Smash Burger Tacos are the kind of mashup that just works. You get everything you love about a classic cheeseburger with crispy beef, melted cheese, and tangy sauce, all smashed right onto a tortilla. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s perfect for casual dinners or easy entertaining.
This recipe leans into the smash burger method by pressing the beef thin right onto the tortilla so it crisps up on one side while the tortilla toasts underneath. Once you flip it, the cheese melts over the top and it’s ready for toppings. Add chopped lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce to finish each one off with bold, fresh flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use soft flour tortillas: They hold up well during cooking and crisp nicely on the edges.
- Press evenly: A flat press or small skillet helps make sure the beef gets that golden crust.
- Top right before serving: To keep the veggies crisp and the tortillas from getting soggy, add toppings and sauce at the end.
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Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
For the burger sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
For the tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH salt and black pepper
- iceberg lettuce shredded
- dill pickles chopped
- tomato chopped
- pickled onions
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and mustard. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Chill until needed.
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Press one portion of beef directly onto each tortilla, flattening it evenly with your fingers until the tortilla is fully covered.
- Then cover with parchment paper and use a rolling pin or drinking glass to flatten out the ground beef in a thin layer. It should be at least an inch bigger than the tortilla since it will shrink while cooking.
- Lightly season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the tacos, beef side down, onto the hot surface. Depending on your pan size, you may need to work in batches. Press down firmly on the tortilla side using a second skillet, burger press, or another heavy object. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the beef is crispy on the edges.
- Flip them so the tortilla side is down. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Remove from the heat.
- Top with shredded lettuce, dill pickles, and pickled onions. Drizzle on the sauce.
Nutrition
When not mixing up delicious cocktails to enjoy on the patio with friends, Angela is busy writing about food and drinks for three popular food websites, and exchanging creative ideas on social media.