Smash Burger Tacos combine the best of both worlds: juicy, crispy smash burgers and soft tortillas. These tacos are filled with flavorful beef, melted cheese, and your favorite burger toppings, making them the perfect meal for any burger lover. Quick to make and customizable to your taste, they’re great for busy weeknights or when you want to try something a little different!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe puts a fun spin on traditional tacos by swapping taco meat for smashed, crispy burger patties. The result is a combination of the best taco flavors and the savory goodness of a smash burger. The addition of melted cheese and classic burger toppings, all wrapped in a soft tortilla, creates a flavorful and satisfying bite. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the table! Smash Burger Tacos

Ingredients

1.5 pounds ground beef
Seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
8-9 small flour street taco tortillas
Cheese slices (your choice, e.g., American, cheddar, or Swiss)
Burger toppings of your choice (e.g., lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard)
Paper towels (for draining)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Beef:

Take the ground beef and season it according to your preferences. Mix the seasonings well into the beef, then form the mixture into 2-inch balls.

Cook the Smash Burgers:

Heat a skillet to about 350°F (175°C).
Place the beef balls on the skillet and top each with a small tortilla (street taco size). Using a spatula, smash the beef balls as flat as possible to form the burger patties.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is browned and crispy.

Add the Cheese:

Flip the burgers over and add a slice of your favorite cheese on top. Cover the skillet to help melt the cheese.

Drain the Tacos:

Remove the tacos from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Assemble the Tacos:

Serve the tacos with your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, or mustard.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8-9 tacos
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories per taco: 280 kcal

Variations

Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist, or Swiss for a more savory flavor.
Spicy version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the tacos for some extra heat.
Vegetarian option: Use a plant-based burger patty instead of ground beef to make these tacos vegetarian.
Taco toppings: Customize the toppings by adding avocado, bacon, or even fried onions for added texture and flavor.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the tacos in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side to crisp up the tortilla and melt the cheese again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of tortilla?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas, flour tortillas, or even low-carb tortillas depending on your preference.

2. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

While the burgers are best served fresh, you can prepare the patties in advance, refrigerate them, and then cook them when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

3. Can I use pre-cooked beef for this recipe?

While freshly cooked ground beef will give the best flavor and texture, you can use pre-cooked beef if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to heat it through and add seasoning as needed.

4. Can I make these tacos in a griddle instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can use a griddle to cook the smash burgers. Just be sure it’s heated to the right temperature and that you have enough space for the tortillas to cover the patties.

5. How do I keep the tacos crispy?

To keep the tacos crispy, make sure you drain the excess grease on paper towels after cooking. Also, avoid overstuffing the tacos with toppings to keep the tortilla from getting soggy.

6. Can I add sauces inside the taco?

Yes, feel free to add ketchup, mustard, mayo, or even barbecue sauce to the inside of the taco for added flavor.

7. How do I prevent the cheese from melting too quickly?

If you’re using a high-heat cooking method, like a skillet or griddle, cover the pan after adding the cheese to help it melt without burning.

8. Can I make these tacos with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but keep in mind they may not get as crispy as beef. You may want to add a bit of oil to help with browning.

9. How can I make the burgers more flavorful?

Experiment with different seasonings! Adding a little Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture can boost the flavor.

10. What can I serve with these tacos?

These tacos pair well with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce or salsa for added flavor.

Conclusion

Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious, fun twist on the classic taco. By combining the juicy, crispy smash burger patties with soft tortillas, melted cheese, and your favorite burger toppings, you get the perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re quick, easy, and customizable, making them the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together. Try these tacos today for a satisfying and exciting new take on taco night!

Smash Burger Tacos

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Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8-9 tacos

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Description

A fun twist on traditional tacos, combining juicy smash burgers and soft tortillas with melted cheese and your favorite burger toppings. Perfect for a quick, delicious meal!

Ingredients

1.5 pounds ground beef
Seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
8–9 small flour street taco tortillas
Cheese slices (your choice, e.g., American, cheddar, or Swiss)
Burger toppings of your choice (e.g., lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard)
Paper towels (for draining)

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Instructions

Take the ground beef and season it according to your preferences. Mix well and form into 2-inch balls.
Heat a skillet to about 350°F (175°C).
Place the beef balls on the skillet and top with small tortillas (street taco size). Smash the beef balls down as flat as possible using a spatula.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.
Flip the burgers and add a slice of your favorite cheese on top. Cover the skillet until the cheese is melted.
Remove from the skillet and let the tacos drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Serve with your favorite burger toppings and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize the burger toppings based on your preferences!
Using small tortillas helps achieve the perfect taco-to-burger ratio.
Make sure to press the beef down firmly when smashing to get that signature crispy edge.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American