I’m excited to share this fun and creative spin on the classic burger: Smash Burger Tacos. I take juicy, flavorful smashed beef patties cooked right on a tortilla, then top them with melty cheese, crisp veggies, and tangy sauce. It’s a mash-up that delivers the best of burgers and tacos in one handheld bite.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how easy and quick this recipe is—just about 10 minutes from start to finish. I appreciate that the tortilla crisps deliciously baked in the burger grease, while the meat gets the perfect sear. The secret sauce adds creamy, tangy flavor, and the assembly is so simple that everyone can customize their toppings. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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¼ cup Mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons Ketchup
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2 teaspoons Mustard
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2 tablespoons chopped pickles or relish
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1 pound Ground round or ground chuck (I avoid lean ground beef here)
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1 teaspoon Kosher salt
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1 teaspoon Black pepper
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1 teaspoon Garlic salt
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4 six-inch Flour tortillas
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4 slices Sharp cheddar cheese
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1 cup Shredded iceberg lettuce
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½ cup Sliced tomatoes
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½ cup Diced yellow onion
Directions
I start by mixing together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and chopped pickles to make my special sauce.
Then I heat my griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. I portion the beef into four loose mounds and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. I cook each for about 2 minutes before placing a tortilla on top and pressing it flat to form a patty the size of the tortilla. I let it cook until the tortilla is golden-brown—about 2–3 more minutes—then flip, add a slice of cheddar, and let it melt as the meat finishes cooking and the tortilla crisps. Once everything is nicely golden and melty, I remove it, top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and onion, drizzle on the special sauce, fold it like a taco, and serve immediately.
Servings And Timing
This recipe yields 4 servings (one taco per person).
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Prep time: approximately 5 minutes
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Cook time: approximately 5 minutes
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Total time: about 10 minutes
Variations
I like to get creative with this: I often swap in jalapeños, black olives, bell peppers, avocado, or ranch for a fun twist. I’ve also tried adding green cabbage or taco sauce, or simply swapping feta or pickled veggies to shake things up.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but I always enjoy them best fresh from the griddle. When reheating, I pop them into a skillet to crisp the tortilla again and warm the patty—this helps keep that satisfying texture intact.
FAQs
1. How Do I Make The Secret Burger Sauce?
I always mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and chopped pickles (or relish) until smooth—that’s my tangy, creamy sauce.
2. Can I Use Lean Ground Beef Instead Of Ground Chuck?
I prefer ground round or chuck for these tacos—lean beef doesn’t hold together as well and lacks the fat needed to crisp the tortilla nicely.
3. What’s The Best Way To Press The Burger And Tortilla Together?
I use a flat spatula or a burger press and apply firm, even pressure to make the patty as thin and wide as the tortilla.
4. Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead?
I don’t recommend it. They tend to break or crumble when folded. Flour tortillas hold up better and crisp beautifully.
5. How Thin Should The Meat Be Smashed?
I aim for very thin—pressed to cover the tortilla. Cook for about 2 minutes per side for a crispy exterior with a juicy center.
Conclusion
I’m all about quick, fun meals—and Smash Burger Tacos are one of my favorites. They’re flavorful, customizable, and come together in just 10 minutes. Between the crispy tortillas, juicy beef, melty cheese, and tangy sauce, I promise they’ll be a hit whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal. Let me know if you try them—I bet you’ll love them as much as I do!
