Get ready for tasty taco fun with Easy Smash Burger Tacos! These delicious tacos combine the flavor of a juicy burger with the hands-on experience of tacos. You’ll love the crispy edges!
Using simple ingredients like ground beef and your favorite toppings, these tacos are quick to whip up. I like to add cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra yum. Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like 80% lean because it gives a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you want to cut fat, go for 90% lean, but it might be a bit drier. Or try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and classic, but corn tortillas are a great gluten-free choice. If you want some crunch, consider using tostadas instead for a unique twist.
Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar will add a sharper flavor. If you’re aiming for something dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Pickles: Dill pickles give a nice tang, but if you like a bit of sweetness, sweet pickles or relish can be fun. You could also skip them altogether if you’re not a fan!
What’s the Best Way to Smash the Burger Patties?
The key to that crispy edge is how you smash the patties! Start with a hot skillet for great searing. Here’s how to do it:
- Drop the meat balls in the skillet but don’t crowd them.
- Use a heavy spatula or even another flat object to press down firmly, making them roughly 1/4-inch thick.
- Season immediately for extra flavor, then let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes.
This smashes the meat and creates those delicious crispy bits that make burger tacos irresistible!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 4 slices American or cheddar cheese, halved
- Pickle slices (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (divided)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the patties and another 10 minutes assembling your tasty tacos. Fast and fun for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, half of the smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined and set aside. This simple sauce adds a flavorful kick!
2. Preheat the Skillet:
Heat a large cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of vegetable oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan. This will keep the patties from sticking and help them get crispy.
3. Form the Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, aiming for about 2 ounces each. Don’t overwork the meat; just gently form them into loose balls. This will help keep the texture juicy!
4. Smash Cooking:
Place 2-3 meatballs onto the hot skillet, making sure they are spaced apart. Using a heavy spatula or a flat-bottomed pan, press down firmly to smash each ball to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season the patties with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
5. Flip and Cheese:
Carefully flip the smashed patties over and immediately place a half slice of cheese on each one. This allows the cheese to melt while the other side finishes cooking, about 1-2 minutes more.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the patties are cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate dry pan or in the microwave for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable. Warming helps them fold better!
7. Assemble Tacos:
Spread a generous dollop of the sauce on each warm tortilla. Then, place a cheesy smashed burger patty on top. Add a few pickle slices and a sprinkle of shredded lettuce for crunch and freshness.
8. Serve:
Fold the tortillas into tacos and serve them hot! You can also offer some extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy your delightful Smash Burger Tacos!
These quick and flavor-packed tacos are sure to bring smiles to the dinner table!
FAQ for Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicer?
If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the sauce mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the taco patty seasoning. You can also serve with a spicy salsa on the side!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover tacos individually in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet until heated through and serve them again in fresh tortillas. This keeps them crispy!
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the tacos!
