Easy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Smash Burger Tacos combine the crispy, juicy goodness of smash burgers with the convenient handheld form of tacos. Ready in just 15 minutes, they make a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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 (for topping)
• 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 (for sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, minced bread & butter 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 in advance.
2. Step 2: Mix kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over all sides of the ground beef. Divide the beef into six 2 1/2 ounce balls, being careful not to overwork the meat. Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate while preheating your flat top or skillet.
3. Step 3: Preheat your flat top or heavy skillet on high heat until it is smoking hot. Do not grease the surface.
4. Step 4: Place each beef ball on the hot surface and immediately set a tortilla on top of each one.
5. Step 5: Using a sturdy press or spatula, firmly smash the meat down through the tortilla until it is as thin as possible. Cook for 1 minute, then press down again to render fat and help edges crisp. Let cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the meat is cooked through.
6. Step 6: Check the bottom of a patty with a stiff spatula for a browned, crispy crust. If not crispy, increase heat slightly. Once crispy, flip the smash burger tacos so the tortilla side cooks down for about 2 minutes to crisp up. Add a slice of cheese on top so it melts as the tortilla crisps.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat. Add the burger sauce, then top with shredded lettuce, chopped onion, and dill pickle chips. Serve and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use flour tortillas as they absorb the meat juices better and help the patties stick.
• For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the toppings.
• Try swapping muenster or provolone for cheddar or pepper jack cheese for different flavors.
• Less handling of the beef keeps the patties tender and juicy.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked smash burger tacos wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to help the tortilla regain some crispness. The burger sauce should be kept separate and can be stored up to 3 days refrigerated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these smash burger tacos without a flat top?

Yes, a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan works well as a substitute. Just make sure it is preheated until very hot before cooking.

What type of ground beef is best for smash burgers?

Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is ideal for juicy, flavorful smash burgers because the fat helps create a crispy crust and tender inside.

Easy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

These Easy Smash Burger Tacos bring together juicy, crispy smashed beef patties on soft flour tortillas, topped with melted cheese, shredded lettuce, onions, pickles, and a tangy homemade burger sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that combines the beloved flavors of a smash burger with the convenience and fun of tacos.

• Author: Cleo
• 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 and 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 (for topping)
• Dill pickle chips (for topping)

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the burger sauce. Add all burger sauce ingredients—mayonnaise, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, minced pickles, pickle brine, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce—to a bowl and whisk until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use; can be made up to 3 days in advance.
2. Season and portion the beef. Mix kosher salt and black pepper together in a bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly onto both sides of the ground beef. Handle the meat gently and divide into six 2 1/2 ounce balls. Place each ball on a plate and chill in the refrigerator until the cooking surface is hot.
3. Preheat the cooking surface. Turn your flat top grill or heavy skillet onto high heat without oil and allow it to heat until it’s extremely hot—hotter than you think necessary. This is essential for developing a crispy crust and juicy beef.
4. Place beef balls and tortillas on the flat top. Arrange each beef ball on the hot grill. Immediately set a six-inch flour tortilla on top of each ball.
5. Smash the burgers. Using a heavy smashing tool or spatula, press down very firmly on each tortilla and beef ball to flatten the meat as thin as possible. Cook for 1 minute, then press down firmly again to release some fat and help crisp the edges. Let them cook undisturbed for another 2 to 3 minutes—the thin patties will cook through quickly.
6. Check for crispiness and flip. Use a stiff steel spatula to scrape underneath one patty to check if it’s browned and crispy. If not, increase the heat slightly. Once browned and crispy, flip each patty with its tortilla side down and cook for about 2 minutes more to crisp up the tortilla. Top with cheese slices, allowing them to melt as the tortillas crisp.
7. Assemble and serve. Remove the smash burger tacos from the heat. Add a generous dollop of the prepared burger sauce and top with shredded lettuce, chopped white onion, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Using flour tortillas works best as they absorb the meat juices and help the patties stick better.
• Handling the ground beef minimally prevents tough burgers.
• Cooking on a very hot flat top or heavy skillet is key to achieving crispy, juicy smash burgers.
• The burger sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
• Feel free to substitute muenster or provolone with your favorite melty cheese.

Keywords: smash burger tacos, easy taco recipe, ground beef tacos, quick dinner, crispy smashed burgers