Why Make This Recipe
Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on two beloved favorites: smash burgers and tacos. This dish combines the juicy, savory goodness of a burger with the convenience of a taco, making it perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the homemade sauce adds a delightful creaminess that elevates the whole dish. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these tacos will surely impress!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas (6 inches)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 4 slices American cheese (or preferred cheese)
- Fresh toppings:
- Diced onion
- Dill pickle chips
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Homemade Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
Prepare the Meat: Start by dividing the ground beef into 4 equal portions. This will help you create evenly sized patties for your smash burgers.
Season: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on each portion of beef. This step adds basic yet essential flavor to the meat.
Heat the Skillet: Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral oil to help prevent sticking and to give the meat a nice sear.
Cook the Tacos: Take a tortilla and place it in the skillet, meat-side down. Then, put one portion of the seasoned beef on top of the tortilla. Use a spatula to press down firmly to smash the burger. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, usually around 2-3 minutes. Flip the tortilla, lay a slice of cheese on top, and cook until the cheese melts, about another minute.
Repeat: Continue this process with the remaining tortillas and beef. Each taco should become a delicious, cheesy delight!
Make the Sauce: While the tacos are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Tacos: Once all the tacos are cooked, spread a generous amount of sauce on each taco. Top with diced onions, dill pickle chips, and shredded iceberg lettuce for crunch. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Smash Burger Tacos!
How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos
Serve your Smash Burger Tacos while they are warm. A great idea is to place them on a large plate or serving platter so everyone can help themselves. You could also prepare extra toppings like chopped fresh cilantro or jalapeños for those who like a little more heat. Pair your tacos with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad to create a complete meal. Don’t forget some drinks to wash it down; soda, beer, or a refreshing iced tea would all be great choices.
How to Store Smash Burger Tacos
If you have any leftovers (though they might not last long!), here’s how to store them:
Refrigerate: Allow the tacos to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked beef and tortillas for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in foil or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Then, microwave or heat in a skillet until warmed through.
Tips to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Beef Fat Ratio: Using lean ground beef is great, but a slightly fattier mix (like 80/20) can add extra juice and flavor to your tacos.
Cheese Choices: While American cheese gives a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for something different.
Tortilla Options: Flour tortillas are soft and fluffy but corn tortillas can give a nice authentic touch. Choose based on your preference!
Add More Veggies: For added nutrition, consider topping your tacos with sliced tomatoes or avocado.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to kick things up a notch.
Variation
For a unique twist, you can make BBQ Smash Burger Tacos. Add barbecue sauce to the patty while it’s cooking and top with coleslaw instead of traditional toppings. This variation gives a Southern flair to your Smash Burger Tacos and is incredibly delicious!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
- Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can work well, but keep in mind they might need different seasoning to enhance their flavor.
What else can I use for toppings?
- You can get creative with toppings! Try diced tomatoes, fresh avocado, jalapeños, or even a dollop of guacamole for added flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving.
By following this detailed recipe, you’re sure to create delightful Smash Burger Tacos that will satisfy your cravings and please your friends and family. Enjoy cooking and savoring this fantastic dish!
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Smash Burger Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A fun twist on smash burgers and tacos, combining juicy beef with delicious toppings and a creamy homemade sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas (6 inches)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 4 slices American cheese (or preferred cheese)
- Diced onion (for topping)
- Dill pickle chips (for topping)
- Shredded iceberg lettuce (for topping)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions to create even patties.
- Season each portion generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- On the skillet, place a tortilla meat-side down and put one portion of seasoned beef on top. Smash the burger with a spatula.
- Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the tortilla, add a slice of cheese, and cook until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and beef.
- Mix mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl to make the sauce.
- Spread sauce on each taco and top with diced onions, pickle chips, and shredded lettuce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Experiment with different cheeses and additional toppings like avocado or spicy jalapeños for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: smash burger, tacos, creamy sauce, easy recipe, quick dinner
