If you love the juicy, crispy goodness of a classic burger but crave a fun twist, this Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is an absolute game changer. It takes the bold flavors and textures of a smash burger and wraps them up in soft flour tortillas, creating the perfect handheld feast. Each bite delivers that irresistible sear on the beef, melty cheese, tangy sauce, and crisp pickles all harmoniously coming together for a taco experience like no other. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a personal treat, these tacos bring excitement and comfort in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy tang of the homemade burger sauce to the crispy, golden edges on the beef, every component elevates these tacos to unforgettable status.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a rich, creamy base for the burger sauce that balances the tangy pickles.
- Pickle Relish: Adds a sweet and sour crunch to the sauce for that classic burger zing.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle heat and depth to the sauce.
- Sugar: Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- White Vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a lively tang.
- Paprika: Offers a smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Aromatic spices that deepen the savory profile.
- Flour Tortillas (6 inches): Soft vessels that hold the smashed beef and toppings perfectly.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 pound): The star of the dish, forming thin, crispy patties packed with juicy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef to highlight its natural richness.
- Neutral Oil: Helps achieve that perfect crisp without overpowering flavors.
- American Cheese Slices: Melts beautifully to add creamy indulgence; feel free to use your favorite burger cheese.
- Diced Onion: Adds a fresh crunch and mild sharpness on top.
- Dill Pickle Chips: Provide a tangy crunch that brightens every bite.
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Delivers crispness and color, balancing the rich beef.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Sauce
The sauce is what really ties this Smash Burger Tacos Recipe together. Combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix everything until smooth, then pop it into the fridge for at least 30 to 60 minutes. This resting time allows all those bold flavors to meld beautifully, creating a creamy sauce with the perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and spice that will elevate the tacos to new heights.
Step 2: Portion the Beef
Divide your ground beef into four equal balls. By shaping them individually, you’re setting the stage for thin, satisfying patties that fit perfectly on your tortillas. Keeping the portions consistent helps the patties cook evenly and makes assembly easier when it’s taco time.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos Before Cooking
Lay a flour tortilla flat on your work surface, then evenly spread one ball of beef over it, covering as much surface as possible. This technique might feel unusual, but it ensures the beef cooks directly against the skillet to get that crispy, caramelized exterior that smash burgers are famous for.
Step 4: Season the Beef
Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the beef-covered side of the tortilla. Seasoning at this point allows the flavors to season the meat fully when it hits the heat.
Step 5: Heat the Skillet
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with neutral oil. This high heat is essential for achieving that crispy crust on the beef and tortilla while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 6: Cook the Smash Burgers
Place the tortilla beef side down on the hot skillet and gently press with a spatula to smash the meat thin. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes without disturbing to develop a golden, crispy crust. Resist the temptation to move it too early—this crust is where the flavor magic happens.
Step 7: Flip and Add Cheese
Carefully flip the taco burger, then immediately place a slice of your preferred cheese on top. Cook for another 1-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla edges reach a crispy, slightly golden perfection. Watch closely here to avoid charring.
Step 8: Repeat and Assemble
Remove the finished taco from the pan and repeat this process with the remaining beef balls and tortillas. Once all are cooked, top each smash burger taco generously with the prepared burger sauce, shredded lettuce, diced onion, and dill pickle chips. The combination of warm, crispy beef with fresh, tangy toppings is downright irresistible.
How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make a huge difference in flavor and texture. Fresh shredded iceberg lettuce adds a refreshing crunch while diced onion gives a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness. Dill pickle chips bring that iconic tangy snap you crave in a burger, perfectly complementing the smoky beef and creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair your Smash Burger Tacos with simple sides like crispy fries or onion rings for a classic feel, or keep it light with a crisp coleslaw or a fresh cucumber salad. These sides provide textural contrast and help round out the meal without stealing the spotlight from your star tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these tacos on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for that casual, street-food vibe. For a party, arrange them on a colorful platter with small bowls of extra burger sauce, pickles, and diced onions so guests can customize their own creations. You could even swap the flour tortillas for grilled corn tortillas to add a subtle smoky flavor that amps up the taco game even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, but the crispy edges may soften, so plan to reheat them soon for the best texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze smash burger components separately, assembled tacos don’t freeze well due to the soft tortillas and fresh toppings. For freezing, cook and freeze the beef patties alone without cheese or sauce. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and assembling fresh.
Reheating
To bring back some crispiness when reheating, warm the smashed patties in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side. Then assemble the tacos with fresh toppings and sauce. Avoid microwaving assembled tacos as the texture will become soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and gives the classic burger flavor, feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda to add your own twist to the Smash Burger Tacos Recipe.
Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas can add a delightful smoky flavor and a traditional taco feel. Just note that they may be a bit more fragile when pressing the beef, so handle them gently to avoid tearing.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
Consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce or topping the tacos with sliced jalapeños or pickled banana peppers. A sprinkle of cayenne in the seasoning mix can also turn up the heat.
Can I prepare the burger sauce in advance?
Definitely. In fact, preparing the sauce ahead and letting it chill for at least an hour allows the flavors to develop fully. It can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to use.
What’s the best way to get the perfect smash burger crust?
High heat and firm pressure are key. Use a sturdy spatula to press the beef down thinly right after placing it on the hot skillet, and don’t move it while it cooks for a couple of minutes. This method creates maximum caramelization and that signature crispy edge.
Final Thoughts
This Smash Burger Tacos Recipe effortlessly combines the best of two beloved worlds: the juicy, crispy goodness of a smash burger and the fun, handheld convenience of a taco. It’s a dish sure to become a regular at your mealtime rotation, perfect for casual dinners or impressing friends with something a little different. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love every flavorful, satisfying bite!
Print
Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smash Burger Tacos combine the crispy, juicy goodness of classic smashed burgers with the convenience and fun of tacos. Featuring a tangy, flavorful burger sauce and layered with melted cheese, diced onions, shredded lettuce, and dill pickle chips, these tacos deliver a perfect balance of textures and flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Smash Burgers & Toppings
- 4 flour tortillas, 6 inches in size
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
- 4 slices American cheese or preferred burger cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- Dill pickle chips, for topping
- Shredded iceberg lettuce, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth, then refrigerate for at least 30 to 60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Portion the beef: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and roll each into a ball, preparing them for forming the smash burgers.
- Assemble the tacos: Lay a flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Evenly spread one portion of the ground beef over the entire surface of the tortilla to cover it completely.
- Season the beef: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the meat-covered side to enhance the flavor of the beef.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with neutral oil to prevent sticking and to help crisp the burger and tortilla.
- Cook the smash burgers: Carefully place the tortilla with the beef side down onto the hot skillet. Press lightly with a spatula to flatten and form a thin patty. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is golden and crispy.
- Flip and add cheese: Flip the smash taco carefully, then place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for an additional 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla edges become crispy to your liking. Avoid over-charring to keep the flavors balanced.
- Repeat: Remove from heat and repeat the cooking process with the remaining portions of beef and tortillas.
- Assemble and serve: Top each cooked smash taco with prepared burger sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef with a bit higher fat content for juicier patties.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a different texture and flavor.
- Make the burger sauce ahead of time to let the flavors fully develop.
- Use a heavy spatula or a burger press to achieve a perfectly thin and crispy smash patty.
- Be mindful when flipping to keep the thin patty intact.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
