Say goodbye to the taco versus burger debate and embrace the culinary genius of Smash Burger Tacos! Imagine the savory goodness of a smash burger tucked neatly inside a perfectly grilled tortilla. It’s a match made in street-food heaven that brings the classic grill vibes straight to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Fusion: Combines the best of burgers and tacos into one handheld delight.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Easily adapted for different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Crowd Pleaser: Great for gatherings, offering a fun twist on classic finger foods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect smash burger tacos requires just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy burger sauce that ties it all together to the crunch of fresh lettuce.
- Mayonnaise: The rich base for our signature burger sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy complexity to the sauce.
- Flour Tortillas: Acts as a convenient vessel for our burger creation.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides the juicy, hearty foundation of our tacos.
- American Cheese: Melts beautifully over the patties for that classic burger taste.
- Dill Pickle Chips: Offers a zesty crunch to each bite.
Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these smash burger tacos. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or simply your cravings, this recipe is incredibly adaptable.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños and hot sauce to kick up the heat.
- Veggie Swap: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Variations: Try cheddar or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Step 1: Portion and Prepare
Begin by dividing your ground beef into four equal portions. This helps ensure that your tacos will cook evenly and each bite will be uniformly delicious.
Step 2: Create the Patty
Lay a tortilla on your workspace and spread one portion of beef over it, covering the entire surface. This gives each taco its unique identity, with the meat binding directly to the tortilla.
Step 3: Cooking the Taco
Toss your tortilla-meat masterpiece onto a heated skillet. Press gently with a spatula and let it cook until a delightful crunch forms, then flip and melt cheese over the top.
Pro Tips for Making Smash Burger Tacos
- Pressing Technique: Use the spatula to press the tortilla firmly to ensure even cooking and a delightful crisp.
- Griddle Perfection: Use a griddle if available, allowing you to cook multiple tacos at once with uniform heat distribution.
- Sauce Preparation: Make the sauce a day ahead to deepen the flavors, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Cheese Choice: Ensure the cheese has a good meltability to get that perfect gooey texture over the burger.
How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos
Garnishes
Top your tacos with shredded iceberg lettuce for a crisp, refreshing bite, and don’t forget a few dill pickle chips for that extra zing that complements the savory beef perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these smash burger tacos with a fresh coleslaw or a classic potato salad. These sides add a creamy complement to the crispy, cheesy goodness of the tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your smash burger tacos on a long platter, interleaved with colorful toppings like sliced avocados and cherry tomatoes to impress guests with a rainbow display of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and tasty, ready for a quick meal later.
Freezing
If you plan on freezing, wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag to maintain their structure, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that delicious crispy texture without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I make the burger sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The burger sauce tastes even better when made a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and mix before using.
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What if I don’t have American cheese?
You can substitute with any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Swiss, to achieve a similar creamy texture.
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Are these tacos spicy?
No, they’re not inherently spicy, but you can add jalapeños or hot sauce if you crave a spicier version.
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How can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all condiments and seasonings are certified gluten-free to adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
These smash burger tacos are an absolute game-changer, combining the best of both worlds in a playful, flavor-packed dish. So why not turn your next meal into a fiesta of flavors and textures? Gather your favorites, experiment with toppings, and let the good times roll!
Print
Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American/Mexican fusion
Description
Enjoy a fusion take on classic burgers with these Smash Burger Tacos—tender ground beef patties crispy-fried on a skillet, topped with melty cheese and served in warm tortillas with flavorful burger sauce and fresh toppings. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with a fun twist on traditional tacos or burgers.
Ingredients
Burger Sauce / Big Mac 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
Tacos:
- 4 Flour tortillas, 6 inches in size
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, both to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
- 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred burger cheese)
- 1 small onion, diced
- Dillpickle chips, for topping
- Shredded iceberg lettuce, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes to meld flavors.
- Portion the beef: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- Assemble the tacos: Place a tortilla on your work surface and evenly spread a beef portion over it, covering the entire surface.
- Season the beef: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the meat-covered side.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil.
- Cook the smash burgers: Gently place the tortilla with the beef side down onto the hot surface, pressing lightly with a spatula to form a thin patty. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip and add cheese: Flip the taco burger, add a slice of cheese on top, and cook for another 1-3 minutes until cheese melts and the tortilla edges are crispy to your liking. Be careful to avoid charring.
- Repeat: Remove from heat and repeat with remaining portions.
- Assemble and serve: Top each smash taco with burger sauce, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- The burger sauce can be prepared ahead and tastes better after flavors meld for at least an hour.
- Use fajita-sized tortillas (6 inches) for typical tacos; smaller street taco-sized tortillas can yield about 8 tacos.
- You can substitute the American cheese with your favorite melting cheese such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- For extra crispiness, cook the tacos in batches on a griddle or large skillet. The process works best when all tacos are cooked at once.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This recipe is versatile—try adding your favorite toppings like tomatoes, jalapeños, or bacon for a personalized touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: twenty-one grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
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