The Ultimate Fusion of Two Classics
If you love smash burgers and tacos, why not combine them into one incredible dish? These Smash Burger Tacos are made by smashing seasoned beef directly onto tortillas, then cooking them to crispy, juicy perfection. Topped with classic burger fixings and a special sauce, these tacos are the best of both worlds!
I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or game day snacks. Plus, it’s a fun twist on two all-time favorites!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What kind of ground beef should I use?
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef may dry out.
Q: What size tortillas work best?
Small street taco-size flour tortillas are perfect. Corn tortillas aren’t recommended as they may break.
Q: Can I cook these without a griddle?
Yes! You can use a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan for similar results.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Smash Burger Tacos are best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and toppings in advance.
Q: What’s the best way to smash the burgers?
Use a burger press, heavy spatula, or even the bottom of a small pot to press the beef into the tortillas.
What You Need to Make Smash Burger Tacos
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 6 small flour tortillas
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Toppings:
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
- Sliced onions (optional)
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Step 1: Make the Burger Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Set aside in the fridge while you cook the tacos.
Step 2: Prep the Beef
- Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 2-3 oz each) and roll them into balls.
- Season each portion with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3: Smash & Cook the Burgers
- Heat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place a tortilla on a clean surface, then press a ball of seasoned beef onto the tortilla until it’s evenly flattened.
- Place the tortilla beef-side down on the hot skillet and press down firmly with a spatula.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until a crispy crust forms, then flip and cook for 30 seconds on the tortilla side.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded cheese, allowing it to melt.
- Top with lettuce, diced pickles, onions, and a drizzle of burger sauce.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side!
Tips for the Best Smash Burger Tacos
✔ Use a hot griddle – A very hot surface creates a perfect crispy crust on the beef.
✔ Smash immediately – Press the beef as soon as it hits the tortilla for the best texture.
✔ Shred your lettuce finely – It helps distribute the toppings evenly.
✔ For extra crunch – Add crushed potato chips or crispy bacon on top!
✔ Make it spicy – Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “These were AMAZING! Like a burger and taco combined in the best way!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Super easy to make! The sauce was the best part—definitely making again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “My family devoured these in minutes! Perfect for taco night.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I used a cast-iron pan, and they turned out so crispy. Loved the pickles on top!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Game-changer! Way easier than making full burgers, and they taste amazing.”
Printable Recipe
Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
- For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 6 small flour tortillas
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Toppings:
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
- Sliced onions (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Burger Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Set aside in the fridge while you cook the tacos.
Step 2: Prep the Beef
- Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 2-3 oz each) and roll them into balls.
- Season each portion with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3: Smash & Cook the Burgers
- Heat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place a tortilla on a clean surface, then press a ball of seasoned beef onto the tortilla until it’s evenly flattened.
- Place the tortilla beef-side down on the hot skillet and press down firmly with a spatula.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until a crispy crust forms, then flip and cook for 30 seconds on the tortilla side.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded cheese, allowing it to melt.
- Top with lettuce, diced pickles, onions, and a drizzle of burger sauce.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Smash Burger Tacos, don’t keep them to yourself! Share them on social media, pin them on Pinterest, or send them to a friend who loves burgers and tacos. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try them!
