Smash Burger Tacos: The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread (Or Maybe Tacos)
Imagine biting into a taco, but instead of the usual fillings, you get a crispy, juicy, cheese-loaded smash burger patty. Mind blown yet? Smash burger tacos are the unholy (but glorious) fusion of two fast-food legends, and they’re taking over kitchens everywhere.
Why? Because they’re stupidly delicious, ridiculously easy to make, and guaranteed to make your taste buds throw a party. Forget “authentic”—this is about flavor chaos done right.
Ready to upgrade your taco game? Let’s go.
Why This Recipe Works
Smash burger tacos combine the best parts of a burger (crusty edges, melty cheese) with the portability of a taco. The result?
A handheld masterpiece that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with umami. The secret? Smashing the patty thin so it cooks fast and gets those crave-worthy crispy bits.
Plus, the soft tortilla soaks up all the juicy goodness without falling apart. It’s like a cheeseburger and a taco had a baby, and that baby won a Michelin star (in your dreams).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef (80/20 fat ratio for maximum juiciness)
- Small flour tortillas (street-taco size works best)
- American cheese (yes, the plastic-wrapped kind—it melts like a dream)
- Salt and pepper (keep it simple, folks)
- Butter (for toasting the tortillas)
- Optional toppings: diced onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, shredded lettuce
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos (Step-by-Step)
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. No oil needed—the beef fat will do the work.
- Divide the beef into small balls (about 1.5 oz each).
Pro tip: Make them slightly smaller than your tortillas.
- Smash the beef directly into the skillet with a spatula or press. Thin = crispy. Don’t be shy.
- Season aggressively with salt and pepper.
This is your only chance to flavor the patty.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges crisp up, then flip.
- Add cheese immediately after flipping. Let it melt into gooey perfection.
- Butter and toast the tortillas in a separate pan until golden.
- Assemble: Place the cheesy patty on the tortilla, add toppings, and fold. Congrats, you’ve just made magic.
How to Store Leftovers (If They Exist)
Let’s be real—these tacos rarely last long enough to store.
But if you’re a meal-prep warrior, keep the cooked patties and tortillas separate. Store patties in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to revive the crispiness.
Tortillas? Warm them fresh—no one likes a soggy taco.
Why You Should Make These ASAP
Smash burger tacos are fast (10 minutes max), customizable (add bacon, swap sauces), and kid-friendly (read: picky eaters won’t complain). They’re also a killer way to use up leftover ground beef.
Plus, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day or drunk midnight snacks. Win-win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the tortilla. Keep it to one patty per taco, or it’ll fall apart.
- Underseasoning the beef.
Salt is your friend. Use it.
- Using cold beef. Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes so it cooks evenly.
- Skipping the toast.
A buttery, crispy tortilla is non-negotiable.
Alternatives for the Adventurous
Not feeling beef? Try ground turkey (add a little mayo for fat) or impossible meat for a plant-based twist. Swap flour tortillas for corn if you’re gluten-free, or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Feeling fancy? Top with fried eggs or avocado crema. The world is your taco.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the patties and reheat them, but assemble just before eating.
No one wants a soggy taco.
What’s the best cheese for smash burger tacos?
American cheese melts the best, but cheddar or pepper jack work too. Just don’t use pre-shredded cheese—it’s coated in weird stuff that ruins the melt.
Can I use a grill instead of a skillet?
Sure, if you enjoy losing half your patty through the grates. Stick to a flat surface for best results.
Why smash the patty?
Thin patties cook faster, get crispier, and fit better in tacos.
Science.
Are these messy to eat?
Yes, gloriously so. Embrace the chaos. Napkins exist for a reason.
Final Thoughts
Smash burger tacos are the ultimate hybrid food—quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable.
They’re the answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you’re too lazy to cook but still want something epic. So grab a skillet, smash some beef, and thank us later. Your taco night just got a major upgrade.
