Smash burger tacos are a new twist on the viral favorite smash burger!
Seasoned ground beef is pan-fried and smashed under a tortilla as it pan fries, then it’s topped with lettuce and onions, and drizzled with a secret smash burger sauce.
What is a Smash Burger Taco?
- Smash burger tacos are a unique and trendy taco variant. This fusion-style dish appeals to people who enjoy both the flavor of a burger and the versatility of a taco.
- This recipe is easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or casual parties.
- The thin beef patties become crispy and savory as they sizzle under a golden tortilla.
- Smash burger tacos are so fun to serve! Add bowls of toppings, some Mexican street corn and a pitcher of sangria to round out the fiesta!
Ingredients & Variations
Beef: Use a higher lean-to-fat ratio of ground beef (80/20), or go half ground beef and half chorizo for a super smash burger taco.
Tortillas: Go for the smaller flour tortillas so they’re easier to hold. Gluten-free, whole wheat, spinach, or sundried tomato-flavored tortillas are all perfect. Make ‘em keto and use low-carb wraps or cook the burger and wrap with a large lettuce leaf or top a bed of greens.
Cheese: Choose your cheese. Shredded mozzarella, a Mexican blend, or even a slice or two of extra melty American cheese works perfectly in this recipe.
Sauce: This burger sauce is rather similar to a Thousand Island Dressing or a copycat Big Mac burger sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasonings as you like.
Spice It Up!
For an extra south-of-the-border kick, mix in some homemade chili or Cajun seasoning to the ground beef in Step 1.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Smash burger tacos cook in minutes instead of spending lengthy grill time flipping over and over.
- Form seasoned ground beef into 8 balls, as described in recipe below.
- Smash and press each meatball flat under a tortilla as they fry, until the meat is thin and spread across most of the tortilla.
- Flip burger, top with cheese, cover and cook until melted.
- Fold taco burger in half and top with lettuce, onions and sauce for an epic burger taco mash-up!
The Best Toppings!
Shredded lettuce, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, olives, or anything that goes on a burger or a taco will do! How about a scoop of cowboy caviar, some pimento cheese filling, or some homemade guacamoli tucked into your smash burger taco?
How to Store Leftovers
- Keep leftover smash burgers flat and unfolded in a covered container between sheets of parchment paper for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat them on a dry skillet until burger is crispy and heated through.
- Freeze uncooked meatballs and thaw when you’re ready to smash them again!
Easy Ground Beef Meals!
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Smash Burger Tacos
Equipment
Ingredients
Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- oil for frying
Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- your favorite toppings optional
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until well combined and set aside.
The Burger Taco:
- In a medium bowl, add beef, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine. Divide beef into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls.
- Press each meatball down onto a tortilla, using your fingers to flatten it.
- To a large skillet (or a griddle), add a small amount of oil (about 1 teaspoon). Heat over medium-high heat.
- To the skillet, add the tortilla, meat side down. Use a spatula to press the beef down, making the patty larger and thinner, covering most of the tortilla.
- Cook the burger for about 1 ½ to 2 minutes until the beef begins to brown, pressing down to flatten further. Flip the tortilla and burger over. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella. Cover with a lid for another 1 ½ to 2 minutes, or until the burger is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove smash burger and set aside.
- Repeat cooking process for remaining smash burgers.
- Sprinkle smash burgers with lettuce, onions, and drizzle with prepared sauce. Add optional toppings as desired. Fold tortilla in half and serve.
Notes
- Leftover smash burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For best reheating results, refrigerate taco burgers unfolded and flat between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container.
- Reheat in a dry skillet.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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