Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your favorite burger! Imagine juicy beef patties, all smashed and crispy, tucked inside warm tortillas. Just add your favorite toppings for a tasty meal!
These tacos are a hit at my house. They’re super easy to whip up and always make my family smile. Who doesn’t love mixing two favorites into one? 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend gives you a juicy and flavorful burger. If you want to lighten it up, try using ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind they can dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for these tacos. If you can’t find them, feel free to use flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar and American melt beautifully in this recipe. You can swap them out for other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
Burger Sauce: If you don’t have Thousand Island dressing, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and a dash of vinegar for a homemade version that’s just as tasty!
How Do I Cook Perfect Smash Patties?
Getting those juicy, flavorful smash patties is key to your tacos’ success. The “smash” technique creates a crispy edge while locking in juices. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat—wait for it to really get hot!
- Lightly oil the skillet before adding the beef. This helps prevent sticking.
- Place the beef portion in the skillet and use a flat spatula to press down firmly. This step is crucial for that perfect sear!
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see browning edges; then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Don’t flip too soon; let that crust form!
Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to your beef before smashing!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (such as Thousand Island or a special sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or a fun gathering with friends. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
Start by preheating a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. While the skillet warms up, take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions, each weighing about 2 ounces. Lightly season each portion with salt and pepper. This will ensure your burgers are flavorful!
2. Cook the Patties:
Once your skillet is nice and hot, add a little cooking oil to coat the bottom. Place one portion of the seasoned beef in the skillet and smash it down with a spatula to make a flat patty. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s nicely browned. After that, flip the patty over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect sizzle!
3. Add Cheese:
When the patties are flipped, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of each one. Now, cover the skillet or griddle with a lid for a minute. This helps the cheese melt into gooey perfection!
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, grab another skillet and warm up your corn tortillas. Toast them lightly on both sides for about 30 seconds each until they’re warm and flexible. This will make them easier to fold and eat!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take each warm tortilla and place a melted cheeseburger patty in the center. Top it off with some shredded lettuce and diced onions. Finally, drizzle your favorite burger sauce on top for that extra flavor!
6. Serve:
Serve your Smash Burger Tacos immediately while they’re hot. You can also put out some extra burger sauce and any other toppings you love, like pickles or jalapeños, so everyone can add their favorites. Enjoy this tasty twist on a classic!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a healthier alternative, but keep in mind it may be less juicy. You can add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist while cooking, and season well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the taco components separate in airtight containers. The cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the tortillas should be kept at room temperature and used within a day or two. Reheat the patties on the stove before assembling the tacos again!
What Type of Cheese Works Best?
While cheddar and American are great choices for melting, you can also use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little kick! If you’re in the mood for something different, crumbled feta adds a unique flavor, though it won’t melt the same way.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicy?
Definitely! Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to your beef mixture before cooking. You can also top your tacos with some spicy salsa or hot sauce to kick up the heat further!
