Smash Burger Tacos

What happens when two comfort food icons — the juicy smash burger and the handheld taco — come together? You get Smash Burger Tacos: crispy-edged, juicy beef patties smashed directly onto soft tortillas, loaded with melted cheese, crunchy toppings, and a creamy sauce. It’s the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and fun in every bite.

This viral trend is sweeping social media, and for good reason — it’s fast, easy, and unbelievably delicious. With just a few ingredients and a hot griddle, you can whip up restaurant-quality tacos in minutes.

Whether you’re hosting game night, craving a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe, these smash burger tacos are guaranteed to steal the show. They’re customizable, satisfying, and a great twist on classic burgers or tacos.

🕒 Cooking Time & Serving

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4 (makes 8 tacos)

🌮 Ingredients

For the Smash Burger Tacos

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)

• 8 small flour tortillas (street taco size)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 8 slices American cheese (or cheddar)

For the Toppings

• Shredded lettuce

• Diced tomatoes or pickles

• Thinly sliced onions (raw or caramelized)

• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

For the Smash Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon pickle relish

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon vinegar or pickle juice (optional, for tang)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Smash Burger Tacos

1. Make the Smash Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, paprika, and vinegar or pickle juice. Mix until creamy and smooth. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Beef

Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Roll each portion into a ball.

3. Heat the Griddle or Pan

Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface if needed.

4. Smash the Beef onto the Tortillas

Place a beef ball in the center of each tortilla. Using a flat metal spatula (or a burger press), firmly smash the beef into the tortilla until it spreads thin and evenly covers most of the surface. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Cook the Tacos (Beef Side Down First)

Place each tortilla beef-side down on the hot griddle. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, until the beef is well browned and crispy at the edges.

6. Flip and Melt the Cheese

Flip each taco so the tortilla side touches the pan. Immediately add a slice of cheese on top of the cooked beef. Cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until the tortilla is golden and slightly crisp but still pliable.

7. Assemble and Serve

Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of smash sauce. Fold in half and enjoy immediately while hot!

📝 Notes

• For extra flavor, mix a little Worcestershire sauce or onion powder into the beef before forming balls.

• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but warm them first so they don’t crack.

• The smash technique is key — press firmly to get those crispy, caramelized beef edges!

• You can swap out the toppings for your favorites — think bacon, avocado, or spicy mayo.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: These are best served fresh off the pan, but you can prep the toppings and sauce in advance.

Q: What’s the best beef to use?
A: An 80/20 ground beef mix gives you the perfect balance of fat and flavor. Leaner beef will be less juicy.

Q: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great — just add extra seasoning to enhance flavor.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp up the tortilla again. Avoid microwaving if possible.

🧮 Nutrition Information

(Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on ingredients used.)

⚠️ Disclaimer

Enjoy these Smash Burger Tacos as part of a balanced diet — they’re indulgent, flavorful, and best savored in moderation. Always check for common allergens such as gluten, dairy, and eggs in your ingredients. Adjust substitutions as needed for dietary restrictions or personal health needs.