Description
Smash Burger Tacos are a fun and delicious twist on classic tacos, featuring crispy smashed beef patties cooked directly on small flour tortillas. Topped with cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and burger sauce, these tacos combine the juicy flavors of a smash burger with the convenience of handheld tacos, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Smash Burger Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup burger sauce (or Thousand Island dressing)
Instructions
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and help crisp up the tortillas and beef.
- Prepare the beef balls and tortillas: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions forming balls. Place each small flour tortilla on the heated skillet, then immediately place a beef ball on top of each tortilla.
- Smash the beef: Using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten each beef ball into the shape of the tortilla. Season the beef with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the beef: Let the beef cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes browned and crispy around the edges, developing those signature smash burger textures.
- Flip and add cheese: Carefully flip each smash burger taco, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cooked beef, and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla crisps slightly.
- Assemble and serve: Remove the tacos from the skillet. Top each with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce or Thousand Island dressing. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Use an 80/20 beef blend for optimal juiciness and flavor.
- For extra crispiness, use a cast-iron skillet or griddle.
- Feel free to swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas if preferred, though flour tortillas hold up better in this recipe.
- Burger sauce can be homemade or store-bought Thousand Island dressing.
- Serve with pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for added spice.
