Easy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Smash Burger Tacos combine the crispy, juicy flavors of a classic smash burger with the fun and convenience of a taco. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat percentage)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 6 (six-inch) flour tortillas
• 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
• Shredded lettuce, chopped white onion, and dill pickle chips for topping
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced bread & butter pickles
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, minced pickles, pickle brine, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to make the burger sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use. It can be made up to 3 days ahead.
2. Step 2: Mix kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of the ground beef chunk or log evenly with the seasoning. Divide the beef into eight 2 1/2 ounce balls, handling gently to avoid toughness. Chill the beef balls on a plate in the refrigerator while preheating your flat top or grill.
3. Step 3: Preheat your flat top or grill to high heat without oil. It should be very hot to achieve crispy, juicy patties.
4. Step 4: Place each beef ball on the hot surface, then immediately set a flour tortilla on top of each one.
5. Step 5: Firmly press down on each tortilla with a smashing tool to flatten the meat as thin as possible. Cook for 1 minute, then press down again to release some fat for crispy edges. Let cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes more, allowing the patties to cook through.
6. Step 6: Use a stiff spatula to check if the patties are browned and crispy. If not, increase the heat slightly. Once crispy, flip each smash burger taco onto its tortilla side to crisp the tortilla, cooking for another 2 minutes. Add a slice of cheese on top to melt as the tortilla crisps.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, then add the prepared burger sauce and your desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped onion, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use flour tortillas instead of corn for better absorption and to help the meat stick well.
• Handle the beef gently and as little as possible to keep burgers tender and juicy.
• For extra smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika to the burger sauce.
• Swap muenster or provolone cheese for cheddar or American cheese if desired.
• Use a cast iron skillet if you don’t have a flat top; just ensure it gets very hot before cooking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness of the patties and tortillas. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use beef with a different fat percentage?

While 80/20 ground beef is ideal for juicy smash burgers, you can use leaner beef but expect less fat and potentially drier patties. Consider adding a little oil when cooking leaner beef.

What can I use if I don’t have a smashing tool?

You can use a heavy spatula, bottom of a small pan, or a flat plate to press down on the tortillas and patties firmly. Just be sure to press evenly for good contact and crispiness.

Easy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 59 reviews

Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a quick and delicious twist on traditional burgers, combining juicy, crispy smashed beef patties with melty cheese and flavorful burger sauce, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Ready in just 15 minutes, these tacos offer a perfect mix of textures and tastes for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Burger Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced bread & butter pickles
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Burger Tacos

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat percentage)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 6 (six-inch) flour tortillas
• 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped white onion
• Dill pickle chips

Instructions

1. Prepare Burger Sauce: Add all burger sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use; it can be made up to 3 days in advance.
2. Season Beef: Mix salt and pepper in a bowl. Evenly season top and bottom of your ground beef chunk. Divide beef into six 2 1/2 ounce balls, handling gently to avoid toughness. Place on a plate and refrigerate until cooking.
3. Preheat Flat Top Griddle: Turn the flat top griddle to high heat without greasing, allowing it to become extremely hot, which is key for crispy, juicy beef.
4. Start Cooking Patties: Place each beef ball on the hot flat top and immediately place a six-inch tortilla on top.
5. Smash Patties: Using a smashing tool, press down firmly on each tortilla to flatten the meat until thin. Cook for 1 minute, then press down again to render fat for crispy edges. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to fully cook the thin patties.
6. Check and Flip Patties: Use a stiff steel spatula to check if the bottom is browned and crispy. If not, increase heat slightly. Once ready, flip the patties taco-side down to crisp the tortillas. Cook about 2 minutes while topping with cheese to let it melt.
7. Assemble Tacos: Remove from heat, add burger sauce and desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped onion, and dill pickle chips. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Use flour tortillas as they better absorb the beef juices and hold the meat well.
• Handle the beef minimally when forming balls to keep patties tender.
• The flat top griddle must be very hot to achieve crispy edges and juicy interiors.
• The smashing technique is essential for thin, crispy patties.
• Burger sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Use a stiff spatula to lift patties without tearing.
• Toppings such as shredded lettuce, onions, and pickles add freshness and texture contrast.

Keywords: smash burger tacos, easy burger tacos, quick beef tacos, crispy burger tacos, flat top griddle burger