Why Make This Recipe
Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on two classic favorites: burgers and tacos. They combine the juicy flavor of smash burgers with the convenience of tacos, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Plus, they are simple to prepare and can easily be customized to satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat percentage)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 cracks fresh black pepper
- 6 (six-inch) flour tortillas (flour works best; they’re more absorbent and the meat sticks better)
- 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped white onion (for topping)
- Dill pickle chips (for topping)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons minced bread & butter pickles
- 1 tablespoon pickle brine
- 10 cracks fresh black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
In a bowl, combine all burger sauce ingredients and whisk to mix well. Refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. You can prepare this sauce up to three days in advance.
In another bowl, mix together the salt and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the ground beef. Be gentle with the meat; less handling makes it more tender. Divide the beef into 2 1/2-ounce balls and place them on a plate. Chill them in the fridge while you preheat your flat top.
Turn your flat top to high heat without greasing it. Let it get very hot; this is key to achieving crispy, juicy beef.
Place each beef ball on the hot flat top and set a six-inch tortilla on top of each ball. Use your smashing tool to press down firmly, flattening the meat until it is very thin. Cook for one minute, then press down again to render some fat out for the edges to cook better. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
Check if the underside of a burger is browned and crispy using a stiff steel spatula. If not, increase the temperature. Once browned, carefully flip the smash burger tacos, tortilla side down, and cook for another two minutes to crisp up the tortilla. Add cheese on top so it melts as the tortillas cook.
Remove from the heat, add the burger sauce and your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Serve your delicious Smash Burger Tacos hot, with extra burger sauce and toppings on the side. You can add salsa, hot sauce, or any other condiments you enjoy. These tacos pair wonderfully with chips, guacamole, or a fresh salad.
How to Store Easy Smash Burger Tacos
If you have leftovers, store the taco filling and tortillas separately in airtight containers. The meat can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat in a skillet or microwave before serving again. Crisp up the tortillas in a hot pan if you like them crunchy.
Tips to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Customize your toppings based on what you like. Add jalapeños or avocado for an extra kick.
- Make sure your flat top is super hot to achieve that perfect crispy crust on the beef.
Variation
You can swap out beef for ground turkey or chicken to make lighter smash burger tacos. Just be mindful of cooking times, as poultry will require slightly different handling to ensure it’s fully cooked.
FAQs
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead?
While you can use corn tortillas, flour tortillas are recommended for smash burger tacos because they handle the meat better and are softer.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
Muenster and provolone are great choices because they melt well, but feel free to use your favorite cheese like cheddar or American if you prefer.
3. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! The burger sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to meld together for an even tastier result.
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
For the burger and toppings
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat percentage)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 cracks fresh black pepper to taste
- 6 pieces flour tortillas (six-inch) Flour works best for absorbing juices.
- 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese Choose your preferred cheese.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce For topping.
- 1 cup chopped white onion For topping.
- 1 cup dill pickle chips For topping.
For the burger sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons minced bread & butter pickles
- 1 tablespoon pickle brine
- 10 cracks fresh black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine all burger sauce ingredients and whisk to mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In another bowl, mix together the salt and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the ground beef. Be gentle with the meat; less handling makes it more tender. Divide the beef into 2 1/2-ounce balls and place them on a plate. Chill them in the fridge while you preheat your flat top.
Cooking
- Turn your flat top to high heat without greasing it. Let it get very hot.
- Place each beef ball on the hot flat top and set a six-inch tortilla on top of each ball. Use your smashing tool to press down firmly, flattening the meat until it is very thin.
- Cook for one minute, then press down again to render some fat out for the edges to cook better. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Check if the underside of a burger is browned and crispy. Once browned, carefully flip the smash burger tacos, tortilla side down, and cook for another two minutes to crisp up the tortilla. Add cheese on top to melt as the tortillas cook.
Serving
- Remove from the heat, add the burger sauce and your favorite toppings, and enjoy!