Can I make Smash Burger Tacos ahead of time?

While these tacos are best served fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the burger sauce and toppings in advance. The assembled tacos are best enjoyed right off the skillet, but leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer to restore their texture.

What type of cheese works best for these tacos?

American cheese melts quickly and gives a classic burger flavor. However, feel free to use cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or any cheese that melts well and suits your taste.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

You can, but keep in mind that corn tortillas are more fragile and may not hold up as well during the smashing and flipping process. Flour tortillas provide a sturdier base for the beef.

What’s the best way to smash the beef onto the tortilla?

Use the back of a metal spatula or the bottom of a heavy glass or plate. Press evenly across the entire surface to ensure a thin, even layer of beef that crisps up beautifully.

Smash Burger Tacos

Name: Smash Burger Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 4 tablespoons pickle relish; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon sugar; ½ tablespoon white vinegar; 1¼ teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 flour tortillas (6-inch, fajita-size); 1 pound lean ground beef; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado); 4 slices American cheese; 1 small onion, diced; Dill pickle chips; Shredded iceberg lettuce

Description

Smash Burger Tacos are a creative fusion of juicy smash-style burgers and soft, crispy tacos—perfect for busy weeknights, beginner cooks, or anyone craving a bold, satisfying meal. Topped with a tangy homemade burger sauce and crunchy fresh toppings, this quick and easy recipe is a flavor-packed twist on two classics.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons pickle relish
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
½ tablespoon white vinegar
1¼ teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Tacos:

4 flour tortillas (6-inch, fajita-size)
1 pound lean ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
4 slices American cheese
1 small onion, diced
Dill pickle chips
Shredded iceberg lettuce

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Instructions

Make the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside to let the flavors develop while you prepare the tacos.
Prepare the Tortillas: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface and press one portion of the beef onto each tortilla, spreading it thin and evenly all the way to the edges. Season the top of the beef with salt and pepper.
Cook the Beef Side: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with oil. Place one tortilla beef-side down onto the hot surface. Press gently with a spatula to create a thin patty. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until a golden crust forms and the edges start to brown.
Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully flip the tortilla so that the beef side is now facing up. Place a slice of American cheese on top of the cooked beef and let it melt while the tortilla side crisps, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Assemble the Tacos: Remove the taco from the skillet and top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, dill pickles, and a generous drizzle of burger sauce. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and serve immediately.

Notes

The burger sauce can be made up to a day in advance for convenience. You can cut the sauce recipe in half if you’re not making multiple servings. If you prefer mini tacos, use smaller street taco-size tortillas and adjust the beef accordingly—this recipe yields 8 small tacos. Try adding sliced jalapeños or using spicy pickles for extra kick. A griddle will speed up the cooking process if you’re making several tacos at once.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories: 932
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1361mg
Fat: 67g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 47g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 140mg