Are you craving a fun and delicious twist on classic comfort food? If so, you’re in for a treat! The Smash Burger Taco combines the mouthwatering flavors of a juicy smash burger with the convenience of a street taco, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. This recipe is special not just for its flavor but also for its simplicity. It’s a fantastic meal for weeknight dinners, offers a budget-friendly option for feeding the family, and has the potential to wow your friends at gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Smash Burger Taco Recipe + Burger Sauce will become a go-to in your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
This Smash Burger Taco is a feast for the senses. The crispy edges of the smash burger paired with gooey American cheese create a heavenly bite. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings. Versatility is another highlight; you can customize toppings to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love, making you the star of your next gathering.
How to Make Smash Burger Taco Recipe + Burger Sauce
Ingredients
Burger Sauce:
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickles (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Taco Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 flour tortillas (street taco size)
- Shredded lettuce
- Burger pickles
- Optional toppings: bacon, white onions
Helpful Notes:
- You can find pickles, both regular and dill, in the condiment aisle.
- If preferred, opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce.
- Ensure your meat is at room temperature for best results while cooking.
Directions
Make Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, add the mayo, ketchup, chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, pickle juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
Prep Burger Balls: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Divide the mixture into six equal-sized balls and set aside.
Prep Other Ingredients: Have your tortillas, cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, and any additional toppings ready to go. The cooking process moves quickly, so preparation is key!
Cook Patties + Toast Tortillas: Preheat a flat-top griddle or skillet to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Place the burger balls on the griddle. Using a burger press, press down on each ball for 15-20 seconds, flattening as much as possible. Let them cook for about 40 seconds. Flip the patties and place a slice of cheese on each. At the same time, add your tortillas to the grill. Close the lid and let cook for approximately 2 minutes. Flip the tortillas carefully, using a spatula to lift each burger patty onto a tortilla once they’re done. Transfer everything to a plate.
Finish Building Taco: On each taco, layer shredded lettuce, a generous spoonful of burger sauce, and pickles. Feel free to add bacon and sliced white onion for extra flavor. Enjoy your creation!
How to Serve Smash Burger Taco Recipe + Burger Sauce
Serve your Smash Burger Tacos warm for the best experience. Arrange them neatly on a platter and consider garnishing with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. These tacos pair wonderfully with crispy potato wedges, a refreshing salad, or even a cold drink like a fizzy soda or an ice-cold beer. For an extra touch, sprinkle with a little extra paprika or fresh herbs before serving.
How to Store Smash Burger Taco Recipe + Burger Sauce
Store any leftover Smash Burger Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to freeze them, wrap each taco tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, it’s best to use an oven at 350°F, heating until warmed through. Check for freshness before consuming and remember, leftovers are best enjoyed promptly!
Tips to Make Smash Burger Taco Recipe + Burger Sauce
Prep Technique: Chilling the ground beef for about 30 minutes before forming patties can help them hold their shape during cooking.
Common Mistake: Avoid overmixing the beef, which can lead to tough patties. Mix gently until just combined.
Cooking Equipment: A flat-top griddle is ideal for this recipe, as it allows for even cooking and browning. However, you can also use a regular skillet.
Flavor Enhancement: For an extra kick, mix a teaspoon of hot sauce into your burger sauce for a spicier version.
Ingredient Substitution: If you don’t have American cheese, cheddar works perfectly well in this recipe.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the burger sauce a day in advance to allow the flavors to blend nicely.
Texture Adjustment: For a crunchier taco, quickly toast the tortillas before assembling.
Leftover Transformation: Chop leftover patties and toss them into a salad for a burger-inspired meal.
Dietary Adaptation: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Batch Cooking: Make extra patties and freeze them uncooked. You can cook them fresh when needed.
Variations
Vegan Delight Taco: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegan cheese and mayo in the sauce for a completely plant-based dish.
Texas BBQ Taco: Add barbecue sauce to the burger mixture and top with crispy fried onions for a smoky flavor.
Citrus Zest Taco: Incorporate lime juice and zest into the burger sauce for a zesty kick. Add avocado slices as a topping for creaminess.
Spicy Jalapeño Taco: Mix diced jalapeños into the burger patty and top with spicy aioli for an extra punch.
Mediterranean Taco: Use ground lamb or beef, seasoned with oregano and garlic. Serve with tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, and diced tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the burger sauce a day in advance and even form the patties ahead of time. Just be sure to store them properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If individual components remain, separate them to preserve freshness.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. To cook from frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What can I substitute for American cheese?
If you’re not a fan of American cheese, feel free to swap it out for cheddar, pepper jack, or any favorite melting cheese.
How do I prevent the patties from sticking?
Make sure your griddle or skillet is properly preheated before adding the patties. A little oil or cooking spray can also help manage sticking.
Is this gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, opt for corn tortillas instead of flour and check that your sauces are gluten-free.
Enjoy crafting your own Smash Burger Tacos and experiment with various toppings to make them uniquely yours!
Smash Burger Taco
Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickles (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Taco Filling
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 pieces flour tortillas (street taco size)
- shredded lettuce
- burger pickles
- optional toppings: bacon, white onions
Instructions
Make Burger Sauce
- In a small bowl, add the mayo, ketchup, chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, pickle juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
Prep Burger Balls
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with kosher salt and black pepper. Gently mix until just combined and divide into six equal-sized balls.
Prep Other Ingredients
- Have your tortillas, cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, and any additional toppings ready to go.
Cook Patties + Toast Tortillas
- Preheat a flat-top griddle or skillet to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Place the burger balls on the griddle and press down with a burger press for 15-20 seconds.
- Let them cook for about 40 seconds, then flip the patties, placing a slice of cheese on each. Add your tortillas to the grill, close the lid, and let cook for approximately 2 minutes before flipping the tortillas.
- Lift each burger patty onto a tortilla once they’re done and transfer everything to a plate.
Finish Building Taco
- On each taco, layer shredded lettuce, a generous spoonful of burger sauce, and pickles. Add bacon and sliced white onion for extra flavor.