Craving burgers and tacos? Now you don’t have to choose. These Smash Burger Tacos bring together everything you love about juicy smash burgers and fold it into a crispy taco shell—topped with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, pickles, onions, and a crave-worthy homemade Big Mac-style sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
✅ Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
-
✅ Family Favorite: Kid-approved and perfect for weeknight dinners.
-
✅ Bold Flavor: A fusion of classic smash burgers and tacos with a creamy, tangy burger sauce.
-
✅ Customizable: Switch up the toppings or tortilla size to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Big Mac-Style Burger Sauce:
-
1 cup mayonnaise
-
4 tbsp pickle relish
-
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
-
1 tsp sugar
-
½ tbsp white vinegar
-
1¼ tsp paprika
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
1 tsp garlic powder
For the Smash Burger Tacos:
-
4 flour tortillas (6-inch, fajita size)
-
1 lb lean ground beef
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
-
4 slices American cheese (or any burger cheese)
-
1 small onion, diced
-
Dill pickle chips
-
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Burger Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, relish, mustard, sugar, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well and refrigerate while preparing the tacos for the best flavor.
2. Shape the Smash Patties
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spread one portion of beef evenly across the surface, pressing it thin. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
3. Sear the Smash Tacos
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease with oil. Place a tortilla beef-side down in the skillet. Press with a spatula to “smash” the patty into the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
4. Add Cheese and Flip
Flip the taco so the tortilla side is down. Top the beef with a slice of cheese and cook another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crisp.
5. Assemble and Serve
Remove from the skillet. Add shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and a generous drizzle of burger sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
You Must Know
-
This recipe works best on a griddle, so you can cook multiple tacos at once.
-
Use street taco tortillas for mini versions—this recipe yields 8 smaller tacos when using 4-inch tortillas.
-
Don’t skip the pressing step—that crust is what gives the “smash burger” effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
-
Make-Ahead Sauce: The burger sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
-
Leftovers: Cooked smash burger tacos are best fresh, but you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best results.
-
Sauce Storage: Leftover sauce keeps for up to 5 days refrigerated.
Seasonal Variations
-
Summer: Top with grilled onions, fresh tomatoes, and avocado slices.
-
Fall/Winter: Add a touch of chipotle sauce for heat or swap in cheddar for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Smash Burger Tacos with:
-
🌽 Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
-
🥗 Black Bean Salad or Coleslaw
-
🍟 Crispy French Fries
-
🫓 Chips & Guacamole or Salsa
-
🍚 Mexican Rice for a hearty meal
No-Bake Alternative
Want a lighter option? Skip the skillet and:
-
Cook mini burger patties separately.
-
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
-
Assemble the tacos with the sauce and toppings for a lower-fat version.
Pro Tips
-
Smash with confidence: Use a metal spatula and press firmly to get that crispy edge.
-
Don’t overcook the tortilla: Watch for golden-brown edges—crispy but not burnt.
-
Cheese choices: American cheese melts beautifully, but sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss are tasty alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
Let the tacos cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based beef all work well.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free tortillas and double-check your condiments for gluten-containing ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Smash Burger Tacos are the perfect mash-up of two beloved classics—bold, satisfying, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teens, or just treating yourself, this fun and flavorful dinner idea will become a go-to favorite.
