These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic burgers! You get juicy burger patties wrapped in crispy taco shells, topped with cheese and your favorite fixings. What’s not to love?
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to eat their burger in a taco form? I like to load mine up with extra pickles and a dash of hot sauce. It makes for a yummy bite every time! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The 80/20 blend of ground beef is great for juicy, flavorful tacos. You can substitute this with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but keep in mind it may be less juicy.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas give that authentic taco flavor. If you can’t find them, feel free to swap in flour tortillas, or large corn tortillas and cut them down to size.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold taste. If you’re looking for a different flavor, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds a nice touch too, especially for a bit of spice.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to your sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt works really well too. You can even skip it if you prefer a tangier sauce with only ketchup and mustard.
How Do I Smash the Patties Without Making a Mess?
The smashing technique is key to getting that crispy outer layer on your beef patties. To do it right, here’s a handy guide:
- Use a sturdy spatula for the best leverage. A flat, wide one works great!
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the beef. If it sizzles when it hits the pan, you’re good to go.
- Place the ball of beef in the center of the skillet and press down firmly. Don’t be shy! You want it flattened to about 1/2 inch thick.
- After smashing, season with salt and pepper. Wait until the edges are browned before flipping to maintain that crust.
Following these steps will help you create those tasty crunchy edges that everyone loves about smash burgers!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup onions, diced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. It consists of mixing the sauce, cooking the patties, warming the tortillas, and assembling everything together. The perfect quick meal for any taco night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish (if you decide to use it). Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will add a delicious zing to your tacos, so set it aside for later!
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, take a skillet or griddle and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a splash of cooking oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. This will help to prevent the burgers from sticking.
3. Form and Smash the Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, about 2 ounces each. When your skillet is nice and hot, place one portion of beef in the skillet. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top, then grab a spatula and press down firmly to smash the beef into a flat patty. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until a nice crust forms. Flip the patty over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked through.
4. Add Cheese:
In the final minute of cooking, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty. The cheese will melt beautifully while the patty finishes cooking—yum!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate skillet, take the corn tortillas and warm them up. Toast them lightly for about 30 seconds on each side until they are warm and easy to fold. This step makes them extra delicious!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now for the fun part! Take each warm tortilla and place a melted cheeseburger patty right in the center. Top it with shredded lettuce and diced onions for crunch, then drizzle on that tasty sauce you made earlier.
7. Serve:
Enjoy your smash burger tacos immediately while they’re hot! Feel free to add any extra toppings or sides you like, such as pickles or more sauce. Dig in and savor every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, but keep in mind that they are leaner and might benefit from a bit of added fat to maintain moisture. Ground lamb or pork could also be tasty alternatives!
How to Keep Tacos From Getting Soggy?
To prevent soggy tacos, make sure to warm the tortillas briefly and serve them immediately after assembling. You can also lightly brush the tortillas with oil before toasting them to create a barrier against moisture from the fillings.
Can I Prepare the Ingredients Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare many of the ingredients in advance! You can mix the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Also, you can chop the onions and shred the lettuce ahead, just remember to keep everything stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
For leftovers, store the patties and prepared toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They should last for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the patties in a skillet until warmed through and assemble your tacos fresh!
