The Original Smash Burger Tacos bring together two favorites in one delicious bite! Imagine juicy burger meat tucked inside a warm tortilla with all your favorite toppings.
These tacos are fun and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. I love adding extra cheese and crispy onions for that extra crunch! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers. If you prefer leaner meat, try 90/10, but be aware it may not be as flavorful. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Flour Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are great for these tacos, but you can swap in corn tortillas if you prefer. Just be careful when heating them so they don’t crack.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, use pepper jack for a kick or American cheese for that classic burger taste.
Pickles: Dill pickles work well, but sweet pickles can add a fun twist. You can also skip them entirely if you’re not a pickle fan and add some sliced jalapeños instead for heat.
Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Mustard: This sauce combo is delicious, but you might substitute Greek yogurt for mayo for a tangy flavor. Barbecue sauce can also replace ketchup for a different taste.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Smash Burgers?
The heart of this recipe is the smash technique! When forming the patties, make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the beef balls. This will give your burgers that nice crispy edge.
- Start with pre-heated, oiled skillet on medium-high.
- Drop the beef balls and smash them down with a spatula, pressing firmly. This creates that perfect crispy surface.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each burger room to breathe for even cooking.
- Season well with salt and pepper right after smashing for maximum flavor.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, and make sure the edges get a nice brown color.
How to Make The Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 20 minutes in total! You’ll need 5 minutes for prepping the sauce and ingredients, about 10-12 minutes for cooking the patties and warming the tortillas, and a few minutes to assemble and serve. It’s a quick and fun meal to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Mix everything well until it’s nice and smooth. Set this tasty sauce aside for later.
2. Heat the Grill or Skillet:
Grab your large skillet or flat top griddle and preheat it over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of cooking oil to make sure the patties won’t stick.
3. Form the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. This will be the base for your delicious smash burgers!
4. Smash the Patties:
When the skillet is hot and ready, place the beef balls in it and smash them down using a spatula to form thin patties. Be sure to season them with salt and pepper. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are brown and crispy.
5. Add Cheese:
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. This gives it that melty, gooey goodness!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the cheese is melting, take another skillet or use your griddle to lightly warm the flour tortillas. Heat each side for about 30 seconds until they are warm and flexible.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now, it’s time to build your tacos! Place a cheesy smash burger patty on each warm tortilla. Top it with some shredded lettuce and sliced pickles. Don’t forget to drizzle on that tasty sauce you made earlier!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the tortillas over the filling and enjoy your warm and delicious Original Smash Burger Tacos right away. They are perfect for a fun meal with friends or family!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind that turkey can be less fatty, which may make the patties slightly drier. To combat this, consider adding a bit of olive oil or shredded cheese to the turkey mixture for extra moisture and flavor.
How to Keep Tortillas from Breaking When Assembling?
To prevent your tortillas from breaking, be sure to warm them adequately before assembly. Heating them for about 30 seconds on each side makes them more pliable. Also, don’t overfill your tacos; a little goes a long way!
Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?
Of course! If you like a kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the sauce mix. You could also sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper over the patties while cooking for added heat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover patties and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked patties will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and you can warm them up on the skillet before serving again. For tortillas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain their freshness.
