Get ready for a fun twist on dinner with these smash burger tacos! They combine juicy beef patties, soft tortillas, and all your favorite toppings. Who knew tacos could be this exciting?
When I make these, I can’t help but laugh at how messy they get—there’s just so much flavor! Serve them with a side of fries for a complete meal that’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is great for flavor and juiciness, but you can use leaner ground beef or even ground turkey if you’re aiming for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that leaner meat might yield drier patties without added fat.
Flour Tortillas: Taco-sized tortillas are standard, but corn tortillas can work too for a gluten-free option. If you prefer, try lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice that still holds all the yummy fillings!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but feel free to swap in Monterey Jack for a different flavor or a blend of cheeses for extra creaminess. Vegan cheese is great for a dairy-free version.
Special Sauce: If you’re not a fan of thousand island dressing, mix ketchup and mayonnaise for a familiar taste. You can also jazz it up with hot sauce, mustard, or barbecue sauce for something unique!
How Do You Perfectly Smash the Burger Patties?
Getting that perfect smash is key to achieving a great crust. Start with a well-heated skillet! This ensures the meat sears nicely. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat your skillet or griddle to medium-high until it’s hot.
- Drizzle some cooking oil right before adding the beef.
- Drop your beef balls spaced apart. Use a spatula to press down firmly to flatten them. No need to press too hard—just enough to form a patty.
- Season immediately with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor as they cook.
Remember, letting the beef cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before flipping builds a nice crust. Happy cooking!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 taco-sized flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup special sauce (e.g., thousand island dressing or your favorite burger sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- Optional: sliced pickles, jalapeños for additional toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 5 minutes preparing the beef and warming the tortillas, then another 10-15 minutes cooking everything up and assembling the tacos. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by preheating a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, roughly 2 ounces each. Lightly form each portion into a loose ball—don’t squish them too tight! This will help keep the burgers juicy.
2. Cook the Beef:
Once your skillet is nice and hot, add a drizzle of cooking oil so the patties don’t stick. Place the beef balls in the skillet, giving them some space. Now, take a spatula and smash each ball down flat to form a nice patty. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to season. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side, allowing a tasty crust to form.
3. Add Cheese:
Gently flip the patties and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on each one. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the patties are done to your liking. Yum!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are finishing up, take another pan or griddle to warm the flour tortillas. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re nice and pliable. This makes them easy to fold and fill!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Grab a warm tortilla and place it on a plate. Add two of those delicious smashed burger patties on top. Layer on some shredded lettuce, diced onions, and drizzle with your special sauce.
6. Serve:
If you like, add sliced pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve your Smash Burger Tacos immediately, and don’t forget to keep some extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you choose. Always ensure the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
What if I Don’t Have Taco-Sized Tortillas?
No problem! If taco-sized tortillas aren’t available, you can use larger tortillas and simply fold them over your tacos. Alternatively, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option; just warm them up properly to make them more pliable!
How Can I Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store any leftover cooked patties, cheese, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the patties in a skillet and warm the tortillas before assembling your tacos once more.
Can I Make the Special Sauce Homemade?
Definitely! A simple homemade version can be made by mixing mayo, ketchup, mustard, and a few pickle relish spoonfuls. Feel free to adjust the ratios to taste, or add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce for some extra zing!
