If you love the juicy, crispy goodness of a smash burger but want to switch things up, this Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine perfectly seared, crispy-edged beef patties topped with melted American cheese, all tucked into soft flour tortillas and finished with your favorite burger toppings. It’s a fun, flavorful fusion that brings together the best of both worlds—classic American burger satisfaction with a casual taco-style twist. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step process of making a flatbread sandwich. First, there is a round tortilla on a white marbled surface with a layer of raw ground meat spread evenly across it. Next, a woman's hand is pressing down on the meat to flatten it more. Then, a woman's hand is gently placing a plain white tortilla on top of the meat layer. After that, the sandwich with two tortillas and meat in the middle is cooked until the outer tortilla is golden brown with some darker spots. The cooked flatbread is then topped with shredded yellow and white cheese that is melting over the warm surface. Finally, fresh vegetables including chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and leafy greens are added on top, creating a colorful and fresh finish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Smash Burger Tacos Recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an important role in creating those iconic burger flavors and textures inside a soft taco shell. From the rich beef to the melty cheese and crisp toppings, every element is essential to make these tacos pop with flavor and fun.

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend): This ratio ensures juicy, flavorful patties with the perfect fat content for a crispy crust.
6 small flour tortillas: Soft, pliable tortillas that make wrapping the smashed patties easy and delicious.
6 slices American cheese: The classic cheese that melts perfectly over the meat, providing that nostalgic burger taste.
1 tbsp butter or oil for cooking: Helps achieve that golden sear on the beef and adds extra flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that elevates the natural beef flavor.
Burger toppings (pickles, onions, lettuce, sauce): Customize with your favorites to add tang, crunch, and freshness.

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Surface

Get your skillet or griddle nice and hot on medium-high heat. This high heat is key for developing the crispy, caramelized edges on the beef that make smash burgers so irresistible.

Step 2: Form and Smash the Patties

Place a small ball of ground beef directly onto each tortilla. Use a spatula to press down firmly and smash the meat until it’s thin and spread out. This maximizes the crusty surface area on the patty, unlocking that signature crispy texture.

Step 3: Sear the First Side

Let the smashed balls cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, allowing the edges to brown and crisp up beautifully.

Step 4: Flip and Add Cheese

Flip the beef side directly onto the hot skillet so it sears further. Quickly layer a slice of American cheese on top of the warm patty to melt while it finishes cooking. This ensures gooey, melty perfection.

Step 5: Assemble Your Smash Burger Tacos

Remove the cheesy patties from the heat and rest them momentarily on the tortillas. Then, pile on your favorite burger fixings like pickles, onions, lettuce, and sauce. Fold the tortillas like tacos and get ready to dig in.

How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

The image shows two open-faced tacos on a piece of parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. Each taco has a base layer of flat, slightly browned tortilla with a textured surface. On top of the tortillas, there is a layer of melted yellow-orange cheese spread unevenly. Over the cheese, thin dark brown slices of grilled meat can be seen. The tacos are garnished with shredded pale green lettuce and a generous stack of light green pickles with a crisp texture. Nearby, there is a small white bowl filled with more pickles and a similar sized white bowl holding finely shredded cabbage. A woman's hand is partially visible near the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your Smash Burger Tacos with fresh garnishes that add texture and punch. Crisp shredded lettuce, thinly sliced onions, and crunchy pickles bring freshness and crunch that contrast beautifully with the rich beef. Don’t forget a drizzle of tangy special sauce or spicy mayo for that extra zing.

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with classic burger companions like crispy fries or onion rings for a satisfyingly indulgent meal. Alternatively, a fresh side salad or coleslaw can add a refreshing balance to the hearty tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Smash Burger Tacos on rustic wooden boards with a variety of sauces for dipping. You can also offer mini sliders shaped like tacos by using smaller tortillas and bite-sized burgers—perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cooked patties and tortillas separated in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the beef’s texture and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s best to freeze the tortillas separately, ideally stacked between parchment paper, to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat to restore their crispiness without drying them out. Warm tortillas briefly in a dry pan or microwave before assembling to keep them soft and pliable.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and has that classic burger flavor, you can use cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss depending on your preference.

What’s the best way to get crispy edges on the smashed patties?

The key is a hot pan and pressing the meat firmly when smashing. Also, avoid moving the patty too soon—let it sear undisturbed to develop those flavorful crispy edges.

Can I make Smash Burger Tacos Recipe with beef alternatives?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes work too, though cooking times and techniques may vary slightly to ensure proper searing and doneness.

How do I avoid soggy tacos?

To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, consider toasting them briefly after assembling the tacos. This step adds a nice texture and keeps everything intact while eating.

What sauce pairs best with Smash Burger Tacos?

Classic burger sauces like spicy mayo, ketchup-mustard blends, or a tangy special sauce add great flavor. Feel free to experiment with aiolis or sriracha-based sauces for a little extra kick.

Final Thoughts

Making the Smash Burger Tacos Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience, mixing the joy of burgers with the fun of tacos in a way that bursts with flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this recipe brings a wonderful, casual vibe to your table. Trust me, once you try these crispy, cheesy, flavorful Smash Burger Tacos, they will quickly become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

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4.4 from 20 reviews

Author: Chef
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 tacos

Print Recipe

Description

Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious fusion dish combining the juicy, crispy-edged flavors of classic smash burgers with the soft, foldable convenience of tacos. Ground beef patties are pressed thin and cooked directly on a skillet, topped with melted American cheese, and wrapped in warm flour tortillas with your favorite burger toppings for a mouthwatering handheld meal.

Ingredients

Beef and Cheese

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
6 slices American cheese

Tortillas

6 small flour tortillas

Cooking Fat

1 tbsp butter or oil for cooking

Seasoning and Toppings

Salt and pepper, to taste
Burger toppings (pickles, onions, lettuce, sauce)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
Form and Smash Patties: Place a small ball of ground beef onto each tortilla. Using a spatula, press each ball flat against the pan to create a thin, crispy-edged patty.
Cook First Side: Let the beef cook for about 2 minutes without moving to allow a crust to form.
Flip and Melt Cheese: Flip each patty so the beef side sears directly on the skillet. Immediately add a slice of American cheese on top and allow it to melt while finishing cooking.
Assemble Tacos: Remove the patties and tortillas from the heat. Add your favorite burger toppings like pickles, onions, lettuce, and sauce atop the cheesy patties.
Fold and Serve: Fold the tortillas over the filling like tacos and serve immediately for best taste and texture.