Easy Smash Burger Tacos

Table of Contents

Ah, the magic of combining two beloved comfort foods into one delightful creation! I stumbled upon the concept of Easy Smash Burger Tacos while flipping through an old cookbook on a rainy afternoon. The scent of sizzling beef wafted through my cozy kitchen, wrapping around me like a favorite old blanket. The idea of smashing juicy, flavorful burger patties onto warm tortillas instantly felt like a hug in food form. When I took my first bite—juicy beef nestled in a soft tortilla with melted cheese and my zingy homemade burger sauce—I knew I had hit culinary gold. Since then, these taco burgers have become a family favorite at our dinner table. I can’t wait for you all to try this recipe because, trust me, it’s an absolute flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and utterly joyful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll be diving into deliciousness in no time.
• Quick to Cook: Dinner in a flash! These tacos are ready in about 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of crispy beef and gooey cheese with zesty sauce creates bites of pure bliss.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults will happily devour these tacos. A guaranteed hit at any gathering!
• Customizable: Mix and match ingredients to suit your preferences or to use what you have on hand!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat percentage): Choose this ratio for the perfect juicy texture. The fats ensure your patties won’t dry out!
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: A little pinch to enhance the beef’s natural flavors.
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper: Freshly cracked is always better—it wakes up the flavors!
• 6 (six-inch) flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are more absorbent and help the beef stick to them better.
• 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese: For that luscious melted goodness. Choose a cheese that melts beautifully!
• Shredded lettuce, chopped white onion & dill pickle chips for topping: Crunchy and tangy bites to balance the richness of the beef.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This creates a creamy base for our sauce.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and color.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A hint of sweetness without the sharp bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because, who doesn’t love a garlicky kick?
• 1 teaspoon mustard: A dash of tanginess that brightens up the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons minced bread & butter pickles: These sweet and tangy treasures will give the sauce some pizzazz.
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine: To add extra flavor and moisture!
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper: Because double pepper is always better.
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: The umami secret weapon.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Prepare the Burger Sauce

1. Add all burger sauce ingredients (mayonnaise, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, minced pickles, pickle brine, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce) to a bowl and whisk to combine.
2. Refrigerate until ready to use; you can even make it up to 3 days in advance! The flavors will only get better with time.

Prepare the Beef

1. In a small bowl, mix the salt and pepper. Evenly distribute it over the top and bottom of your ground beef chunk.
2. Gently form the beef into 2 1/2 ounce balls. Remember, less handling is better—too much love can make them tough!
3. Place the balls on a plate and pop them in the fridge until your flat top is preheated. It helps the meat hold its shape.

Heat up the Grill

1. Turn your flat top onto high heat, ungreased, and let it get ripping hot! Trust me, this is the secret to achieving crispy, juicy beef that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Smash It Down!

1. Place each beef ball on the hot flat top; set a tortilla on top of each one.
2. Use your smashing tool (a sturdy spatula works wonders) to press down firmly on each one. You want to flatten them thin, which creates that signature smash burger crunch.
3. Let them cook for 1 minute, then press down again. This helps release some fat for crispier edges. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until browned.

Flip and Melt

1. With a stiff steel spatula, scrape underneath one of the burgers to check if it’s browned and crispy. If it isn’t, turn up the heat!
2. Once they’re beautifully browned, flip the smash burger tacos onto the tortilla side and let them cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Top with cheese just before removing them; let it melt as the tortillas crisp nicely.

Serve Up the Goodness

1. Remove your glorious creations from the grill, add your burger sauce and desired toppings, and dig in!

Pro Tips for Success

• Choose a high-fat ratio beef: The 80/20 ratio keeps your burgers juicy and flavorful.
• Preheat your grill: The hotter, the better! A scorching surface ensures a great sear.
• Less is more for handling the meat: Overworking it will lead to tough patties—keep it gentle!

Flavor Variations

• Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar for an extra punch or pepper jack for some spice!
• Add Veggies: Toss in grilled onions or jalapeños for extra layers of flavor.
• Seasonal Twists: Fresh basil or cilantro can brighten the flavors for summer gatherings!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Easy Smash Burger Tacos with crispy tortilla chips and a zesty guacamole on the side for a perfect picnic spread. A light coleslaw could also offer a lovely crunch. Don’t forget to whip up a lovely cucumber mint lemonade to wash it all down!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the burger sauce up to 3 days in advance for busy days. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.

Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover taco goodies, use them in a breakfast scramble or quesadilla for a fun twist!

Freezing

While raw ground beef can be frozen, once cooked, these smash burger tacos are best enjoyed fresh. If you must freeze them, wrap each taco tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. They should last about a month.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat in a skillet on medium heat to maintain that crispy texture. You can also warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F if you like.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos with turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work beautifully. Just be sure to use similar fat content to keep them juicy.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While flour tortillas work best, corn tortillas can be used if you prefer, but they may not hold together as well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Oh, yes! The flavors are mild, and kids love the fun of making their own tacos.

What can I serve with these tacos?
A fresh salad, some homemade wedges, or even a creamy dip would make delightful accompaniments!

Final Thoughts

Nothing says comfort like the aromas of sizzling beef and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen! As you gather around the table with friends and family, I hope these Easy Smash Burger Tacos bring as much joy and warm memories to your home as they have to mine. Happy cooking, dear friends! Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite! 🌮❤️

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