These Easy Original Smash Burger Tacos bring together juicy beef patties and soft tortillas for a fun twist on classic burgers. Topped with your favorite fixings, they’re super tasty!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good taco? The best part is you can load them up with cheesy goodness or crunchy veggies—whatever makes you smile. 🌮😊
Making these tacos is a breeze! Just smash the burger patties, cook them up, and wrap them in tortillas. It’s the perfect way to satisfy those burger cravings with a taco twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For the best flavor and juiciness, I recommend using an 80/20 blend of ground beef. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that they will be less rich.
Tortillas: You can use either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, while corn tortillas add a nice texture. If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are the way to go.
American Cheese: While American cheese melts beautifully, you can substitute with cheddar or a plant-based cheese for those avoiding dairy. Just make sure it’s a melting cheese for the best results.
Dill Pickles: If you’re not a fan of dill pickles, you can swap them out for sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick or even avocado slices for creaminess.
How Do You Get the Perfect Smash on Your Burger Patties?
The key to getting that perfect smash is timing and technique. Follow these steps for burgers that are crispy on the edges and juicy inside:
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot, almost smoking. This is crucial for an excellent sear.
- When you place the beef ball in the skillet, press down firmly. It should flatten to about ¼ inch thick. Don’t be afraid to really smash it!
- Season with salt and pepper. This helps create a tasty crust.
- Let it cook without moving it. This way, the burger gets nice and crispy. Leave it for about 2-3 minutes before flipping.
With these tips, you’ll have burgers that are not only scrumptious but also give that satisfying crunch with each bite! Enjoy making these fun tacos! 🌮🍔
Easy Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 6-8 dill pickle slices
For the Smash Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp vinegar (optional, for sauce tang)
- Cooking oil or butter for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and making the smash sauce, and around 20 minutes cooking the burgers and assembling the tacos. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s fun to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Smash Sauce:
Start by mixing the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and vinegar (if you are using it) in a small bowl. Stir it well until everything is combined and smooth. Set this delicious sauce aside; it will be a great addition to your tacos!
2. Preheat Your Skillet or Griddle:
Place a large skillet or griddle on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add a little oil or butter to the skillet to prevent sticking and allow it to heat up thoroughly.
3. Form the Beef Balls:
Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions and lightly shape each into a ball. Try not to pack them too tightly to keep them juicy when cooking.
4. Smash the Burgers:
Once your skillet is hot, place each beef ball in the skillet and use a spatula to press them down firmly into thin patties. Season each patty generously with salt and black pepper for flavor.
5. Cook the Patties:
Let the patties cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes, until the edges turn crispy and brown. Gently flip each patty and let them cook on the other side.
6. Add Cheese:
As soon as you flip the patties, put a slice of American cheese on top of each one. Cover them with the skillet lid (if you have one) to help the cheese melt completely while the patties finish cooking for about 1-2 more minutes.
7. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until they are soft and pliable. This will make them easier to fold and eat!
8. Assemble the Tacos:
Take one cheese-topped burger patty and place it in a warm tortilla. Add 1-2 pickle slices and a handful of shredded lettuce on top. Drizzle a good amount of your smash sauce over everything to bring it all together.
9. Serve Immediately:
Fold the tortillas like tacos and dig in! These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are best served hot, so enjoy them right away with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!
Now you have the perfect recipe for Smash Burger Tacos that are sure to impress! Enjoy your meal and have fun!
FAQ for Easy Original Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. Just keep in mind that these meats tend to be drier, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or using a blend that has some fat content to keep the patties juicy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the smash sauce and form the beef balls ahead of time. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the beef balls can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
For any leftovers, store the individual components separately. Keep the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then assemble with fresh tortillas and toppings.
Can I Use Different Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your tacos with toppings like sliced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, or avocado. Experimenting with different ingredients can make your tacos even more delicious!
