Name: Smash Burger Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 6 small flour tortillas; 6 slices American cheese (or cheddar); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1/4 cup finely chopped pickles; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; Shredded lettuce, for topping; Optional: sliced tomatoes, jalapeños, hot sauce

Crispy, cheesy, griddle-smashed beef patties meet soft taco shells in this mouthwatering fusion of classic burgers and street-style tacos. These smash burger tacos are juicy, flavorful, and come together in minutes for the ultimate quick dinner or game day snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these smash burger tacos bring together the best of two comfort food worlds: burgers and tacos. The crispy edges of the smashed beef contrast perfectly with the soft flour tortillas, while the melted cheese and zesty burger sauce make every bite irresistible. It’s quick, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing party snack.

Ingredients

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

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

6 small flour tortillas

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

6 slices American cheese (or cheddar)

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1/4 cup finely chopped pickles

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

Shredded lettuce, for topping

Optional: sliced tomatoes, jalapeños, hot sauce

Directions

I start by mixing the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and chopped pickles in a small bowl to make the burger sauce. Then I set it aside.

I season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and divide it into 6 equal balls.

After preheating my griddle or a large skillet over medium-high heat, I place one tortilla down and immediately press a ball of beef onto it using a spatula or burger press, smashing it thin.

I cook the tortilla with beef for 2–3 minutes, then flip it so the beef side is down. I top it with a slice of cheese and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.

Next I repeat this for the remaining tortillas and beef.

Once cooked, I spread a spoonful of burger sauce on each taco and add chopped onions, shredded lettuce, and any extra toppings I’m in the mood for.

I fold them and serve right away while they’re hot and crispy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 tacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories per taco: 410 kcal

Variations

I like switching things up sometimes by using different cheeses like pepper jack or Swiss. For a spicy version, I add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce. If I’m craving crunch, I throw in crispy fried onions or bacon bits. I’ve also made them with turkey or plant-based ground meat, and they still taste great.

Storage/Reheating

I recommend enjoying these fresh for the best texture, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat to crisp the tortilla again and warm the beef. The microwave works too, but it can make the taco a bit soft.

Related Recipes:

Pumpkin Pie Tacos

FAQs

What kind of ground beef works best for smash burger tacos?

I like using 80/20 ground beef because it has the right amount of fat to keep the patties juicy and flavorful when smashed and cooked.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

I find that they’re best served right after cooking, but I can prep the sauce and toppings in advance. I can also pre-shape the beef balls and store them in the fridge until I’m ready to cook.

What’s a good substitute for American cheese?

If I don’t have American cheese, I use cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss. The key is to pick a cheese that melts well.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

I prefer flour tortillas because they hold up better with the smashed beef, but if I like corn tortillas, I can try them—just know they might be more fragile and less flexible.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

I add sliced jalapeños, spicy pickles, chipotle mayo, or a few drops of hot sauce to the burger sauce to crank up the heat.

Conclusion

Smash burger tacos are the kind of recipe I keep coming back to—quick, fun, and full of bold flavors. Whether I’m cooking for friends or just want an easy dinner, this dish always hits the spot. It’s a satisfying mashup of two classics I never get tired of.

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