The Original Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your favorite burger! Picture juicy, smashed beef patties tucked inside soft taco shells with all your favorite toppings. Yum!
Every bite is a tasty mix of flavors, and let’s be real, it’s hard to eat just one! I usually load mine with cheese, lettuce, and a splash of sauce. Perfect for taco night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend an 80/20 blend for the juiciest burgers, but if you’re looking for leaner options, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind, leaner meat may not have the same richness in flavor.
Tortillas: You can use corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference. If you want a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are the way to go. Try toasting them slightly for added texture.
Creamy Sauce: The mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard elevates the flavors. If you’re cutting back on mayo, Greek yogurt is a great substitution. You can also add hot sauce for a kick!
American Cheese: While American cheese melts beautifully, feel free to use cheddar or Monterey Jack. For a dairy-free option, vegan cheese slices work as well, but check the melting quality.
Dill Pickles: If you’re not a fan of dill, sweet pickles or even jalapeños can add different flavors. You can also skip the pickles entirely if you’re picky about toppings!
How Do I Smash and Cook the Patties Perfectly?
Smashing the patties is key to getting that crispy edge and ensuring they cook evenly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the patties in a hot skillet to get that sear. A high heat is crucial!
- Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to apply firm pressure when smashing the burgers. This creates a larger surface area for crispness.
- Don’t rush! Allow each side to cook without flipping too soon; 2-3 minutes on one side gives it that nice golden color.
- Adding cheese right after flipping helps it melt perfectly. Cover briefly if you want it to melt faster!
How to Make Original Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for skillet)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the special sauce for your tacos. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Set this aside while you get everything else ready.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Next, take a large skillet or griddle and place it over medium-high heat. Add a light coating of cooking oil to the pan so the burgers don’t stick.
3. Form the Patties:
Tear the ground beef into 6 equal pieces, roughly 2-3 ounces each. Roll each piece into a ball in your hands—don’t press them down yet; we’ll do that in a bit!
4. Smash the Patties:
Once your skillet is nice and hot, place one ball of ground beef onto it. Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, smash the ball down to form a thin patty. Season with a little salt and pepper. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges start to get crispy.
5. Add Cheese:
Carefully flip the patty and place a slice of American cheese on top. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and delicious!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, take a separate skillet or microwave to warm your tortillas. You want them to be soft and pliable for folding, so don’t skip this step!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Once your patties are cooked and the cheese is melted, place each patty onto a warm tortilla. Top with some shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and a generous drizzle of your prepared sauce.
8. Serve:
Fold the tortillas over the tasty fillings and serve immediately while they are nice and hot. Enjoy every bite of your smash burger tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef! Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a little cooking oil to keep your tacos juicy. Form and smash the patties as instructed, but be careful not to overcook them as turkey can dry out quickly.
How to Keep Tortillas Warm While Cooking?
You can wrap warmed tortillas in a kitchen towel or aluminum foil to keep them warm while you cook the patties. Alternatively, you can place them in a low-temperature oven (about 200°F) to maintain their warmth without cooking them further.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
For any leftover tacos, store the patties separately from the tortillas and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge. The patties can last up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave, and then assemble with fresh tortillas to avoid sogginess!
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This saves you time on taco night and lets the flavors meld beautifully!
