Why Make This Recipe
Easy Smash Burger Tacos are an exciting twist on traditional tacos and burgers. Combining juicy beef patties with crispy tortillas brings a new flavor to your meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of a taco that also satisfies burger cravings?
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat percentage)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 cracks fresh black pepper
- 6 (six-inch) flour tortillas (flour works best because they are more absorbent and the meat sticks better)
- 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped white onion
- Dill pickle chips for topping
- 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
Directions:
- Start by making the burger sauce. Add all the burger sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined. Refrigerate until you are ready to use it; you can make it up to 3 days in advance.
- Mix the salt and pepper together in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top and bottom of your ground beef.
- Divide the beef into balls weighing about 2.5 ounces each. Handle the meat gently to keep it tender. Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate them until your flat top is heated.
- Preheat your flat top on high heat without any grease. Allow it to get very hot, as this is essential for achieving crispy, juicy beef.
- Place each beef ball on the hot flat top, and set a tortilla on top of each one. Firmly press down on the tortilla with your smashing tool, flattening the meat until it is thin.
- Let them cook for 1 minute, then press down on each tortilla again. This helps release some fat and allows the edges to cook properly. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Using a stiff steel spatula, check if the burgers are browned and crispy. If not, you may need to increase the heat, but it should be hot enough already.
- Once browned, carefully flip the smash burger tacos onto their tortilla side. Let them cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the tortillas to crisp up.
- Add cheese on top so it can melt, then remove from the heat and add burger sauce and toppings. Enjoy your delicious Easy Smash Burger Tacos!
How to Serve Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Serve Easy Smash Burger Tacos warm, straight from the griddle. You can place them on a platter and let everyone add their favorite toppings. A fresh side of chips or a simple salad can complete the meal.
How to Store Easy Smash Burger Tacos
If you have leftovers, store the tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 1 to 2 days. To reheat, warm them on a skillet to bring back their crispy texture.
Tips to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
- Don’t overhandle the beef to keep it tender.
- Ensure your flat top or grill is very hot before cooking the meat.
- Customize your toppings; avocado, jalapeños, and hot sauce can add a nice kick!
Variation
For a spicier version, mix in some chopped jalapeños with the ground beef before cooking. You can also swap in different cheeses to suit your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
2. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. Are there any gluten-free options for the tortillas?
Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas. They work well for this recipe, too!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- Add all the burger sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use; you can make it up to 3 days in advance.
- Mix the salt and pepper together in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top and bottom of your ground beef.
- Divide the beef into balls weighing about 2.5 ounces each, and handle the meat gently to keep it tender. Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate until your flat top is heated.
- Preheat your flat top on high heat without any grease until very hot.
- Place each beef ball on the hot flat top and set a tortilla on top of each one. Press down with your smashing tool to flatten the meat.
- Cook for 1 minute, then press down on each tortilla again for another 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy.
- Flip the smash burger tacos onto their tortilla side and cook for another 2 minutes until the tortillas crisp.
- Add cheese on top to melt, then remove from heat and add burger sauce and toppings.