option, 90/10 can work, but it might be dryer. You could also try ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter protein.
Spices: The garlic and onion powder are key for flavor. If you’re low on these, fresh minced garlic and onion can be used instead. Just remember to adjust the quantities since fresh ingredients are often stronger when cooked.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a classic taste, but if you’re more into soft tortillas, flour ones work great too. You could even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Special Sauce: The mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickles is simple yet tasty. If you’re watching calories, try Greek yogurt as a base. For a kick, add a splash of hot sauce. Experiment to find your ideal blend!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crust on Your Smash Burger?
The trick to achieving that delicious crust is in the cooking method. Start with a hot skillet or griddle and don’t be afraid to smash those beef balls down! Proper heat allows that caramelization to happen quickly.
- Heat the pan to medium-high before adding oil.
- Add a beef ball and press down firmly with a spatula for a thin patty.
- Leave the patty undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. This helps form the crust.
- Flip the patty and top with cheese right away to melt it perfectly.
Remember, patience is key! A good sear makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix for flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Tacos:
- 4 taco-sized tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup special sauce (mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickles)
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the beef, cooking the patties, and assembling your tacos. In no time, you’ll be ready to enjoy a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by getting a mixing bowl. In that bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just blended. Don’t overmix; you want to keep it tender!
2. Heat the Pan:
Next, grab a non-stick skillet or griddle and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a splash of cooking oil to coat the bottom. This will help prevent sticking and give the patties a nice sear.
3. Form and Cook the Patties:
Divide your seasoned beef into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. When your pan is hot, place one beef ball on it and smash it down gently with a spatula to flatten it into a thin patty. Cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving it, so it gets a nice brown crust.
4. Flip and Add Cheese:
Time to flip! Carefully turn the patty over and immediately sprinkle a portion of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another minute, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey layer of deliciousness.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While your patties are cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a separate pan or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re nice and pliable. This makes them easier to fold.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s taco time! Take a melted smash burger patty and place it onto each warm tortilla. Top each one with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a drizzle of your special sauce. Feel free to add as much or as little as you like!
7. Serve:
Fold your tacos over and serve them right away! If you have any extra sauce, put it on the side for dipping. Enjoy these tasty smash burger tacos with family and friends!
## Smash Burger Tacos FAQ
Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! While the 80/20 mix of ground beef gives a perfect flavor and juiciness, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of meat, so ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F for poultry!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
For a spicy kick, mix in some cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños into the ground beef mixture. You can also top your tacos with sliced fresh chili peppers or add hot sauce to the special sauce for an extra layer of heat.
Can I Prepare the Ingredients in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time! Mix the seasoned ground beef and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also chop the onions and lettuce and store them in airtight containers. Just warm everything up when you’re ready to cook!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the patties, tortillas, and toppings separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain their texture. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat to enjoy them warm!
