These Smash Burger Tacos have all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger with the crispy edges of a smash burger and the easy-to-grip taco shape. This simple dinner is perfect for a busy weeknight, game day, summer lunch, or anytime your family wants something fun and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love These Smash Burger Tacos
Smash Burger Tacos are fast, delicious, and easy to customize. It cooks quickly in a skillet or griddle, and everyone can add their favorite toppings.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Crunchy, cheesy and suitable for kids
- easy customization
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- made from simple ingredients
- Fun for family dinners or parties
Tips for the Best Smash Burger Tacos
Press the meat thinly.
The key to a good smash burger taco is spreading a thin layer of meat over the tortilla. This will cook the dish quickly and give it a crispy brown edge.
Use a hot frying pan
A hot skillet or griddle will help brown the meat instead of steaming it. Heat the pan before adding the tacos.
Don’t fill it too much
A thin layer of meat is best. Too much meat can make tacos more difficult to fold and slow down their cooking.
Cook the meat face down first.
Cooking the meat directly in the skillet gives you the taste and texture of a classic smash burger.
Serve right away
Smash Burger Tacos are best served hot straight from the skillet, the tortillas are crunchy and the cheese is melty.
easy transformation
Türkiye Smash Burger Tacos
For a lighter version, use ground turkey. For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
Big Mac Style Smash Burger Taco
Top with shredded lettuce, pickles, onion, cheese, and additional burger sauce.
Spicy Smash Burger Taco
Add jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to the meat.
BBQ Smash Burger Tacos
Replace the burger sauce with barbecue sauce and top with cheddar cheese and pickled onions.
Smash Burger Tacos Filled with Vegetables
Add some crunchy texture by adding shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sliced cucumber, or shredded cabbage.
Pre-made and stored
Smash Burger Tacos are best served fresh, but you can prepare several portions in advance.
Burger sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
You can also season the meat and prepare the toppings early. Wait to crumble the meat into the tortilla until just before cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortillas will become even crispier if you reheat them in a frying pan or air fryer.
More delicious taco recipes:
Smash Burger Taco
These fun and delicious Smash Burger Tacos have all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger with the crispy edges of a smash burger and an easy-to-grip taco shape.
Serving Size: 8
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, pickle juice (if using), garlic powder, and paprika.Set aside while you make the tacos.
- In a medium bowl, gently mix ground beef or turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.Divide the meat into 8 equal parts.
- Place one portion of meat on each tortilla. Using clean hands or a spatula, press the meat into a very thin, even layer that reaches close to the edge of the tortilla.The thinner the meat, the crispier the smash burger style tacos.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.Place tortilla meat side down in hot skillet. Cook, pressing down with a spatula, until the meat is browned and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.Turn the tortilla over so the tortilla side is facing down. Add a slice of cheese on top of the cooked meat and cook until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes more.Repeat with remaining tacos.
- Top each smash burger taco with chopped lettuce, pickles, onion (if using), and burger sauce.Fold and serve warm.
