Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Get ready to meet your new obsession: Smash Burger Tacos. Picture all the juicy, cheesy, crispy-edged bliss of your favorite smash burger, but wrapped up in a soft, street-style flour tortilla. This mashup is irresistibly fun, incredibly flavorful, and comes together in a flash. The special sauce, melty American cheese, and crunchy toppings create an explosion of tastes and textures in every bite. If you thought regular tacos or classic burgers were crowd-pleasers, just wait until you bring these vibrant, hand-held wonders to your next cookout!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Smash Burger Tacos comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing its own delicious contribution. From the creamy, tangy sauce to the beefy patties and all the fixings, every item in this recipe adds something essential to the final bite.

• Mayo: This forms the luscious, creamy base of your burger sauce, giving every taco rich moisture.
• Ketchup: Adds classic sweetness and a hint of tang; it’s the heart of any great burger sauce.
• Finely Chopped Dill Pickles: Bring a satisfying crunch and zesty flavor that makes the sauce pop.
• Pickle Juice: Just a splash brightens the sauce with acidity—don’t skip it!
• Paprika: Gives smoky depth and a hint of color to the finished sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the sauce with mellow savory notes.
• Kosher Salt: Highlights all the flavors, both in the sauce and the beef; using kosher salt gives you more control.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle punch of warmth; use freshly cracked if you can.
• Soy Sauce: A splash amps up the umami for a burger sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
• Rice Vinegar: Gives the sauce extra tang and complexity, balancing the creamy elements.
• Ground Beef (80/20): The perfect fat-to-meat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties that crisp beautifully on the griddle.
• Kosher Salt: A little extra for the beef ensures you never have a bland patty.
• Ground Black Pepper: Fresh pepper in the beef keeps every bite lively.
• American Cheese: Melts like an absolute dream, blanketing your beef with classic burger goodness.
• Flour Tortillas (street taco size): Soft and perfectly portioned – the ideal wrapper for these bite-sized burgers.
• Shredded Lettuce: Offers crunch and freshness to balance the savory fillings.
• Burger Pickles: Tart and snappy, they cut through the richness for a well-rounded bite.
• Optional Toppings (bacon, white onions): Get creative with crispy bacon or a sharp bite of fresh onion.
• Burger Press: This tool helps you achieve those signature lacy, crispy edges on your patties.
• Burger Patty Paper Squares: Prevents sticking, making it easier to portion and press your beef.

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Make the Special Burger Sauce

Start by whipping up your smash burger taco sauce. Grab a small bowl and mix together the mayo, ketchup, finely chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir until creamy and fully blended, then set aside. This sauce will be your secret weapon, delivering big bold flavor in every taco.

Step 2: Form the Burger Patties

Next, toss your ground beef, kosher salt, and black pepper into a medium bowl. Use your hands to gently combine—try not to overwork it, or you’ll lose juiciness. Once evenly mixed, divide the beef into six equal balls. Place each one on a square of patty paper to keep things neat and ready for smashing.

Step 3: Prep All Other Ingredients

Now’s the time to get organized! Lay out your tortillas, sliced cheese, and extra salt and pepper near your cooking station. Prep your preferred toppings, like shredded lettuce and burger pickles. If you’re adding extras like bacon or white onion, have those ready to go as well. The cooking process moves super fast, so having everything within reach is key for that classic smash burger taco experience.

Step 4: Smash and Cook Your Patties

Preheat your flat-top griddle or large skillet to medium-high heat. Place each beef ball onto the hot surface and, using your burger press, smoosh it down until the patty is as thin as possible, aiming for those webbed, crispy edges. This should only take about 15-20 seconds per patty. Let them sizzle and crisp up for 40 seconds. Flip the patties, then immediately lay a slice of American cheese on each one for perfect melt. At this point, add your tortillas to the grill as well, to toast and warm them. Close the lid (if you have one) and cook everything for about two minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Smash Burger Tacos

Carefully flip the tortillas, then, using a spatula, lift each cheesy patty and place it right on top of a hot tortilla. Transfer to a serving plate while you repeat with the rest.

Step 6: Finish and Top

Generously slather your burger sauce over the melty cheese and beef. Scatter on plenty of shredded lettuce, a few zingy burger pickles, and any of your favorite optional toppings. Feel free to pile them high or keep it simple—every version is a winner! Now, dig in while everything’s hot and gooey.

How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos

Garnishes

The finishing touches are where you can make your Smash Burger Tacos uniquely yours. Classic shredded iceberg lettuce adds crunch and freshness, while dill pickle slices bring that crave-worthy tang. A final drizzle of your special sauce ties it all together. If you’re looking to elevate things, throw on crispy bacon bits or some spicy sliced onions—there’s no wrong way to garnish these bad boys!

Side Dishes

The beauty of Smash Burger Tacos is how easily they become the star of any table, but pairing them with classic sides seals the deal. Think golden, salty shoestring fries, crisp onion rings, or even a refreshing slaw. If you’re throwing a casual backyard bash, a big bowl of potato chips or a simple side salad makes a perfect companion, offering balance without taking the spotlight off the tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra flair, serve your Smash Burger Tacos on a big platter, taco-bar style, letting everyone build their own with a selection of toppings. You can also cut them into halves or quarters for a fun appetizer, or stack them on a wooden board with dipping bowls of sauce. No matter how you present them, expect every plate to come back empty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Smash Burger Tacos (a rare occurrence, but anything’s possible!), store them in an airtight container. For best results, keep the toppings and sauce separate from the taco bases, so nothing gets soggy in the fridge. The assembled tacos will keep for 1-2 days, but are definitely best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked burger patties and tortillas, it’s best to do so without the toppings. Wrap each patty and tortilla separately with wax paper or foil, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll hold up well for up to 2 months, making it easy to whip up Smash Burger Tacos in a flash whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm the tortillas and patties separately in a skillet over medium heat, just until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Once warmed, assemble your tacos with fresh lettuce, pickles, and plenty of burger sauce for that just-cooked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a regular skillet if I don’t have a flat-top griddle?

Absolutely! A heavy skillet, like cast iron, works beautifully. Just make sure it’s nice and hot before smashing your burger patties to get those crave-worthy crispy edges.

What’s the best ground beef for Smash Burger Tacos?

Stick with 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties that stay tender but crisp up well. Leaner blends can get a little dry, while fattier ones might become greasy.

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free variety and double-check all condiments for gluten content. You’ll still get all the flavor and fun of classic Smash Burger Tacos.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to let your taste buds lead the way. Try chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, crispy fried onions, or a handful of fresh cilantro. A splash of hot sauce is fantastic for some kick!

How do I keep the tacos from getting soggy if making ahead?

If you’re prepping in advance, store all components separately. Assemble the tacos just before eating so the tortillas stay soft but not soggy, and the lettuce remains crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these Smash Burger Tacos are calling your name. Gather your friends, fire up your griddle, and get ready to watch everyone fall in love—one taco at a time!

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