Smash Burger Tacos

If you love the taste of a classic burger and the fun of a taco, this recipe brings both together perfectly. These smash burger tacos deliver that crave-worthy crisp on the outside with a juicy center that never turns soggy or greasy. It’s the kind of quick, easy meal that wins over everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for family night or showing off a viral favorite, this version guarantees perfectly cooked tortillas, flavorful beef, and that mouthwatering burger sauce that ties it all together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients found in any kitchen.
  
• Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
  
• Crispy tortilla base with juicy beef and melted cheese in every bite.
  
• Crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults enjoy equally.
  
• Comforting flavors that taste like your favorite burger and taco combined.
  

This recipe stands out because it avoids soggy tortillas and greasy meat while keeping every bite flavorful and balanced. The smash technique locks in the juices while creating that crispy crust everyone loves. It’s satisfying, fun to make, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it.

Ingredients Needed

For the Smash Burger Tacos

• 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness
  
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  
• 10 cracks of freshly ground black pepper
  
• 6 small flour tortillas, about six inches each, soft and pliable so the beef adheres well
  
• 6 slices of muenster or provolone cheese for that smooth melt
  
• Shredded lettuce for freshness
  
• Finely chopped white onion for crunch
  
• Dill pickle chips for tang and contrast
  

For the Burger Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  
• 2 tablespoons finely minced bread and butter pickles
  
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine
  
• 10 cracks of fresh black pepper
  
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  

This ingredient list keeps everything simple while delivering big flavor. The 80/20 ground beef ratio gives the perfect balance of moisture and crispness. Flour tortillas hold up well during the smash, ensuring that each bite stays crisp without falling apart. The burger sauce adds that signature tangy richness that completes the dish.

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Divide the ground beef into small portions, about two and a half ounces each. Roll them gently into loose balls without pressing too firmly. Keeping the meat lightly packed helps maintain a tender texture. Place the portions in the refrigerator while you preheat your cooking surface.

Step 2: Heat the Cooking Surface
Set your griddle or cast iron skillet over high heat. Do not grease the surface. A dry, hot surface is what creates that signature crispy crust on the beef. Wait until you see a light smoke before adding the meat.

Step 3: Season and Smash
Combine salt and pepper in a small bowl. Roll each beef ball in the mixture to season evenly. Place a ball onto the hot surface, then quickly top it with a tortilla. Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to flatten it firmly until very thin. This step helps the meat stick to the tortilla and form crispy edges.

Step 4: Cook Until Crispy
Let each smash taco cook for about one minute. Press down again lightly to help release excess fat. Continue cooking for two to three minutes, undisturbed, until the edges turn deep brown and crisp. Use a spatula to peek underneath and check for a golden crust.

Step 5: Flip and Melt the Cheese
Flip each taco so the tortilla side is now on the griddle. Let it cook for another two to three minutes to crisp up the tortilla. Add a slice of cheese on top of the beef and allow it to melt naturally as the tortilla toasts.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Remove from heat and place each taco on a plate. Add a spoonful of burger sauce, then top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickle chips. Serve immediately while warm so the tortilla stays crisp and the cheese remains gooey.

Cooking tip: Always make sure your surface is hot before smashing the beef. If it’s not hot enough, the meat will steam instead of sear, leading to a soggy texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With Smash Burger Tacos

These tacos pair perfectly with simple, classic sides. Try serving them with crispy fries, onion rings, or a side of coleslaw for balance. A fresh salad or grilled corn adds a lighter touch if you want something less heavy. For drinks, cold sodas or homemade lemonade complement the rich flavors beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers, place the tacos in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat instead of the microwave. This helps bring back the crisp texture of the tortilla without making it soggy. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge before warming. Keep the sauce separate until serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Creative Variations to Try

Classic Big Mac Style

Bring fast-food nostalgia home with this version inspired by the famous burger. Use the same beef base, then layer on shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and plenty of burger sauce. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the tortilla for an extra touch of flavor. The combination gives you that familiar Big Mac taste in a crispy taco form.

Fried Taco Dorado Style

For a golden, crunchy twist, lightly brush each taco with oil and pan-fry both sides until crisp and blistered. This version adds a deeper crunch and a rich, toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with melted cheese. It’s great for serving at parties or when you want a little extra texture.

Keto or Low-Carb Style

Skip the tortillas and make cheese shells instead. Sprinkle shredded cheese in circles on a hot nonstick pan until it melts and forms a lacy edge. Once it cools slightly, shape it into a taco shell. Fill it with the smashed beef, sauce, and toppings for a low-carb option that keeps all the flavor and satisfaction of the original.

Conclusion

Smash burger tacos combine two comfort food favorites into one satisfying bite. The crispy tortilla, juicy beef, and tangy sauce come together to create a meal that’s simple yet incredibly tasty. It’s easy to prepare, cooks fast, and always impresses whether you serve it for dinner, game night, or a casual gathering.

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating to share how it turned out for you. Your feedback helps others discover it too. Don’t forget to share your photos or tag your version on Pinterest or Facebook. What toppings or twists did you try? Tell us below and inspire others to make their own delicious smash burger tacos.

Smash Burger Tacos

Ella

These Smash Burger Tacos offer the best of both worlds—crispy, juicy smashed burgers tucked into soft tortillas, topped with a tangy burger sauce. Perfect for taco night or a viral food trend!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 656 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Smash Burger Tacos

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 cracks of freshly ground black pepper
• 6 small flour tortillas about six inches each, soft and pliable so the beef adheres well
• 6 slices of muenster or provolone cheese for that smooth melt
• Shredded lettuce for freshness
• Finely chopped white onion for crunch
• Dill pickle chips for tang and contrast

For the Burger Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons finely minced bread and butter pickles
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine
• 10 cracks of fresh black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Divide the ground beef into small portions, about two and a half ounces each. Roll them gently into loose balls without pressing too firmly. Keeping the meat lightly packed helps maintain a tender texture. Place the portions in the refrigerator while you preheat your cooking surface.

Step 2: Heat the Cooking Surface

• Set your griddle or cast iron skillet over high heat. Do not grease the surface. A dry, hot surface is what creates that signature crispy crust on the beef. Wait until you see a light smoke before adding the meat.

Step 3: Season and Smash

• Combine salt and pepper in a small bowl. Roll each beef ball in the mixture to season evenly. Place a ball onto the hot surface, then quickly top it with a tortilla. Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to flatten it firmly until very thin. This step helps the meat stick to the tortilla and form crispy edges.

Step 4: Cook Until Crispy

• Let each smash taco cook for about one minute. Press down again lightly to help release excess fat. Continue cooking for two to three minutes, undisturbed, until the edges turn deep brown and crisp. Use a spatula to peek underneath and check for a golden crust.

Step 5: Flip and Melt the Cheese

• Flip each taco so the tortilla side is now on the griddle. Let it cook for another two to three minutes to crisp up the tortilla. Add a slice of cheese on top of the beef and allow it to melt naturally as the tortilla toasts.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

• Remove from heat and place each taco on a plate. Add a spoonful of burger sauce, then top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickle chips. Serve immediately while warm so the tortilla stays crisp and the cheese remains gooey.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 656
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 71 mg
• Sodium: 966 mg
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 11 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Vitamin D: 0 mcg
• Calcium: 246 mg
• Iron: 4 mg

Potassium: 439 mg

Keyword Burger Tacos, Crispy Tacos, Smash Burger Tacos

FAQ