These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on two favorites! You get juicy burger patties in soft tortillas, topped with all your favorite fixings. Yum!
Who knew tacos could get a burger upgrade? I love piling on cheese, lettuce, and pickles for extra flavor. It’s like a party in every bite! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef because it gives great flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for less fat, you can use 90/10, but it won’t be as rich. You could also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Flour Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are perfect for these tacos, but you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. They add a slightly different texture. Just remember to warm them well to avoid breaking!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice twist with a bit of heat. If you want it dairy-free, there are great alternatives available now.
Condiments: The mayo, ketchup, and mustard mix gives a great flavor base. If you’d like to lighten it up, try Greek yogurt instead of mayo. You can also mix in some hot sauce for a kick!
What’s the Best Way to Smash the Burger for Perfect Texture?
Making the perfect smash burger is all about technique! Start by preheating your skillet until it’s nice and hot. This helps in creating that perfect crust. Here’s how to do it:
- Grab a portion of ground beef (2-4 ounces). Roll it into a ball before placing it in the skillet.
- Use a sturdy spatula to smash it down firmly while it’s cooking. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick for optimal cooking.
- Season the top with salt and pepper immediately after smashing. This helps to enhance the flavor as it cooks.
Remember, don’t move it around; let it develop a nice crust before flipping. This technique ensures a juicy inside with a crispy outside!
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles, sliced (to taste)
- Shredded lettuce (for garnish)
- Optional: diced onions and tomatoes (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time with some simple steps—perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until it’s all combined nicely and then set it aside. This will be the yummy sauce for your tacos!
2. Cook the Burger Patties:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, take a portion of the ground beef (about 2-4 ounces) and place it on the skillet. Use a spatula to smash the beef down flat to form a patty. Don’t forget to season it with a little salt and pepper!
3. Finish Cooking the Patties:
Let the patty cook for about 2-3 minutes until it gets nice and brown. Carefully flip the patty over and immediately add some shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, take a separate pan or microwave to warm the flour tortillas until they’re soft and pliable. This will make them easy to fold around the delicious filling.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put your tacos together! Place the cooked smash burger patty into a warm tortilla. Add a dollop of the sauce you made earlier, some sliced pickles, and a handful of shredded lettuce. If you like, sprinkle some diced onions and tomatoes for extra flavor!
6. Repeat and Serve:
Continue the process for the remaining patties and tortillas. Once they’re all assembled, serve your Easy Smash Burger Tacos immediately and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier, so you might want to mix in a bit of olive oil or some broth to keep your patties moist while cooking.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, you can add some diced jalapeños to the tacos or mix in a spicy sauce with the mayonnaise mixture. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce in the sauce can also add a nice kick!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Patties?
To reheat leftover smash burger patties, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or use a microwave for about 30-45 seconds. Just be sure to cover them to retain moisture, ensuring they don’t dry out.
How to Store Leftover Taco Ingredients?
Store any leftover taco components separately in airtight containers. The cooked patties can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the sauce will last about 1 week. Tortillas can be stored in their original packaging or a sealed bag at room temperature for a few days.
