There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a crispy taco filled with juicy, flavorful beef. The Easy Smash Burger Tacos combine the classic taste of a smash burger with the delightful crunch of a tortilla, all in under 30 minutes. This recipe stands out because of its unique cooking method, ensuring that each bite is perfectly crispy and savory.
This recipe is great for taco nights, casual gatherings, or even a weeknight dinner when you’re looking to impress. The burger sauce can be made in advance, allowing you to save time and enjoy the moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy tortillas provide perfect contrast to juicy beef.
- A special sauce adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
- Quick cooking time makes this meal weeknight-friendly.
- Unique technique ensures a delicious, satisfying texture.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your Easy Smash Burger Tacos.
For the 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
For the 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
Flour tortillas work best for this recipe.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef.
- Other types of cheese can be used.
- Greek yogurt is a healthier mayo substitute.
- Yellow mustard can replace Dijon mustard.
How to Make It
Follow these easy steps to prepare your tacos deliciously.
1. Whisk Burger Sauce
Add all burger sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use; this sauce can be made up to three days in advance.
2. Prepare Ground Beef
Mix the salt and pepper into a bowl. Evenly distribute it over the top and bottom of your ground beef. Divide and roll your beef into 2 1/2-ounce balls. Less handling is better, so be gentle. Place each ball on a plate and refrigerate until your flat top is preheated.
3. Preheat Flat Top
Turn your flat top onto high heat, ungreased, and allow it to get extremely hot. It should be hotter than you think is needed to achieve crispy, juicy beef.
4. Cook Beef Balls
Place each beef ball on the hot flat top and set a 6-inch tortilla on top. Press down firmly on the tortilla with your smashing tool, flattening the meat. Cook for 1 minute, then press down again to release some fat along the edges. Let cook for 2 to 3 minutes undisturbed.
5. Check for Crispiness
Use a stiff steel spatula to scrape beneath one of the burgers to check if it’s browned and crispy. Increase grill temperature if it’s not. Once browned, flip smash burger tacos onto their tortilla side and let cook for another 2 minutes to crisp the tortilla.
6. Add Cheese and Serve
Remove the tacos and add the burger sauce and desired toppings, then enjoy while hot!
How to Store It
Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, tortillas don’t reheat well.
Reheat: in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the flat top is fully preheated for optimal crisping.
- Press down firmly but gently to avoid tough meat.
- Let the tacos rest for a minute after cooking for better stacking.
- Experiment with toppings for varied flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Pair with fresh guacamole or salsa for added flavor.
- Enjoy alongside a crisp salad or chips for a complete meal.
