These Original Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic burgers! They feature juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings, all wrapped up in soft tortillas.
Who knew tacos could be this delicious? I love making these for a casual dinner—just grab some chips, and you’re ready to feast! They’re a guaranteed hit with everyone! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend because it has the right fat content for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean ground turkey or chicken can work too, but expect a different texture and flavor. Ground plant-based meat is also a great choice for vegetarian tacos.
Flour Tortillas: I love using small flour tortillas for these tacos because they are soft and flexible. If you prefer a gluten-free option, corn tortillas will do the trick, just be sure to warm them slightly to avoid cracking.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness. If you want a twist, try pepper jack for some heat or a Mexican cheese blend for an extra creamy pull. For dairy-free options, look for plant-based cheeses that melt well.
Pickles: Sliced pickles offer a tangy crunch. You can substitute them with jalapeños for some spice or even fresh cucumber slices. Try dill pickles for a classic taste, or sweet pickles if you prefer a sweeter profile.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can swap it for Greek yogurt. It provides a similar texture with added protein.
How Do I Smash the Patties Correctly?
Smashing the patties is key to achieving that crispy edge. It’s all about timing and pressure, so here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until hot; a drop of water should sizzle.
- Form your ground beef into loose balls before placing them on the skillet.
- When you smash the patties, use the wide end of a spatula and apply firm pressure to flatten them.
- Don’t rush it! Let them cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes for perfect browning.
Using a cast-iron skillet helps get that perfect sear, and don’t be afraid to season liberally with salt and pepper after smashing!
The Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup sliced pickles
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and tasty recipe will take about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll whip up a delicious sauce, cook the juicy beef patties, and put everything together in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by mixing up your sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed, then set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef:
Now let’s get that beef cooking! Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle some cooking oil into the pan. Take the ground beef and form it into loose balls, each about 2-3 ounces. These will become your burger patties.
3. Smash the Patties:
When the skillet is hot, place the beef balls on it and use a spatula to smash them down into thin patties. Season them with a little salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until you see the edges getting crispy—it’s going to smell amazing!
4. Add Cheese:
Once those patties are nice and crispy, flip them over gently and place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each one. Cook for another minute so the cheese melts and the patties are fully cooked through.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers finish cooking, warm your flour tortillas. Just place them on a clean skillet or grill and heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re nice and pliable. This helps them hold all the yummy fillings!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Time to put it all together! Take a warm tortilla and place one of the smashed burger patties with melted cheese in the center. Top it off with shredded lettuce and sliced pickles. Drizzle some of that tasty sauce over everything.
7. Serve:
Lastly, fold the tortilla over the filling, hold it securely, and enjoy your delicious smash burger tacos! Perfect for a fun meal at home.
Can I Use Lean Ground Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use lean ground beef, it’s best to opt for an 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness and flavor. If you do use lean beef, consider adding a bit of oil while cooking to help maintain moisture and prevent the patties from drying out.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to get all the flavors combined again!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftover tacos, store the individual components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked patties can be kept for up to 3 days, while the tortillas should be used within 2 days. Reassemble and warm everything before enjoying again!
Can I Substitute the Cheese or Tortillas?
Definitely! Feel free to use other types of cheese, like pepper jack or American, to suit your taste. For a gluten-free option, swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or lettuce wraps. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly!
