Smash Burger Tacos: The Ultimate Recipe You Need to Try

Smash burger tacos: Prepare to have your taste buds completely revolutionized! Forget everything you thought you knew about tacos and burgers because this recipe is about to redefine your definition of delicious. Imagine the crispy, caramelized edges of a perfectly smashed burger, combined with the satisfying crunch of a taco shell, all topped with your favorite burger fixings. It’s a culinary collision that works in the most spectacular way.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition, the beauty of smash burger tacos lies in their modern ingenuity. They represent a playful fusion of American and Mexican cuisines, a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of food. This dish is a celebration of creativity, born from the desire to elevate familiar flavors into something truly extraordinary.

People adore this dish for its sheer fun factor and incredible flavor profile. The contrast between the juicy, savory burger and the crispy taco shell is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. The customizable toppings allow everyone to create their perfect bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

• For the Smash Burgers:
• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor and fat content)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Salt (plus more for seasoning after smashing)
• 4 slices American Cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
• 4 Brioche Buns (or your preferred burger buns)
• 2 tbsp Butter (for toasting the buns)
• For the Taco Shells:
• 12 Small Corn Tortillas (street taco size)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)
• For the Taco Sauce:
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
• 1 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• For the Toppings:
• 1 cup Shredded Lettuce
• 1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes
• 1/4 cup Diced White Onion
• Pickled Jalapeños (optional)

Preparing the Smash Burger Mixture:

Alright, let’s get started! The key to a great smash burger taco is, of course, the smash burger itself. We want a flavorful and juicy patty that will complement the other taco components.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough burgers. Use your hands to lightly incorporate everything until just combined.
2. Form the Meatballs: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a ball. These don’t need to be perfectly round; just aim for roughly the same size.
3. Chill the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended): Place the meatballs on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape better when smashing and prevents them from sticking to the pan.

Smashing and Cooking the Burgers:

Now for the fun part! Smashing the burgers is what gives them that delicious crispy edge and maximizes the surface area for browning. You’ll need a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle for this. I prefer cast iron for its even heat distribution.

1. Prepare Your Cooking Surface: Heat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so the burgers sear properly. A light coating of oil isn’t usually necessary with 80/20 ground beef, but you can add a teaspoon if you’re concerned about sticking.
2. Smash the Burgers: Place one meatball on the hot surface. Immediately use a burger press, a sturdy spatula, or even the bottom of a heavy pot to smash the meatball as thin as possible. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. The thinner, the crispier!
3. Season Generously: While the burger is smashing, season it generously with salt and pepper. This is your chance to really build flavor into that crispy crust.
4. Cook the First Side: Let the burger cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, or until a deep brown crust forms. You should see the edges starting to crisp up.
5. Flip and Cook the Second Side: Carefully flip the burger with a spatula. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the second side is browned and the burger is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
6. Add the Cheese: In the last 30 seconds of cooking, place a slice of American cheese (or your cheese of choice) on top of the burger. Let it melt slightly.
7. Remove and Repeat: Remove the burger from the skillet and set aside. Repeat the smashing and cooking process with the remaining meatballs.

Preparing the Taco Shells:

We’re not just using regular tortillas here; we’re giving them a little extra love to make them sturdy and flavorful. A quick fry in oil will do the trick!

1. Heat the Oil: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to lightly fry the tortillas without burning them.
2. Fry the Tortillas: Working in batches of 2-3, carefully place the tortillas in the hot oil. Fry for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until they are slightly golden brown and pliable. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become brittle.
3. Drain the Tortillas: Remove the fried tortillas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Making the Taco Sauce:

This is where we add a little zing to our smash burger tacos! This sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy complement to the rich burger and fresh toppings.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add a little more mustard for tanginess, relish for sweetness, or cayenne pepper for heat.
3. Refrigerate (Optional): If you’re making the sauce ahead of time, cover it and refrigerate it until ready to use. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Toasting the Buns:

Don’t skip this step! Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy from the burger and sauce.

1. Butter the Buns: Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of each brioche bun.
2. Toast the Buns: Place the buns, butter-side down, in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Toast for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Assembling the Smash Burger Tacos:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Let’s put these delicious tacos together.

1. Spread the Sauce: Spread a generous amount of the taco sauce on each fried tortilla.
2. Add the Burger: Place a smash burger (with the melted cheese) on top of the sauce.
3. Add the Toppings: Top the burger with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced white onion. Add pickled jalapeños if you like a little extra heat.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the smash burger tacos immediately and enjoy! They’re best when the burger is still hot and the tortillas are crispy.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These smash burger tacos are truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe they’re a must-try for anyone who loves a good burger and appreciates the fun of tacos. The combination of crispy, caramelized beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings nestled in a warm tortilla is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a fantastic party appetizer, or even a satisfying late-night snack. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! But the best part about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. For a spicier kick, add some jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo. If you’re a fan of avocado, a few slices will add a creamy, cool element that complements the richness of the beef. Want to lighten things up? Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You could even experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack for some heat, or provolone for a milder flavor. Serving Suggestions: These smash burger tacos are delicious on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with: * A side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries. * A refreshing coleslaw or a simple green salad. * Some homemade onion rings for an extra indulgent treat. * A bowl of creamy queso dip for dipping. * Elote (Mexican street corn) for a fiesta vibe. Variations to Explore: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started: * Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos: Add crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky, savory twist. * Spicy Chorizo Smash Burger Tacos: Substitute some of the ground beef with chorizo for a spicy, flavorful kick. * Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger Tacos: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and onions and top with melted Swiss cheese. * BBQ Smash Burger Tacos: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup and mustard for a smoky, tangy flavor. * Pizza Smash Burger Tacos: Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni for a fun pizza-inspired twist. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness of smash burger tacos for yourself! It’s a fun, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite. Now, it’s your turn! Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me a private message. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do. Let me know how they turn out! Print