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Easy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

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4.2 from 40 reviews

These Easy Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy, crispy goodness of a classic smash burger with the convenience of a taco. Ground beef is seasoned, smashed flat on a hot skillet under a tortilla, and topped with melted cheddar cheese before being garnished with fresh lettuce, pickles, red onion, and burger sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weekday meal that combines the best of American burger and Mexican taco flavors.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Tortillas and Cheese

  • 4 small flour tortillas
  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ⅓ cup pickles, sliced
  • ⅓ cup diced red onion
  • Burger sauce (to taste)

Cooking Oil

  • 1 tablespoon oil (for the skillet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking and promote a crispy crust on the patties.
  2. Season beef: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined to infuse the meat with flavor.
  3. Portion beef: Divide the ground beef mixture into 4 equal portions and loosely roll each into a ball, which will be smashed on the skillet.
  4. Place and smash beef: Place one beef ball on the hot oiled skillet and immediately top it with a flour tortilla. Using a spatula, press down firmly to smash the beef flat, creating a crispy edge.
  5. Cook first side: Let the beef cook under the tortilla for 2–3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
  6. Flip taco: In one motion, flip the entire taco (tortilla and beef together) over to cook the other side.
  7. Add cheese and melt: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the cooked beef and cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt and the tortilla to become golden, cooking for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  8. Remove and assemble: Remove the taco from the heat and transfer it to a plate. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, pickles, diced red onion, and a drizzle of burger sauce to finish.

Notes

  • Use an 80/20 blend of ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor.
  • Press the beef firmly to get those signature crispy edges typical of a smash burger.
  • Covering the taco after flipping helps melt the cheese quickly without overcooking the meat.
  • Feel free to add diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra freshness and heat.
  • Use medium-high heat to get a good sear but avoid burning the tortillas.
  • Leftover smash burger tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated on a skillet.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion