These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos! You get juicy beef patties smashed into a crispy shell with all your favorite toppings. How can you say no to that?
When I make these, I love piling on cheese, lettuce, and a dash of salsa. They’re quick to cook and even quicker to gobble up—perfect for busy nights with the family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend ensures juicy patties. If you want a leaner option, go for 90/10, but remember, they won’t be as juicy. For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken instead!
Cheese: Processed cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to swap it for any cheese you love like pepper jack for some spice or Swiss for a milder flavor. Vegan cheese works too if you want a dairy-free option.
Tortillas: I like using small flour tortillas for this recipe, but corn tortillas are a tasty gluten-free alternative. You can also use larger tortillas if you want bigger tacos!
Sauce Ingredients: The smash sauce is creamy and flavorful. If you’re watching calories, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise. Add a dash of hot sauce if you want a little kick!
How Do You Get Crispy Edges on Smash Burgers?
The key to achieving that delicious crispy edge is all in the flattening. When you press the beef, you want to apply firm pressure with a flat spatula. This promotes better contact with the heat, creating those tasty crispy edges.
- Heat your skillet until it’s nice and hot before adding the beef.
- Cook without moving them for a couple of minutes to let that crust form.
- Don’t flip too soon! Wait until the edges look golden brown.
Following these steps will give you that perfect crunch and flavor in every bite!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 6 slices processed cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 20 minutes total, with around 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Smash Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and combined. Set this tasty sauce aside for later!
2. Form the Beef into Balls:
Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a loosely packed ball, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Remember, you want them nice and loose, not tightly packed!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter to the hot skillet, making sure it coats the surface.
4. Cook the Patties:
Carefully place the beef balls onto the hot skillet. Take a wide spatula or a sturdy flat tool and press down firmly on each ball to flatten it into a thin patty, about 1/4 inch thick. Season the patties generously with salt and pepper.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking:
Cook the patties without moving them for about 2-3 minutes until the edges turn crispy and brown. Flip each patty, add a slice of cheese on top, and let them cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the patties are cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave them until soft and pliable—this will make them easier to fold and delicious to eat!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Spread a generous tablespoon of the prepared smash sauce on each tortilla. Place one or two smashed patties on each tortilla, then top them off with shredded lettuce and chopped onions.
8. Serve:
Fold the tortillas over the fillings and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling if desired. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Smash Burger Tacos!
These delightful smash burger tacos combine the juicy flavors of a burger with the fun of a taco, making them a quick and satisfying meal! Perfect for any night of the week!
FAQ for Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well. Just be cautious not to overcook it, as it can dry out faster than ground beef. You might want to add a bit of oil to keep it juicy!
How Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
To make vegetarian tacos, swap the beef for black beans or a plant-based beef alternative. You can still follow the same cooking method, just heat the beans in the skillet and add your favorite seasonings!
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No problem! If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or even a dash of chili powder for a different flavor. While it won’t have the same smoky taste, it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, but for the best texture, warm the patties in a skillet to keep them crispy!
This FAQ should help clarify common questions and provide useful tips for anyone making Easy Smash Burger Tacos! Enjoy your cooking!
