These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your typical taco night! Juicy burger patties get smashed and cooked on a hot skillet, then tucked into soft tortillas.
Top them with your favorite fixings like cheese, lettuce, and ketchup for a tasty meal. I love how quick they are to make—perfect for those busy nights when you want something yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend gives you juicy and flavorful patties. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try 90/10 ground beef, or for a unique twist, ground turkey or chicken can work well too!
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are great for tacos. If you’re out of corn tortillas, feel free to swap them for flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, while American cheese melts beautifully. Gouda or Monterey Jack also make fantastic substitutes if you’re in the mood for something different.
Mayonnaise: This brings creaminess. If you prefer, swap it for Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier twist. For more flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the mayo mix.
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash Burger Patties?
The key to a great smash burger is the sizzling process! Start with very hot oil; this helps create that nice crust. Here’s how to get it right:
- Form the beef into balls, not too compact. This helps keep them juicy.
- When you place them on the skillet, don’t wait—smash them immediately for a great sear.
- Use a heavy spatula to press down firmly, but avoid over-flattening.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges look crispy and brown. Don’t flip too soon!
With these tips, your smash burgers will turn out deliciously crispy and full of flavor!
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American)
- 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll be making juicy little burger patties, warming up tortillas, and assembling everything in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Skillets:
Start by heating a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Pour a thin layer of cooking oil onto the surface to help cook the burgers nicely.
2. Shape the Beef:
While the skillet is heating up, divide the ground beef into equal portions of about 2 ounces each. Roll them into balls, but don’t flatten them just yet—this will help them stay juicy!
3. Cook the Patties:
Once the skillet is hot, place the beef balls onto it. Use a spatula or the back of a heavy pan to smash them down into flat patties. Sprinkle each patty generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to give them a great flavor.
4. Flip and Melt the Cheese:
Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes until they’re crispy and browned on the edges. Then, flip them over and place a small handful of shredded cheese on top of each patty. Let it melt as you prepare your tortillas!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
In another skillet, warm up the corn tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them to be soft and pliable, which makes them perfect for holding your tasty fillings.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s time to put everything together! Grab a warm tortilla, place a cheesy smash burger patty in the center, and add some shredded lettuce and sliced pickles on top. For extra flavor, drizzle on the sauce you made by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Smash Burger Tacos immediately and feel free to add any extra toppings you love. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken in this recipe. Just ensure to season well, as these meats can be milder in flavor. Additionally, you may want to add a bit of olive oil or another fat to the pan, as leaner meats have less fat than beef and can dry out more quickly during cooking.
How to Keep My Tacos Warm While Serving?
To keep your tacos warm, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or foil, and place them in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until you’re ready to serve. This helps maintain their warmth without further cooking or drying them out!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mayo, ketchup, and mustard sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using to combine the flavors once again.
What Type of Cheese Works Best for These Tacos?
While cheddar and American are great choices because they melt nicely, you can also try other cheeses! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you might enjoy a sharper cheese like gouda for added flavor. Just ensure it melts well over the patties!
