Smash Burger Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the best of burgers and tacos
• Crispy, flavorful beef with gooey melted cheese
• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• No grill needed—made on a stovetop or griddle
• Perfect for parties, kids, or casual dinners
• Customizable with endless topping options
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Portable and fun to eat
• Guaranteed crowd-pleaser

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• Small flour tortillas
• Salt and black pepper
• American cheese or cheddar slices
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Pickles, sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Special sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish mix)
• Cooking oil or nonstick spray

Directions

1. Divide the beef: Portion ground beef into golf ball-sized amounts (about 2–3 ounces each).
2. Heat your skillet or griddle: Place over medium-high heat and lightly grease with oil or spray.
3. Smash and cook: Place a tortilla on the hot surface. Put one beef ball on top of the tortilla and smash it flat with a spatula or burger press, spreading it to cover most of the tortilla. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook and flip: Cook for about 2–3 minutes until the beef is browned and crispy on the edges. Flip the whole tortilla-beef combo to sear the other side for 1 minute.
5. Add cheese: Flip back and immediately place a slice of cheese on top of the beef. Let it melt for 30–60 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos: Transfer the smash burger tacos to a plate and top with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and a drizzle of special sauce.
7. Serve hot: Fold and enjoy immediately while the beef is still crisp and the cheese is melty.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add jalapeños, spicy pickles, or hot sauce.
• Different cheese: Use pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone.
• Lettuce wrap: Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb version.
• Mini tacos: Use street taco-size tortillas for smaller portions.
• Bacon smash: Add crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
• Avocado: Top with sliced avocado or guacamole.
• Pickle lovers: Add chopped pickles directly into the ground beef before smashing.
• Turkey or chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Onion smash: Press thinly sliced onions into the beef before smashing, like an Oklahoma onion burger.
• Extra saucy: Serve with additional dipping sauce or drizzle with burger sauce before folding.

Storage/Reheating

For best texture, serve these tacos fresh.
If storing leftovers, keep the beef-tortilla base separate from toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the tortillas soggy.

FAQs

What kind of beef should I use?

Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful results with crispy edges.

Can I make these in advance?

You can pre-cook the beef and tortillas, then reheat and assemble just before serving.

Do I need a burger press?

No, a sturdy spatula works fine. Just press firmly to flatten the beef onto the tortilla.

Can I use corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas hold up better with the beef and smashing process, but small corn tortillas can work if handled gently.

What’s in the special sauce?

A mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, and a dash of vinegar creates a classic burger sauce.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes, but the melty cheese adds richness and helps hold the toppings together.

Are these tacos kid-friendly?

Absolutely. You can control the ingredients and keep them mild for picky eaters.

What toppings go best with smash burger tacos?

Classic burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and burger sauce are perfect, but feel free to get creative.

How do I keep the beef from shrinking?

Press the beef evenly over the tortilla and don’t move it while cooking—it will crisp and stay spread out.

Can I grill these instead of using a skillet?

A flat-top griddle on the grill works well, but directly grilling isn’t recommended since the tortillas may burn or fall apart.

Conclusion

Smash Burger Tacos are the ultimate fusion of crispy, juicy burgers and soft, foldable tacos. With just a few ingredients and a quick cook time, you can serve up a flavorful, fun meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner, game night, or just a craving for something new, these tacos deliver big taste with minimal effort.

Smash Burger Tacos

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Smash Burger Tacos are a fun fusion of classic burgers and tacos, featuring crispy smashed beef patties cooked directly on tortillas and topped with melty cheese, fresh toppings, and a tangy special sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 to 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 8–10 small flour tortillas
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8–10 slices American cheese or cheddar
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced pickles
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup special sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish mix)
• Cooking oil or nonstick spray

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Instructions

1. Portion the ground beef into golf ball-sized balls (about 2–3 ounces each).
2. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease with oil or nonstick spray.
3. Place a tortilla on the hot surface. Put a beef ball on top of the tortilla and smash it flat using a spatula or burger press to spread the beef thin. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef is browned and crispy around the edges.
5. Flip the entire tortilla with beef and cook the other side for 1 minute.
6. Flip back and place a slice of cheese on top of the beef. Let it melt for 30–60 seconds.
7. Transfer to a plate and top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and a drizzle of special sauce.
8. Fold the taco and serve hot immediately.

Notes

• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.
• Turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat can be used as alternatives.
• Mix chopped pickles into the beef before smashing for extra flavor.
• Store components separately if making ahead; reheat beef-tortilla combo in skillet for best texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 95mg