These Original Smash Burger Tacos bring a fun twist to your taco night! With juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings tucked into a warm tortilla, they’re hard to resist.
In my house, we love loading them up with crispy lettuce and tangy pickles—messy and delicious! Who needs plates when you can just grab a taco? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 beef gives you juicy burgers with great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try 85/15 or use ground turkey or chicken for a different twist.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are ideal for these tacos. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas labeled as such. Flour tortillas work too for a softer bite.
American Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but you can swap it for cheddar or pepper jack if you like more flavor. Just keep in mind, they melt differently!
Pickles: I love adding pickles for crunch! You can replace them with jalapeños for heat or omit them if you’re not a fan.
Mayonnaise: The sauce brings the dish together. If you want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt instead. It’s creamy and tangy!
How Can You Achieve That Perfect Smash Technique?
Smashing the patties correctly is key for that tasty crust! Here’s how to get it right:
- Form the beef into balls gently, being careful not to compact it.
- Heat your griddle to medium-high—this is crucial for a good sear. Test by sprinkling a drop of water; it should sizzle.
- Place beef balls on the hot griddle and then use a spatula to apply firm, even pressure to smash the ball flat quickly.
- Leave the patty alone for about 2 minutes for a golden crust; don’t rush flipping it。
How to Make The Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients for Smash Burger Tacos:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 4 slices of American cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup pickles (sliced)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes around 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes for cooking and assembling your tasty tacos. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce (if you want a spicy kick). Mix everything well and set it aside for later.
2. Heat the Griddle:
Next, heat up your flat top griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little splash of cooking oil to prevent sticking and help with that nice sear.
3. Form the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a loose ball. Remember, don’t press too hard, you want them fluffy and juicy!
4. Smash the Patties:
Once your griddle is nice and hot, place the beef balls on it. Use a spatula to smash each one flat. Cook them for about 2 minutes until you see a nice, golden-brown crust forming. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
5. Add Cheese:
Carefully flip the patties. As soon as you flip them, put a slice of cheese on each patty. Cook for another minute to let the cheese melt perfectly over the beef.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While your burger patties are cooking, take another pan and warm your corn tortillas. Heat them for about 15-30 seconds on each side until they’re nice and pliable.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put it all together! On each warm tortilla, add a smashed burger patty with melted cheese on top. Layer on the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and pickles.
8. Drizzle Sauce:
Finally, drizzle the prepared sauce over all those delicious toppings for extra flavor!
9. Serve:
Fold the tortillas over your filling and serve immediately while they’re hot and tasty. Get ready to enjoy your amazing smash burger tacos!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well, but keep in mind that they may not have the same rich flavor as beef. Just be cautious not to overcook them as they can dry out more quickly than beef.
What Can I Substitute for American Cheese?
If you don’t have American cheese, you can use cheddar, pepper jack, or monterey jack cheese as alternatives. Just slice them thinly or shred them to help them melt evenly on the patties.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store any leftovers, place the individual components in airtight containers in the fridge. The taco fillings can be stored separately from the tortillas for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet over low heat and warm the tortillas briefly in a pan before assembling again.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as some separation might occur during storage.
