These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun mix of juicy beef patties and crispy taco shells. With melted cheese, fresh toppings, and a burst of flavors, they’re perfect for taco night!
Who knew tacos could get a burger makeover? I love to pile on the toppings and take big bites—every mouthful is a tasty adventure! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend gives the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking to cut fat, you can try ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind these meats may need added seasoning to enhance flavor.
Tortillas: You can use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference. Corn tortillas provide a nice texture, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold. If you’re gluten-free, there are excellent corn or gluten-free flour options available.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a rich flavor, but feel free to mix things up! Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a nice creamy texture and a hint of spice. For a lower-fat option, reduced-fat cheese works too, though it may melt differently.
Onions: Diced onions give a fresh crunch. You can use red onions for a milder taste or even green onions for a pop of color. If you’re sensitive to onions, consider adding diced bell peppers instead for sweetness and crunch.
Burger Sauce: The sauce is key for flavor! You can use store-bought versions, or make a simple mix of ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish. Add a dash of hot sauce for a kick, or use a smoky BBQ sauce for a different twist.
How Do I Get My Patties to Cook Evenly and Stay Juicy?
Cooking the patties properly is important for flavor and texture. Start by rolling your ground beef into loose balls; this keeps them juicy. When you smash the beef, it creates a crispy edge while retaining moisture inside.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Smash the beef balls into thin patties right away, and don’t flip them too early. Let them brown for about 2-3 minutes before flipping.
- Covering the patties with a lid while adding cheese at the end ensures it melts nicely without overcooking the meat.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes getting the patties ready and cooking them up, plus some time warming the tortillas and assembling everything into yummy tacos. Enjoy your cooking time—it’ll be worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Begin by dividing the ground beef into 8 equal portions—this helps ensure each taco has the same amount of deliciousness! Roll each portion into a ball and season with a little salt and pepper for flavor.
2. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a little cooking oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Once the oil is hot, place a beef ball in the pan, then use a spatula to smash it down into a thin patty. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is nicely browned. Then, flip the patty and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until it’s cooked through.
3. Add Cheese:
As the patties are cooking, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each one during the last minute of cooking. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt perfectly—this makes your tacos even more delicious!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
In another skillet, warm the tortillas over medium heat. Give each side about 30 seconds until they are soft and pliable. This will make it easy to fold them into tacos later!
5. Assemble Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Layer the smashed burger patties onto each warm tortilla. Add toppings of shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a nice drizzle of burger sauce—make it as saucy as you like!
6. Serve:
Serve your Smash Burger Tacos right away while they’re warm and fresh. You can set out extra burger sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef! Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner than beef, so you may want to add a bit of oil or seasoning to enhance the flavor. Cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and adjust cooking times accordingly as turkey can cook a bit faster.
How Can I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, place any uneaten tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to store the ingredients separately (meat, veggies, and tortillas) to keep everything fresh. Reheat the beef in a skillet and warm the tortillas before assembling again!
Can I Use Larger Tortillas for These Tacos?
Absolutely! If you prefer larger tortillas (like flour tortillas), just make sure to adjust the amount of beef and toppings accordingly. You might want to use about 1/4 lb of beef per taco to avoid overload!
What’s a Good Burger Sauce Substitute?
If you’re out of burger sauce, you can create a simple substitute by mixing ketchup, mayonnaise, and a dash of mustard together. Adjust the proportions to your taste or add some pickles or hot sauce for extra flavor!
