Why Make This Recipe
Smash Burger Tacos combine two beloved comfort foods into an exciting meal. If you love burgers and tacos, then this recipe is perfect for you. The juicy beef is smashed into the tortilla, and the flavors meld together beautifully. The unique combination adds crunch and savoriness that is sure to please anyone at the table. Plus, you can customize the toppings to match your taste, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas (6 inches)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 4 slices American cheese (or preferred cheese)
- Fresh toppings: diced onion, dill pickle chips, shredded iceberg lettuce
Homemade Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Prepare the Meat: Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. This will ensure each taco has just the right amount of meat.
Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the beef to enhance its flavor. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
Heat the Skillet: Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the skillet with the neutral oil. This will help prevent sticking and encourage a nice sear.
Cook the Tacos: Take one tortilla and place it in the skillet meat-side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Then, carefully flip the taco and immediately add a slice of cheese on top of the cooked beef. Let it cook for another 1-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Repeat: Remove the taco from the skillet and repeat the cooking process for the remaining tortillas and beef portions. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
Make the Sauce: While the tacos are cooking, prepare your homemade sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until fully combined. This sauce adds a delightful flavor to the tacos.
Assemble Tacos: Spread the homemade sauce on each taco. Top with shredded lettuce, diced onion, and dill pickle chips for added freshness and crunch. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos
Serve your Smash Burger Tacos hot off the skillet! Arrange them on a platter, allowing everyone to grab their favorite. You can provide additional toppings such as extra sauce, jalapeños, or avocado for guests to personalize their tacos. These delicious treats are great for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends.
How to Store Smash Burger Tacos
If you have leftovers, you can easily store your Smash Burger Tacos. Place any remaining tacos in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp. Keep in mind that the quality of the tortillas may change after refrigeration, but they will still be tasty!
Tips to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Don’t Overwork the Beef: When forming the beef patties, handle the meat gently. Overworking it can lead to a tough texture.
Use High Heat for Crispiness: Cooking the tacos at a medium-high temperature ensures they get a nice crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy.
Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings. Anything from salsa to guacamole can take these tacos to the next level.
Extra Cheese: Don’t hesitate to add more cheese or switch up types to suit your taste. Cheddar, pepper jack, or even melted queso can work well.
Test Tortilla Quality: Use fresh tortillas to ensure they hold up well during cooking. Stale tortillas may fall apart.
Variation
You can easily switch things up with Smash Burger Tacos! Here are a few suggestions:
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the homemade sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or black beans for a delicious vegetarian taco.
- Bun Twist: For a fun twist, use mini burger buns instead of tortillas and build sliders instead of tacos.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer! Cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack all work well.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
3. What’s the best way to keep tacos warm while others are cooking?
You can keep the cooked tacos warm in a low oven (around 200°F) covered with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out while you finish cooking the rest.
4. Can I freeze leftover tacos?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze the cooked beef portion separately in an airtight container for future tacos. Reheat thoroughly before assembling with fresh tortillas.
5. What toppings do you recommend for something different?
Try adding guacamole, fresh cilantro, or even pickled onions for a twist. The options are endless!
With these easy steps and a little creativity, you can enjoy delicious Smash Burger Tacos any day of the week. They’re simple to make while still being incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a casual meal, these tacos will surely become a household favorite!
Print
Smash Burger Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious fusion of smash burgers and tacos, these Smash Burger Tacos feature juicy beef, melted cheese, and customizable toppings, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas (6 inches)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 4 slices American cheese (or preferred cheese)
- Fresh toppings: diced onion, dill pickle chips, shredded iceberg lettuce
- Homemade Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the beef.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and coat with neutral oil.
- Cook the Tacos: Place one tortilla in the skillet meat-side down for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and add cheese for another 1-3 minutes until melted.
- Repeat: Cook remaining tortillas and beef portions.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Assemble Tacos: Spread sauce on each taco, top with shredded lettuce, diced onion, and dill pickle chips, and serve immediately.
Notes
Customize toppings according to preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg