Easy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy, crispy goodness of smash burgers with the convenience of soft flour tortillas. They’re quick to make and perfect for a casual dinner or gathering, offering a delicious twist on traditional tacos.

Ingredients

• 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
• Dill pickle chips for topping
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, minced pickles, pickle brine, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to make the burger sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use; it can be made up to 3 days in advance.
2. Step 2: Combine the kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Evenly season the ground beef on all sides. Divide the beef into six 2 1/2-ounce balls, handling gently to avoid toughening the meat. Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate until your cooking surface is preheated.
3. Step 3: Preheat a flat top griddle or large skillet over high heat without any oil until it is very hot—hotter than you might think necessary. This heat is key to achieving crispy, juicy beef.
4. Step 4: Place each beef ball on the hot surface and immediately place a six-inch flour tortilla on top of it.
5. Step 5: Use a heavy, flat tool to press firmly down on each tortilla, smashing the beef balls into thin patties. Let them cook for 1 minute, then press down again to squeeze out fat for crispier edges. Cook undisturbed for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the patties are cooked through and crispy.
6. Step 6: Use a stiff steel spatula to carefully scrape under a burger to check for a browned, crispy crust. If not crispy, increase the heat slightly. Once browned, flip each smash burger taco onto its tortilla side and cook for about 2 minutes to crisp up the tortilla. Top each with a slice of cheese so it melts as the tortilla crisps.
7. Step 7: Remove from the heat, add the prepared burger sauce and your preferred toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped onion, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use flour tortillas as they absorb the beef juices better and hold the smashed patty nicely.
• For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne to the burger sauce for some heat.
• Try swapping muenster or provolone cheese for sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different twist.
• Use a cast iron skillet if you don’t have a flat top griddle to achieve a good sear.
• Don’t over-handle the meat when forming the balls to keep the burgers tender and juicy.

Storage

These smash burger tacos are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness and flavor. If you have leftovers, store components separately: keep cooked patties and tortillas wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and burger sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat patties in a hot skillet to restore crispness and warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave briefly. Assemble just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Flour tortillas are recommended because they are more absorbent and help the meat stick better, but you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind they may tear more easily and won’t crisp up exactly the same way.

How do I get the burgers crispy without sticking to the pan?

Make sure your griddle or skillet is very hot before adding the meat. Avoid moving the patties early on; let them cook undisturbed to form a crust. Use a stiff spatula and be forceful when flipping to help release the burger cleanly.

Easy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 59 reviews

These Easy Smash Burger Tacos combine crispy, juicy smashed beef patties with melty cheese and a tangy homemade burger sauce, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas for a delicious twist on classic tacos. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Burger and Toppings

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat percentage)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 6 (six-inch) flour tortillas (flour tortillas preferred for better absorption and meat adherence)
• 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
• Shredded lettuce, chopped white onion, and dill pickle chips for topping

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

Instructions

1. Prepare Burger Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, minced bread & butter pickles, pickle brine, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance for enhanced flavor.
2. Season and Portion Beef: In a small bowl, mix kosher salt and fresh black pepper. Evenly season the top and bottom of the ground beef chunk or log with the salt and pepper mixture. Divide the meat into six 2 1/2-ounce balls, handling minimally to avoid toughening. Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate until the cooking surface is preheated.
3. Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat your flat top griddle or heavy skillet on high heat without oil, allowing it to become very hot, hotter than you would typically expect. The extreme heat is essential for creating crispy, juicy smash burgers.
4. Cook and Smash Patties: Place each meatball on the hot flat top and immediately set a six-inch flour tortilla on top of each ball. Using a smashing tool or heavy spatula, press very firmly on each tortilla to flatten the beef as thin as possible. Let the patties cook for 1 minute without moving.
5. Press Again and Continue Cooking: Press down once more on each tortilla to squeeze out some fat, which will help crisp the edges. Let the patties cook undisturbed for another 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the thin patties cook through evenly.
6. Check for Crispness and Flip: Use a stiff steel spatula to scrape underneath a patty; it should be browned and crispy. If not, increase the heat slightly and wait for the crust to develop. Once ready, flip the smash burger tacos onto their tortilla side, allowing the tortilla to crisp on the hot surface for about 2 minutes. Add a slice of cheese on top; it will melt as the tortilla crisps.
7. Assemble and Serve: Remove the smash burger tacos from the griddle. Add prepared burger sauce and your choice of toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped white onions, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, crispy smash burger tacos.

Notes

• Using flour tortillas is key as they absorb the meat juices and allow the patties to stick better.
• Handle the ground beef minimally when forming balls to keep the burgers tender.
• Ensure the griddle or skillet is extremely hot to achieve crispy edges on the smashed patties.
• Double pressing the patties helps render fat and creates a flavorful crust.
• The burger sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead for deeper flavor.
• You can substitute muenster or provolone cheese with cheddar or American cheese if preferred.

Keywords: smash burger tacos, quick tacos, crispy smash burger, easy taco recipe, ground beef tacos