These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic tacos! You get juicy beef patties, warm tortillas, and all your favorite toppings wrapped up in one delicious bite!
It’s like a burger and taco had a party, and you’re invited! 🌮🍔 When I’m in a hurry, these quick tacos are my go-to. Just smash, cook, and fill them up with toppings for a tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) strikes the perfect balance for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Just know that they may be less juicy.
Tortillas: I recommend small corn tortillas for their traditional flavor. However, flour tortillas work well too. If you’re going gluten-free, corn tortillas are the way to go!
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice for its melty goodness, but feel free to swap it for pepper jack for a kick or Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Vegan cheese is a great alternative if you want to keep it plant-based!
Onions: Diced white onions add a nice crunch. You could substitute with green onions or even sauté them for a milder flavor. They’re delicious both raw or cooked!
Sauce: The sauce is super customizable! Feel free to skip the Worcestershire sauce if you don’t have it, or add hot sauce for extra heat.
How Can I Ensure My Patties Are Perfectly Cooked?
The secret to great smash patties is all in the cooking technique. When you smash the beef down, it helps create a nice crust. Here’s what to do:
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot before adding the beef. This helps create that crusty exterior.
- Once you place the beef balls in the skillet, smash them down quickly and don’t move them around. This allows them to develop a good sear.
- Cooking time is key! Let them cook for a few minutes until the edges are browned. Flipping them too soon will prevent that nice crust from forming.
By following these tips, you’ll get the juicy, crispy texture you’re after!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for sauce)
- Cooking oil or butter, for the skillet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend a few minutes preparing the sauce, cooking the patties, and assembling the tacos, making it a quick and delicious dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce until it’s nice and smooth. This will be your tasty taco sauce. Set it aside for later!
2. Form the Beef into Balls:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 6 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a loose ball, about 3 inches in diameter. Don’t worry too much about perfection!
3. Heat a Skillet or Griddle:
Place your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a little cooking oil or butter to keep the patties from sticking. You want it nice and hot!
4. Cook the Smash Patties:
Once the skillet is hot, put two beef balls on it. With a heavy spatula or burger press, smash them down flat to about 1/4 inch thick. Season them with salt and pepper—it helps to give them flavor!
5. Cook Until Brown and Crusty:
Let the patties cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes until the edges start to get crispy and browned. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re cooked through. Repeat this process for the remaining beef balls.
6. Warm Tortillas:
While the patties are cooking, warm your tortillas in a clean skillet or microwave until they’re pliable. You want them soft and easy to fold!
7. Assemble Tacos:
Now it’s time to create your tacos! Place two smash patties in each warmed tortilla. Top them with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle with that delicious sauce you made earlier!
8. Serve Immediately:
Your tacos are ready to eat! You can serve them with any extra sauce on the side for those who love a little extra dip. Enjoy the flavorful blend of a burger in taco form!
Enjoy your quick, juicy, and flavorful smash burger tacos for dinner!
FAQ for Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional for smash burgers, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Keep in mind that they might not be as juicy, so consider adding a little extra moisture with sauce or cheese!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover smashed burger patties and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the patties on a skillet or microwave, and assemble fresh tacos as needed. Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best flavor!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using, and feel free to adjust the flavors if needed!
What Are Some Topping Variations I Can Try?
Get creative with toppings! You can add sliced jalapeños for heat, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or even pickles for an extra crunch. Experiment with different cheeses, too—pepper jack or blue cheese can add a fun twist!
