Smash Burger Tacos mix the best of both worlds! Imagine juicy beef patties tucked inside soft taco shells, topped with cheese, lettuce, and your favorite sauces. Yum!
If you’re like me, you might just end up with tacos for every meal. Who wouldn’t want these delicious bites? It’s a fun and easy twist on taco night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy burgers. If you prefer leaner meat, try a 90/10 blend, but be careful with dryness. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken work well too!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a traditional taste, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Shredded Lettuce: This adds crunch and freshness. Iceberg or romaine works great. For a twist, try shredded cabbage or spinach instead.
Onions: Finely chopped onions provide flavor. You can swap them for green onions for a milder taste or omit if you want a smoother flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for something a bit spicier!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash on My Burgers?
Getting that perfect smash is key to delicious crunchy burgers. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use high heat: Start with a preheated skillet to achieve a nice sear.
- Form loose balls: Don’t pack the beef tightly; leave it airy for better texture.
- Smash quickly: Press down with a spatula immediately after placing the beef in the skillet.
- Don’t flip too soon: Allow the burger to cook fully for about 3-4 minutes to develop a good crust before flipping.
Trust me, taking the time for a good smash makes all the difference in taste and texture!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smash Burger Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup special sauce (recipe below)
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Set this sauce aside for later; it will add a great flavor to your tacos!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Form each portion into a loose ball—don’t pack them too tightly; we want them to cook evenly.
3. Smash the Burgers:
Place the beef balls in the skillet and immediately use a spatula to smash them flat, so they’re about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper for flavor. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the edges are browned and a nice crust forms. Flip the burgers and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
While the burgers are cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or in the microwave until they are nice and pliable. Once the burgers are cooked, place one burger on each tortilla. Quickly sprinkle the shredded cheese on top while the burgers are still hot, so the cheese melts beautifully!
5. Add Toppings:
On top of the melted cheese, add a generous helping of shredded lettuce and the finely chopped onions. This will give your tacos a nice crunch!
6. Serve:
Drizzle your prepared special sauce over the fillings in each taco. Serve these delicious smash burger tacos right away with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different. Use dark meat for best results, as it has more fat and will stay juicy. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You may want to add extra seasoning since poultry is milder in flavor.
How Can I Make Gluten-Free Smash Burger Tacos?
To make these tacos gluten-free, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour. Check the labels to ensure they’re certified gluten-free. You can also swap out the mayonnaise in the special sauce for a gluten-free version or use a homemade alternative like Greek yogurt.
Can I Prepare the Special Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the special sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
What’s the Best Way to Warm Tortillas?
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll become too dry!
