Easy Smash Burger Tacos

A sizzling sound fills the air as delicious meat hits the flat top, and the aroma wafts through the kitchen. These Easy Smash Burger Tacos come together in just under 30 minutes and are perfect for those craving a combination of crispy tortillas and juicy beef. The secret lies in the technique of smashing the patties while cooking, which locks in flavor and creates a delightful texture.

Perfect for casual gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is a favorite among families and taco enthusiasts alike. You can easily make the burger sauce a few days in advance, allowing you to enjoy effortless cooking and more time with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of crispy tortillas and juicy beef creates an unforgettable texture.
• Quick prep and cooking time make it ideal for busy nights.
• The flavor-packed burger sauce adds a unique twist.
• Smashed cooking technique guarantees crispy edges and delicious sides.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for a delightful taco experience:

For the Burger Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced bread & butter pickles
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Tacos

• 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 fat percentage
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 6 (six-inch) flour tortillas
• 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped white onion, for topping
• Dill pickle chips, for topping

Use ground turkey as a lean alternative to beef.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground chicken can work for a lighter option.
• Use your favorite cheese for topping.
• Swap pickles for jalapeños for extra heat.
• Corn tortillas are a gluten-free alternative.

How to Make It

Follow these steps for a delicious taco feast.

Combine sauce ingredients

Add all burger sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use; can be made 3 days in advance.

Prepare ground beef

Mix the salt and pepper in a bowl. Evenly distribute it over the top and bottom of your ground beef. Divide and roll your beef into 2 1/2 ounce balls. Place each ball on a plate and refrigerate until your flat top is preheated.

Heat the flat top

Turn your flat top onto high heat, ungreased, and allow it to get exceptionally hot. This step is crucial for achieving crispy beef.

Smash the patties

Place each beef ball on the hot flat top and set a tortilla on top. Use your smashing tool to firmly press down on each tortilla, flattening the meat. Let them cook for 1 minute, then press down again to release fat. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes undisturbed.

Check for browning

Use a stiff steel spatula to scrape underneath one burger to check if it’s browned and crispy. If not, increase the heat. Once browned, flip the smash burger tacos onto their tortilla side and let cook for another 2 minutes.

Add cheese and toppings

Once the tortillas are crisp and the cheese has melted, remove the tacos from the heat. Add burger sauce and your desired toppings. Enjoy!

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, as tortillas can become soggy.
Reheat: Microwave for 30 seconds or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure your flat top is extremely hot to get the perfect crisp.
• Use a firm, stiff spatula to flip the tacos easily.
• Let cooked tacos rest for a minute before adding sauces to avoid sogginess.
• Experiment with different toppings for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of crispy french fries.
• Enjoy with a refreshing beverage like iced tea.
• Serve at game day parties for a crowd-pleasing snack.