These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos! Juicy burger patties are smashed for extra flavor and topped with your favorite fixings, all wrapped in a soft tortilla.
I love how they’re super simple to make! Just cook the patties, put them in the tortillas, and add cheese and veggies. Perfect for a quick dinner, and who doesn’t love tacos? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the juiciest flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that they may produce a drier taco.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas have a nice authenticity, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free or use lettuce wraps instead!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings great flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice or even a dairy-free cheese if you prefer.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess; Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangy twist. For a dairy-free option, you can use cashew cream or coconut yogurt.
Hot Sauce: This is optional but adds a nice kick! Feel free to use your favorite brand or omit it completely if you prefer milder flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Smash Burger Patties for Tacos?
Smashing the burger patties is key to getting that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet for a good sear. Add oil and preheat for a minute.
- Shape the beef loosely into balls without packing them tightly.
- Place the patties in the skillet and use a spatula to smash them down flat, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps create that crispy edge.
- Season well with salt and pepper right after smashing. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, then flip, add cheese, and cover for melting.
Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan; give each patty enough space to cook perfectly!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. In no time, you’ll have flavorful smash burger tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by mixing the sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and optional hot sauce in a small bowl. Stir well until everything is combined, and then set it aside. This yummy sauce will add a nice kick to your tacos!
2. Form Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a loose ball, and then gently flatten each ball into a patty shape. No need to worry about making them perfect; they’re supposed to be a bit rustic!
3. Heat the Pan:
Grab a large skillet and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add a splash of cooking oil and let it heat up for about a minute. You want the oil to be hot enough to give your burgers a nice sear.
4. Cook the Beef:
Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, making sure to leave some space between them. Now, take a spatula and smash each patty down gently—this is what makes them “smash burgers”! Season the patties with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are brown, then flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the shredded cheese on top of each patty, covering the skillet to help it melt.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, it’s time to warm the tortillas! In a separate skillet or on a griddle, warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. This step helps to make them easy to fold and eat!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! On each warm tortilla, place a smashed burger patty with melted cheese. Then, pile on some shredded lettuce and diced pickles, and finish with a drizzle of your prepared sauce. Yum!
7. Serve:
Your easy smash burger tacos are ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately while they are warm, and consider adding extra hot sauce for a little more flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be cautious not to overcook it, as it tends to dry out. You might consider mixing in a bit of cooking oil or a flavorful ingredient like diced onions to keep it moist and juicy!
How Do I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, try increasing the amount of hot sauce in the sauce mixture or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes directly onto the patties while cooking. You can also add jalapeño slices on top when assembling!
Can I Meal Prep These Smash Burger Tacos?
Definitely! You can prepare the patties and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the patties and warm the tortillas. Assembled tacos are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge (without the toppings) for a day or so.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Tortillas should be kept in their original packaging or a sealed bag. Store the sauce in a separate container to keep it fresh, and it can last about a week in the fridge!
