These Smash Burger Tacos combine the best of both worlds: juicy burger patties wrapped in warm tortillas! With cheese and tasty toppings, they are a real treat!
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love piling on all my favorite toppings. It’s like a taco party in my mouth! 🌮🍔
Making Smash Burger Tacos is super easy—just cook the patties, assemble, and enjoy them. Perfect for a fun family dinner or casual get-togethers. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The 80/20 blend is perfect for flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, go for 90/10, but expect it to be less juicy. For a twist, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a nice flavor and texture. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas work too; just note they can be a bit softer and chewier. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a classic touch. If you want more flavor, try pepper jack for a kick, or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Mozzarella is a milder choice that also melts well.
Burger Sauce: This sauce can be store-bought or homemade. For a quick homemade version, mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, and some pickle juice. You can adjust to your taste for a creamy or tangy flavor.
How Do You Get a Perfectly Crisp Tortilla?
Frying the tortillas adds a delightful crunch, but it’s key to not overdo it. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Heat oil in a skillet to medium heat. Test by adding a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle.
- Fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side — just enough to make them crispy, but not hard.
- Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispness.
Remember, the goal is a slight crunch while still being pliable enough to fold your taco!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup pickles, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (or special sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying the tortillas)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the patties, and then just a bit of time assembling and frying the tortillas. It’s quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
Start by preheating a skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats, season the ground beef with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the beef into 4 equal portions so you can make four big and juicy patties.
2. Cook the Burgers:
Now, it’s time to cook! Place one portion of ground beef into the hot skillet. Use a spatula to smash it down into a thin patty—this is what gives it that great crust! Cook it for about 2-3 minutes until you see a nice brown crust on the bottom. Then, flip it over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat this with the rest of the beef portions.
3. Melt the Cheese:
Once you flip the patties, sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty. To help the cheese melt perfect, cover the skillet with a lid for about 1 minute.
4. Fry the Tortillas:
In a separate skillet, drizzle in a little cooking oil and heat it over medium heat. Fry each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them slightly crispy but still easy to fold. Remove the tortillas and let them drain on some paper towels.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now, the fun part! Take one of those crispy tortillas and place a cooked cheeseburger patty right in the center. Top it up with shredded lettuce, diced onion, and, if you like, some chopped pickles for that extra crunch.
6. Add Sauce:
Drizzle your burger sauce over everything to add that delicious finishing touch. You can use as much or as little as you like!
7. Serve:
Finally, serve your Smash Burger Tacos warm and enjoy them while they’re tasty! Feel free to have extra burger sauce on the side for dipping! Yum!
Can I Use Lean Ground Beef Instead of 80/20 Blend?
Yes, you can! However, be aware that using leaner meat might result in a drier patty since the fat helps keep it juicy and flavorful. If you opt for lean beef, consider adding a tablespoon of cooking oil to the meat mixture before cooking to enhance moisture.
Can I Make These Tacos with Other Proteins?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since leaner meats may cook faster. Season well to ensure great flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the components separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked patties will last for about 3 days, while the fried tortillas should be consumed within 2 days for best texture. Reheat the patties in a skillet for a few minutes and warm the tortillas briefly before serving.
Can I Prepare the Components Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the burger patties and cheese ahead and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. You can also fry the tortillas and store them wrapped in foil or in a zip-top bag. Just reheat everything before assembly to enjoy warm tacos.
