Ultimate Smash Burger Taco Recipe

Craving a delicious mashup of two beloved classics? Look no further than these Irresistible Smash Burger Tacos! This recipe takes juicy, thin smash burgers, tops them with melted American cheese, and nestles them in warm tortillas with crisp lettuce, homemade burger sauce, pickles, and optional bacon or onions. The result? A flavor explosion that’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. In under 15 minutes, you can savor the best elements of burgers and tacos in one mouthwatering bite!

I stumbled upon this smash burger taco creation on a night torn between taco cravings and a hankering for burgers. Since then, it has become a family favorite, especially for laid-back get-togethers where I want to whip up something special without being stuck in the kitchen for hours. The magic lies in the perfectly seasoned ground beef, the secret sauce with a hint of soy sauce and rice vinegar, and the ultra-thin, crispy-edged patties that make every bite a delightful adventure. Trust me; once you try these Irresistible Smash Burger Tacos, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection too!

Quick Benefits

• Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish
• Combines the best elements of burgers and tacos in one bite
• Perfect for casual entertaining or quick weeknight dinners
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Smash Burger Taco Recipe Recipe

• Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have
• Combines the best elements of burgers and tacos in one bite
• Perfect for casual entertaining or quick weeknight dinners
• The magic happens when ultra-thin, crispy-edged beef patties meet warm flour tortillas and get topped with a special burger sauce that ties everything together perfectly
• Ground beef 80/20 provides the perfect fat ratio for juicy smash burgers with crispy edges
• American cheese is the meltiest cheese option that creates an authentic burger experience
• Street taco flour tortillas create the perfect beef-to-tortilla ratio
• The burger sauce elevates these tacos from good to unforgettable with a perfect umami boost
• The burger sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance, improving as flavors meld
• These smash burger tacos pair wonderfully with simple sides like crispy seasoned potato wedges or a simple cabbage slaw
• Create a taco bar setup for guests to build their own with various toppings like caramelized onions, bacon, sliced avocado, or jalapeños
• Let the meat come to room temperature for more even results and use a metal spatula with a sharp edge to scrape up flavorful crispy bits when flipping
• Serve with crispy fries, a side salad, or corn on the cob for a complete and satisfying meal
• While it’s best to assemble the tacos fresh, you can prepare the patties, sauce, and toppings in advance for quick assembly when ready to serve

Ingredients for Ultimate Smash Burger Taco Recipe

Burger Sauce

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon pickle juice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Smash Burger Tacos

• (Optional) Bacon
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• Shredded lettuce
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 street taco-sized flour tortillas
• Burger pickles
• (Optional) Thinly sliced white onions
• 6 slices American cheese

Pro Tips for Ultimate Smash Burger Taco Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To achieve the perfect texture for your smash burger tacos, make sure to press the ground beef very thin to create those crispy edges that add a delicious crunch to each bite. This thin patty cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Pro Tip 2: The secret to the mouthwatering flavor of these smash burger tacos lies in the homemade burger sauce. Experiment with the addition of soy sauce and rice vinegar to elevate the sauce with a rich umami taste. Prepare the sauce in advance to let the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste of your tacos.

Pro Tip 3: For a fun and interactive dining experience, set up a taco bar with a variety of toppings like caramelized onions, bacon, avocado slices, and jalapeños. Allow your guests to customize their smash burger tacos to their liking, making it a memorable and enjoyable meal for everyone.

How to Make Ultimate Smash Burger Taco Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, finely chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Step 02

Combine ground beef with kosher salt and ground black pepper in a bowl. Form the mixture into 6 equal-sized balls and set aside.

Step 3: Step 03

Prepare all ingredients, such as tortillas, cheese, lettuce, pickles, and optional toppings like bacon or onions, in advance for quick assembly during cooking.

Step 4: Step 04

Preheat a flat-top griddle over medium-high heat. Place beef balls on the griddle and flatten with a burger press for 15-20 seconds. Cook patties for 40 seconds, then flip and add cheese. Toast tortillas on the griddle for 2 minutes, flip, and top with patties. Transfer to a plate.

Step 5: Step 05

Place shredded lettuce, burger sauce, and burger pickles on each patty and tortilla. Add optional toppings like bacon or sliced onions if desired. Serve and enjoy.

Storage Tips

To store the finished smash burger tacos, it’s best to keep the components separate until serving. The burger sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and even intensify. The meat can be formed into balls several hours ahead and refrigerated until cooking time. However, already assembled tacos do not store well as the tortillas can become soggy, so it’s recommended to wait until serving to assemble them.

For a taco bar setup or when preparing the components ahead of time, keep toppings like shredded lettuce, pickles, bacon, onions, or any additional toppings separate and well-covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the tacos with fresh components for the best texture and flavor experience. These smash burger tacos are a delightful and quick meal that can be easily customized and prepared ahead for efficient serving while maintaining their deliciousness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make some ingredient substitutions for the smash burger tacos, consider using ground turkey as a leaner option instead of ground beef. While turkey may be less juicy than beef, you can add a bit of olive oil or butter to the skillet while cooking to help keep it moist. Just be cautious not to overcook, as turkey can dry out more easily.

For the burger sauce, if you don’t have all the listed ingredients on hand, you can simplify it by mixing equal parts of mayo and ketchup for a quick and tasty alternative. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, a pinch of garlic powder for flavor, and a dash of soy sauce for depth. This easy sauce hack will still provide a creamy and flavorful topping for your smash burger tacos.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on presentation, serve these smash burger tacos in a taco cone holder or stand. This not only adds a touch of flair to your table setting but also makes it easier for guests to grab a taco and enjoy all the delicious layers without any mess.

To take the flavor experience up a notch, consider offering a DIY topping bar with additional options like crispy bacon crumbles, caramelized onions, sliced avocado, and fresh jalapeños. This interactive setup allows guests to customize their smash burger tacos to their liking, making it a memorable and engaging dining experience for everyone.

FAQs for Ultimate Smash Burger Taco Recipe

Can I make the smash burger tacos in advance?

While it’s best to assemble the tacos fresh, you can prepare the patties, sauce, and toppings in advance for quick assembly when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of ground meat for the smash burger tacos?

For a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. Just be mindful that turkey patties may be less juicy and require careful cooking to prevent drying out.

Can I substitute the homemade burger sauce with a store-bought dressing?

Yes, while homemade burger sauce enhances flavor balance, you can substitute with your favorite store-bought dressing like Thousand Island or special sauce.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with the smash burger tacos?

Pair the smash burger tacos with crispy fries, a side salad, or corn on the cob for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Irresistible Smash Burger Tacos are a game-changer for anyone who loves the flavors of burgers and tacos. The combination of juicy smash burger patties, melty cheese, and a homemade burger sauce in a warm tortilla is simply unbeatable. Whether you whip these up for a quick weeknight dinner or for a gathering with friends and family, they are sure to impress and satisfy.

Remember, the key to success with these smash burger tacos lies in using quality ingredients, pressing the patties thin for that signature crispy edge, and not skimping on the flavorful burger sauce. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable meal by trying out these Irresistible Smash Burger Tacos soon? Your taste buds will thank you!