Smash Burger Tacos

It was a rainy Saturday afternoon when I stumbled upon the magnificent mash-up that is Smash Burger Tacos. Picture this: I was cozying up in my kitchen, the air fragrant with garlicky goodness and sizzling beef, as I fiddled with leftover taco supplies from the week. By pure serendipity, I grabbed some ground beef and instead of rolling traditional burgers, I decided to smash them! And oh, my friends, the moment that crispy patty met the warmth of a flour tortilla, I knew I was onto something utterly special. With every bite, the saltiness of the savory burger mingled with the tangy zing of the special sauce, sending my taste buds into a happy dance! This dish brings together quick fixings with big flavors, provoking that wonderful “I can’t believe I made this” feeling. Trust me, you’ll love it as much as I do!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy & Quick: Perfect for weeknight dinners; you can whip these up in no time!
• Flavorful: The combination of the smash burger and taco is a flavor explosion.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Great for gatherings; even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
• Versatile: Customizable with all your favorite toppings, so no two tacos need to be the same!
• Comfort Food Delight: Perfect for snuggling up on chilly evenings with family or friends.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayo: This is your creamy base for the burger sauce—mixes perfectly with the ketchup!
• 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness; who doesn’t love that classic burger flavor?
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles: These little bites add a delightful crunch and tang.
• 1/2 teaspoon pickle juice: A splash of acidity that brightens the sauce wonderfully.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika: For a hint of smokiness—trust me, you’ll want this flavor!
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Can’t have burgers without a little garlicky goodness, right?
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for amplifying flavors.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper: Just a pinch to enhance the taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds umami and depth to your beef.
• 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar: Brightens up the flavors in your sauce.
• 1 pound ground beef, 80/20: The fat content makes these burgers juicy and scrumptious.
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: More seasoning to make your protein sing!
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Double dipping in seasoning never hurt anyone!
• 6 slices American cheese: Melts perfectly on the hot smash patties—cheesy goodness incoming!
• 6 flour tortillas, street taco size: These little guys are the perfect vessel for your delicious filling.
• Shredded lettuce: A refreshing crunch to balance out the savory flavors.
• Burger pickles (optional): You can never have too many pickles!
• Other toppings (optional): Bacon, white onions, or whatever tickles your fancy.
• Burger press / patty paper squares: For perfect patty formation and easy flipping!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Step 1: Make the Burger Sauce

Add mayo, ketchup, finely chopped dill pickles, and pickle juice to a small bowl. Sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then whisk to combine. Set aside this delightfully creamy concoction—your taste buds are in for a treat!

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

In a mixing bowl, add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine—don’t overwork it, we want those juicy bites! Divide the beef into six equal-sized balls and set aside.

Step 3: Prep Your Station

Make sure to have your tortillas, cheese, and toppings ready! This cook time is quick, and having everything at hand avoids any kitchen chaos. You want to bask in the glorious scents, not frantically search for lettuce!

Step 4: Heat the Griddle

Preheat your flat-top griddle to a medium-high heat. The sizzle when those meatballs hit the griddle is music to your ears!

Step 5: Smash those Burgers

Place the beef balls on the hot griddle. Using a burger press, gently but firmly press down on each ball, creating a glorious flat patty—this should take about 15-20 seconds per patty. Give them about 40 seconds to cook without moving them, allowing that beautiful crust to form. Sprinkle with seasoning if you like!

Step 6: Cheese & Tortillas

Flip each patty and immediately top with a delicious slice of American cheese. Now, throw those tortillas onto the griddle! Close the lid and let the patties and tortillas toasty hug for about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble!

Open the lid and flip those tortillas. Use a spatula to gently lift a patty and nestle it atop a warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, your luscious burger sauce, and those delightful pickles. Don’t stop there—add bacon or onions if your heart desires!

Step 8: Enjoy!

Dig in and celebrate the flavors of this gorgeous creation!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use a hot griddle: Start with a well-heated flat top for maximum caramelization.
• Don’t skip the sauce: The burger sauce is what pulls every flavor together, so don’t skimp!
• Prep your toppings: Having everything ready to go is the secret to stress-free cooking.
• Experiment: Feel free to play with flavors—add spices or herbs that tickle your taste buds!

Flavor Variations

• Swap out the beef: Try ground turkey or chicken for a healthier twist.
• Spicy kicker: Add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the burger sauce for a spicy zing!
• Tropical twist: Top with grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce for a Hawaiian flair.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful Smash Burger Tacos along with crispy tortilla chips and a side of fresh guacamole for the ultimate feast. A refreshing homemade lemonade or a chilled beer pairs beautifully as well. Presentation is key; serve them on a rustic wooden board for that homemade charm!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the burger sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. As for the patties, you can shape them ahead of time—just cover them tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a day.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover Smash Burger Tacos (which I truly doubt, but just in case) you can crumble the beef and use it in a quesadilla or even toss it into a salad for a delicious meal prep option!

Freezing

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, the cooked patties can be frozen. Just wrap each patty in parchment paper, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold nicely for up to 2 months!

Reheating

To reheat, pop them in a hot skillet for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also microwave them if you’re in a pinch, but hey, crispy is key for tacos!

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas will give it a unique texture, and they’d still be delicious!

What if I don’t have a burger press?
No worries, you can use a flat-bottomed pan or even your hand—just make sure to oil it a bit!

Can I make these vegetarian?
Sure! Swap out the beef with nifty veggie or plant-based burger patties.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store the taco fillings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm the ingredients individually before serving!

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Smash Burger Tacos are a cozy, comforting way to bring a little joy into your kitchen. I promise you’ll be hooked by the wonderful array of flavors. Cooking should always be a playful adventure, so gather your loved ones, get that griddle sizzling, and let the cozy vibes fill your home. Until next time, happy cooking, friends! 🌟