Smash Burger Tacos

Smash burgers meet taco night, and my family has been requesting these smash burger tacos ever since. Crispy seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a tangy burger sauce all folded into a warm tortilla, these tacos are seriously good. Listen, I took my first bite and just knew we were going to be making these on repeat!

 

Why We Love Smash Burger Tacos

• Skip The Drive-Through – These taste like something from your favorite burger spot, but you can make them at home on a weeknight. Kids and adults go crazy for them!
• A Crowd Pleaser – My kid’s friend came over and was a fan, and honestly I’d make these for just about any crowd.
• Easy To Customize – The crispy caramelized beef, that tangy burger sauce, and everyone loading their own toppings makes dinner feel like a little event.

I’ve been seeing these smash burger tacos on social media for a hot minute, and at first I thought they were really just for people who have Blackstone grills. After testing it in a pan and on an electric skiller, I knew from the first bite this is a recipe my family will come back to over and over.

Ingredients For Smash Burger Tacos

• mayonnaise
• ketchup
• yellow mustard – Dijon mustard can also be used
• dill pickle relish – or you can dice up pickles into tiny pieces and add them.
• ground beef – I use lean ground beef as it’s less oily, but I tried 80/20 and it adds a little extra flavor and works great too. Cooking them flat helps the extra fat render right out.
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• paprika
• salt
• pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• corn tortillas – I used 5 inch tortillas. If you use a larger tortilla you may make larger but less tacos. Flour tortillas can also be used, but I found it takes slightly longer when you melt the cheese using flour tortillas.
• American cheese – you can swap out your favorite cheese. Try Montery Jack, swiss or cheddar! I like American because it’s so melty.
• toppings – lettuce, diced tomato, pickles, diced onion or your favorite burger toppings!

How To Make Smash Burger Tacos

Make The Sauce And Prep Your Workspace

1. In a small bowl add mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and dill pickle relish. Mix well with a spoon, then place in the refrigerator to chill.

2. Peel the cheese, then slice the cheese in half. Place the cheese next to the stove with a clean platter for the finished burgers. Prep any garnishes into bowls so they are ready, then set to the side. Once the burgers start cooking, things move fast!

Prepping The Smash Burgers

1. Place the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined.

2. Split the meat and roll into eight even balls.

Cooking The Smash Burger Tacos Without A Burger Press

If you have a burger press you can use, see notes.

1. Place the ball of meat and a corn tortilla between two pieces of parchment paper. With a rolling pin or a large heavy can gently roll the meat flat until it fills the tortilla. Pushing too hard can cause the tortilla to split, so be gentle. If the meat extends past the tortilla, just add to a part of the tortilla not covered in meat. Repeat for each tortilla.
2. Place a large skillet, flat top grill or electric skillet over medium high heat and spray with cooking spray. Once hot, place 1-2 tacos meat side down into the pan. There should be at least an inch between the tacos, you don’t want them to touch. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the meat is crispy and brown.

3. Flip so the tortilla is now down, and place half a piece of cheese over the meat. Cook on the tortilla side down for about 10-20 seconds so the cheese melts and the corn tortilla warms a little. Fold the taco in half immediately, and cook folded for a few seconds on each side. Then place on a clean platter covered with a paper towel or lid to help keep it warm. Continue working in batches, adding more cooking spray as needed until all tacos are cooked.
4. Serve with the sauce and all the toppings. I prefer to let everyone add their own. Enjoy!

Can You Make Smash Burger Tacos Ahead Of Time?

I’d skip prepping the meat onto the tortillas in advance. I tried it just two hours ahead and they started falling apart because the tortilla absorbs moisture from the raw meat. You can mix your meat and make the sauce ahead, but wait to assemble and cook until you’re ready to cook and eat.

Can I Use Flour Tortillas?

Both corn and flour tortillas work for this recipe. I tested both and found that corn tortillas give you better flavor and texture overall, though occasionally one will crack. Flour tortillas are a little more forgiving if cracking is a concern. just know the cheese may take slightly longer to melt.

What If The Beef Separates From The Tortilla When I Flip It?

Don’t panic! Just keep going. The beef will stay in one or two pieces, and when you add the cheese it will melt right over any cracks and hold everything back together. No one will ever know!

How Long Will Smash Burger Tacos Last?

Smash burger tacos don’t last long in my house, but when we do have leftovers they can last in the refrigerator in a covered container for three days. I store any leftovers without toppings and add them after reheating them.

My kid and I both really like reheating these tacos in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes at 375, they reheat quick. You could also reheat them in a pan on the stove, or use the microwave.