Smashed Burger Tacos
Smashed Burger Tacos combine the best of smash burgers and tacos into one delicious and fun dish! It’s no wonder these tacos are blowing up on social media; this viral smash burger tacos recipe features a burger patty with a cheese melt on a tortilla shell all topped with your favorite burger toppings! Whether it’s for taco night, a burger bar, or a busy weeknight dinner, these tacos are sure to be a hit and are easy to make in just 30 minutes!
Need more quick and easy recipes? Some of our favorites are: Loose Meat Sandwich, Taco Meat Recipe, Chicken Tacos, and Hamburger Hash.
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This smash burger recipe is off the charts insane! The crispy tortilla holds all the good stuff – crispy beef, American cheese, and all your favorite toppings. It’s a thin layer of seasoned beef cooked on a hot griddle or large skillet, with a slice of American cheese melting perfectly on top. Then you add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of special sauce if you wanna make it a Big Mac recipe. It’s a flavor bomb in every bite! Perfect for taco night or any laid-back get-together, these tacos are super easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. My kids LOVE this smash burger recipe, and what can I say? I do too!
What you’ll love about this this Smashed Tacos recipe:
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make an amazing Smashed Burger Taco:
- Ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Small flour tortillas
- American cheese
- Optional toppings such as: Shredded lettuce, pickles, sauces.
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika adds depth and flavor to the meat.
- Toppings: Customize with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese instead.
HOW TO MAKE SMASHED BURGER TACOS STEP-BY-STEP:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
STEPS:
- Mix the Meat:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Shape the Patties:
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and shape them into loose balls. Do 8 portions for smaller patties and do 4 portions for larger patties that will fit small flour tortillas.
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place the meat balls on the hot surface, leaving space between each one.
- Using a spatula or burger press, firmly smash each meat ball into a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until a nice brown crust forms.
- Flip the patties and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until cooked through. Add a slice of cheese to each patty for melty cheese deliciousness.
- Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Warm the flour tortillas in the same skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or until lightly toasted.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Place a beef patty on each warm tortilla.
- Top with a slice of American cheese, iceberg lettuce, diced tomato, yellow mustard, and any other desired toppings.
These Smashed Burger Tacos are called Big Mac Smashed Tacos because they feature similar toppings to a Big Mac – shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and a special sauce. The crispy, thin beef patties mimic smash burgers, combining classic Big Mac flavors in a fun taco format. It’s a tasty twist on a fast-food favorite!
To turn Smashed Burger Tacos into Big Mac Smashed Tacos, simply add some classic Big Mac ingredients. Prepare the smashed burger patties as directed, then top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, pickles, and a drizzle of homemade Big Mac sauce.
PRO TIP:
Smashing the patty thin and using a hot cast iron skillet is crucial for Smash Burgers. This technique creates maximum contact with the hot surface, resulting in a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
*Make the patties smaller or larger depending on the size of your tortillas. I like to make smaller ones for the twins and use street taco tortillas!
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover components separately in the refrigerator in airtight containers. They can be kept for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
Freezing: The cooked patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Additions & Substitutions
ADDITIONS:
- Spicy Flavor: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Onions: Top with thinly sliced red onions or pickled onions for extra crunch and flavor.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Tortillas: Use corn, gluten free, or low-carb tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Cheese: Use your favorite cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for taco style.
FAQs about this Taco Burger Recipe:
What Can I Serve with Smashed Tacos?
Serve these delicious tacos with sides like French fries, Potatoes and Onions, green beans, baked beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try this Smashed Burger Tacos Recipe! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!
Smashed Burger Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 8 slices of American cheese
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce pickles, sauces.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and shape them into loose balls. Do 8 portions for smaller patties and do 4 portions for larger patties that will fit small flour tortillas.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place the meat balls on the hot surface, leaving space between each one.
- Using a spatula, firmly smash each meat ball into a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until a nice brown crust forms. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until cooked through. Top each patty with cheese.
- Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
- Warm the flour tortillas in the same skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or until lightly toasted. (If skillet is super greasy, wipe out with a paper towel first.)
- To assemble the tacos, place a smashed burger patty on each warm tortilla. Top patties with your choice of toppings such as lettuce, pickles, sauces.
