Get ready for a fun twist on taco night with smash burger tacos! These tasty treats combine juicy beef patties with all your favorite taco toppings, wrapped in soft tortillas.
I love how quick and easy these tacos are to make. Just smash the patties, cook them up, and pile on cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Dinner is served, and everyone is happy! 🌮🍔
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is great for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking to reduce fat, try a 90/10 mix, or for a beefy twist, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just ensure to adjust cooking time as they may take less time to cook.
Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas are ideal. If you prefer something gluten-free, corn tortillas are a good substitute. I love using homemade tortillas when I have the time—they taste amazing!
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice for burgers, but feel free to swap it out for Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want a bit of spice. A cheese blend can add more flavor too!
Pickles: While they’re optional, I recommend adding pickles for that tangy crunch. If you’re not a fan, chopped jalapeños could bring in that similar zest without being overly sour.
How Do You Ensure Your Burgers Are Perfectly Cooked?
Smashing burgers is key for that crispy exterior, but timing is crucial. Focus on these steps:
- Preheat your skillet until hot enough that water sizzles when added.
- After placing the beef balls on the pan, press down firmly with a spatula. This creates those crispy edges!
- Don’t rush the flip! Wait until you see a browned crust before turning; this ensures flavor and texture.
- Keep the heat steady—too hot and they may burn, too low and they’ll just steam.
By keeping an eye on the heat and cooking time, your burgers will end up juicy and delicious every time!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup pickles, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little time forming the patties, cooking them up, and assembling the tacos. It’s a quick, tasty meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tacos:
Start by heating a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add a small amount of oil to the pan so it coats the bottom. This helps to cook the burgers without sticking.
2. Form Patties:
Next, take the pound of ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. These will be your burger patties!
3. Smash the Burgers:
Once your skillet is ready, place the beef balls into the pan. Using a spatula, press down to flatten each ball into a thin patty. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top to season them. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they’re nicely browned on the bottom.
4. Add Cheese:
Carefully flip the patties over and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each one. Let them cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts all over the patties.
5. Prepare Tortillas:
While your burgers are cooking, warm the tortillas on another skillet or pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds until they’re soft and pliable. This makes them easier to fold.
6. Assemble Tacos:
Take each warm tortilla and place a cheeseburger patty in the center. Add shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickles if you want a bit of crunch and tang!
7. Drizzle Sauce:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Drizzle a good amount of burger sauce over the top of your filled tacos. Yum!
8. Serve:
Fold the tacos in half and serve them hot! You can put some extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Smash Burger Tacos!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use leaner ground beef, like 90/10, it might not give you the same juiciness and flavor as an 80/20 blend. If you choose to go lean, consider adding a bit of oil or butter to the skillet to help keep the patties moist.
What Can I Substitute for the Burger Sauce?
If you don’t have burger sauce, you can make a quick alternative by mixing ketchup and mayonnaise with a dash of mustard and some pickles or relish. Adjust the ratios to suit your taste for a delicious homemade version!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover Smash Burger Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet on low heat, ensuring they’re heated through without getting mushy.
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just make sure to cover them tightly. When you’re ready to cook, simply take them out and proceed with the recipe as directed!
