Smash Burger Tacos

$- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness) - 8 small flour tortillas - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup pickles, sliced Smash Burger Tacos need solid ingredients to shine. First, choose ground beef with an 80/20 blend. This mix gives the beef juiciness and flavor. Using small flour tortillas makes them easy to hold and eat. For toppings, I love fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and finely chopped red onions. A few pickles add a nice crunch. These ingredients pack a lot of taste into each taco. - 2 tbsp mayonnaise - 1 tbsp ketchup - 1 tbsp mustard - Optional: Hot sauce for extra kick Condiments turn good tacos into great ones. I recommend a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. This trio adds creaminess and tang. If you want extra spice, add hot sauce. It gives a nice kick that complements the beef. - Cooking oil for frying - Salt and pepper for seasoning Every cook needs a few key tools. First, use cooking oil for frying the patties. This helps them brown nicely. Don’t forget salt and pepper! These simple seasonings bring out the beef's rich flavor. Just a pinch can make a big difference. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the ground beef with salt and pepper. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness. Divide the meat into eight equal pieces. Form each piece into a loose ball. It is crucial not to overwork the meat. This keeps the burgers tender and juicy. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a splash of cooking oil to the pan. Once hot, place the meat balls onto the skillet. Use a spatula or a burger press to smash them down flat. This technique helps form a nice crust. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until a golden crust appears, then flip the patties. While the burgers cook, warm the tortillas on another skillet or in the microwave. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Place a smashed burger patty in each warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped onions. Add sliced pickles for crunch. Drizzle on some mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard for flavor. Enjoy your tasty creation! - Choose an 80/20 blend of ground beef. This mix gives the tacos the best flavor and juiciness. - To get a crispy crust, heat the skillet until it is very hot. Smash the patties down flat. This helps form the tasty crust we all love. - Serve these tacos with chips for a fun crunch. A fresh salad also pairs well. - Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. - Use different sauces like BBQ, ranch, or hot sauce for variety. Don't be shy to mix and match! - Add spice with jalapeños or fresh herbs. You can also add a squeeze of lime for freshness. Pro Tips Use a Hot Skillet: Preheat your skillet or griddle until it's very hot to achieve that delicious crust on your smash burgers. Don’t Overwork the Meat: When forming the patties, handle the ground beef gently to keep them tender and juicy. Layer the Ingredients: For a better flavor balance, layer your toppings in the order of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Add Extra Flavor: Mix some spices or herbs into the ground beef for an extra kick or try different cheeses on your burgers. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat for your Smash Burger Tacos. Turkey or chicken works great. These meats are leaner but still tasty. Just season them well with salt and pepper. Use the same cooking method. Smash them down just like beef for that crispy edge. If you want a meatless option, try veggie patties. Use black beans or lentils to create a delicious base. You can mix in spices and herbs for added flavor. These options keep your tacos fun and fresh. Tortillas can change the game in your tacos. While flour tortillas are soft and easy, try corn tortillas for a different taste. Whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor too. Adding global flavors can also spice things up. Think about adding kimchi for a tangy crunch. A spicy salsa can bring the heat. You can also try chimichurri for a fresh kick. These ideas let you explore flavors from around the world. Toppings can really make your Smash Burger Tacos shine. Use seasonal items like ripe avocado or sweet corn. These add freshness and color. You can also toss in some fresh herbs for extra flavor. Don’t forget to adjust spice levels to what you like. If you want more heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. For milder flavors, skip the heat and enjoy the juicy beef. Customizing keeps every bite exciting and tasty! After you enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the tacos in an airtight container. Keep them cool for up to three days. For best taste, do not store them with toppings. You can store the cooked patties and toppings separately. This keeps everything fresh. If you want to save them for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each taco tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This way, they can last for about two months. When you are ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To heat up your tacos, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the tortillas soft and the patties juicy. If you're short on time, the microwave works too. Place the tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30 seconds, then check if they are warm. Repeat until hot. Make sure to eat them right away for the best taste. Always check that the food is hot all the way through to keep it safe. How long do your ingredients last? Ground beef lasts about one to two days in the fridge. Cooked patties can stay fresh for three days. If they smell off or look gray, it’s time to toss them. For the toppings, shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes last about three days. Onions and pickles can last longer, but check for signs of spoilage. If anything looks slimy or smells bad, it’s better to throw it away. Enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos safely! A smash burger is a type of burger that you cook flat on a hot skillet. You take a ball of ground beef and smash it down. This method creates a crispy, caramelized crust. The beef cooks quickly, keeping it juicy inside. It’s a fun and tasty way to enjoy burgers. Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. You can cook the beef patties and store them in the fridge. Just warm them up before you assemble the tacos. You can also chop your toppings ahead. Store the veggies in airtight containers. This helps keep them fresh and ready to use. To smash the patties, use a hot skillet with a bit of oil. Place the meat balls on the pan, then press down with a spatula. Aim for a thin patty, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps create a nice crust. The heat from the skillet is key for a great sear. To add heat, use spicy sauces like sriracha or hot sauce. You can also add sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Diced chili peppers are another option. Mix them in with your toppings for extra flavor. Adjust the spice to your taste. Yes, these tacos work well for meal prep. You can store cooked patties in the fridge for up to three days. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. When ready, just reheat the patties. Warm the tortillas quickly, and add your favorite toppings. This makes for a quick and easy meal. Smash burger tacos are a fun twist on classic flavors. We covered key ingredients and cooking steps, highlighting the right beef blend and taco assembly tips. Customization is key, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or switch proteins. Store any leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Remember, these tacos are not just a meal; they can be a canvas for creativity. Try different flavors and find what you love best. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!$

Smash Burger Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with smashed burger patties and fresh toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
8 small flour tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 red onion finely chopped
1/4 cup pickles, sliced
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
to taste salt and pepper
as needed cooking oil for frying
optional hot sauce for extra kick

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide it into 8 equal portions and gently form loose balls—avoid overworking the meat.
Heat a skillet or a griddle over medium-high heat and add a splash of cooking oil. Once hot, place the meat balls onto the skillet and use a spatula or a burger press to smash them down flat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until a nice crust forms, then flip.
After flipping the patties, place a slice of cheese on each burger and let cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are fully cooked.
While the burgers are cooking, warm the tortillas on a separate skillet or in the microwave until soft and pliable.
In each warm tortilla, place a smashed burger patty. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, sliced pickles, and a drizzle of mayo, ketchup, and mustard.
If desired, add some hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor. You can also serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh zing.

Notes

Optional: Serve with lime wedges for extra freshness.

Keyword burgers, easy recipe, tacos