These easy Smash Burger Tacos combine a crispy beef patty, melty American cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings in a warm flour tortilla. They’re everything you love about a smash burger with a fun taco twist.
If you love smash burgers and tacos, this one’s a must-try. Seasoned beef patty is pressed onto a flour tortilla, cooked until crispy around the edges, then topped with melty American cheese, burger sauce, and all the classic burger fixings. I mean. You can’t go wrong with that combination.
They’re quick and easy to make, too – perfect for weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Be Making These on Repeat
Smash burger tacos were all over TikTok for a while, and I finally gave in. And yup, they live up to the hype.
You get the crispy edges of a smash burger, the melty cheese, the burger sauce, and all the toppings folded into a warm tortilla.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Just press ground beef onto a tortilla, cook it in a skillet, and add your favorite toppings. In just 20 minutes, you’ve got crispy, cheesy smash burgers in taco form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef. Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and crispy edges. Leaner beef won’t be as juicy.
- Flour tortillas. Small flour tortillas work best because they crisp up nicely and hold the beef well.
- American cheese. It melts quickly and gives the tacos that classic burger flavor.
- Burger sauce. A simple mix of mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings makes the tacos creamy, tangy, and savory.
- Toppings. Shredded lettuce, chopped pickles, and diced onions add crunch, freshness, and that classic burger taste.
What’s the Best Ground Beef for Smash Burger Tacos?
80/20 ground beef is my top choice for smash burger tacos. The higher fat content helps create the crispy, caramelized edges that make smash burgers so good.
You can use leaner ground beef, such as 85/15 or 90/10, but the beef won’t develop the same crust and may be a little less juicy. Since the patties are pressed very thin, the extra fat in 80/20 makes a noticeable difference.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
1. Make the burger sauce.
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, mustard, pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Prepare the beef.
Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions.
3. Press the beef onto the tortillas.
Press each portion of beef onto one side of a flour tortilla, spreading it thinly all the way to the edges. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the tacos.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla beef-side down, then press firmly with a smashing tool.
5. Flip and add cheese.
Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the beef is browned and crisp around the edges. Flip the taco, add a slice of American cheese, and cook covered for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
6. Add the toppings.
Remove from the skillet. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped pickles, diced onions, and burger sauce. Fold and serve right away.
What Can I Use to Smash the Burgers?
A burger press is the best option because it gives you even pressure and helps the beef cook flat against the skillet. A sturdy metal spatula also works, especially if you press down with another spatula or a small pan for extra force.
I use the lid of a saucepan, and it works really well. Just press down firmly and evenly so the beef spreads flat against the tortilla.
Pro Tips for Perfect Smash Burger Tacos
- Press the beef onto the tortilla before cooking. Some recipes place a ball of beef on the skillet, top it with a tortilla, and then press everything together. I prefer pressing the beef directly onto the tortilla first. It spreads evenly all the way to the edges, which means every bite gets that crispy beef crust.
- Use 80/20 ground beef. The extra fat helps create the crispy edges that make smash burgers so good. Leaner beef works, but it won’t develop the same crust.
- Cook on a hot surface. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the beef will steam instead of brown.
- Don’t move the tacos around. Once the beef hits the skillet, let it cook undisturbed so it can develop a proper crust.
Topping Ideas
These smash burger tacos are delicious as written, but feel free to switch up the toppings.
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crispy bacon
- Tomato slices
- Caramelized onions
- Avocado
- Other cheeses
More Beef Recipes You’ll Love
Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound ground beef preferably 80/20
- 6 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 6 slices American cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Pickles chopped
- Diced onions
Instructions
- Mix the mayo sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Divide the ground beef into 6 portions. Press each portion onto one side of a flour tortilla, spreading it thinly to the edges. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla beef-side down and press firmly with a spatula or burger press.
- Cook the patty undisturbed for about 2 minutes, or until the beef is browned and crisp around the edges.
- Flip the taco, add a slice of cheese, and cook covered for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the tortilla is golden and the cheese melts.
- Remove from the skillet. Top with shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, and mayo sauce. Fold and serve right away. Enjoy!
