Smash Burger Taco (Viral Recipe)

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Craving both a juicy burger and a street-style taco? Smash burger tacos deliver the best of these classics in one neat, delicious package. Here’s how to make this viral favorite at home: think crispy-edged burger patties pressed into warm tortillas, layered with creamy sauce, crunchy greens, and tangy toppings. This recipe brings everything you love about burgers and tacos together, making it a hit for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What Makes a Smash Burger Taco?

A smash burger taco merges the iconic smashed burger patty with a soft taco shell. It’s a clever twist that packs maximum flavor into every bite. The classic smash burger method uses high heat and a heavy press—usually a spatula or burger press—to flatten a ball of ground beef directly onto a hot surface. The result? A patty with golden, crispy edges and juicy meat inside.

In a smash burger taco, this seared patty gets layered right onto a tortilla. Melty cheese, crisp lettuce, onions, and a special sauce all finish the package, giving you everything you love about burgers and tacos in the palm of your hand.

Ingredients for Smash Burger Tacos

Choose fresh, flavorful ingredients to make each layer stand out. For four generous tacos, you’ll need:

• Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended) – Delivers full flavor and a juicy texture
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Key for seasoning the meat
• Small flour tortillas – Soft but sturdy enough to hold fillings
• American cheese slices – Melts beautifully and adds tang
• Iceberg lettuce, shredded – Offers crunch and freshness
• White or red onion, thinly sliced – Adds sharpness and bite
• Pickles, thinly sliced (optional) – For extra tang
• Cooking oil – For greasing the skillet

Special Smash Sauce

This tangy, creamy sauce ties everything together. Mix the following in a bowl:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• Several dashes of hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Whisk until smooth; taste and tweak the ratio as you like.

Equipment Checklist

• Cast iron skillet or griddle (delivers a crisp sear)
• Flexible metal spatula or burger press
• Mixing bowl and whisk
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos

Follow these steps for great results every time:

1. Prepare Your Toppings

Shred the lettuce, slice the onions, and get your pickles ready. Keep toppings chilled until it’s time to serve for maximum crunch and flavor.

2. Make the Special Sauce

In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and hot sauce. Set aside so the flavors can meld.

3. Portion the Beef

Divide the ground beef into four equal balls (about 3 ounces each). Gently roll with your hands—don’t overwork, or your patties might turn tough.

4. Heat Your Skillet

Preheat the skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush the surface lightly with oil.

5. Smash and Cook the Patties

Place a meatball onto the skillet. Immediately lay a tortilla flat over the top, and use a spatula to press down firmly so the beef sticks to the tortilla and spreads to the edges. Hold for about 10 seconds.

Let the beef cook for 2-3 minutes, undisturbed, until you see browning at the edges and some fat sizzling around. The bottom should be crispy and golden.

6. Flip and Add Cheese

Flip the tortilla-beef combo so the tortilla is now touching the skillet. Season the beef side generously with salt and pepper. Lay a slice of American cheese over the hot patty.

Cook for 1-2 more minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the tortilla to crisp slightly.

7. Build Your Smash Burger Tacos

Transfer the cheesy smash taco to a plate. Add shredded lettuce, onions, and pickles if you like. Spoon a little special sauce across the top.

Repeat the process with remaining beef and tortillas.

Smash Burger Taco Tips

• Use fatty beef for flavor: An 80/20 blend marries juicy meat with crispy edges.
• Don’t overwork the meat: Shape it just enough to hold together; loose packs give better texture.
• One firm smash is enough: Press the patty only once, right after placing it in the pan. This helps trap juices while crisping edges.
• Tortillas matter: Select the smallest tortillas that fit your skillet, about 6 inches wide.
• Serve right away: Smash burger tacos taste best hot and fresh, with cheese melted and tortillas crisp.

Variations to Try

Mix up your smash burger tacos for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.

Protein Swaps

• Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option—season well for flavor.
• Vegetarian? Use seasoned, mashed black beans or plant-based burger ground.

Cheese Options

• Sharp cheddar for extra punch
• Pepper jack for a spicy edge
• Swiss or provolone for a milder twist

Tortilla Twists

• Corn tortillas (for more chew and a gluten-free alternative)
• Whole wheat tortillas (for added fiber)
• Lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice

Topping Upgrades

• Chopped tomatoes or salsa for brightness
• Pickled jalapeños for heat
• Sliced avocado or guacamole for creaminess
• Pickled red onions for a tangy crunch

Sauce Spin-Offs

• Chipotle mayo blends adobo chiles with mayonnaise for a smoky, spicy kick.
• BBQ sauce makes a sweet, smoky version.
• Classic burger “Secret Sauce” with extra relish or Worcestershire if you like it tangier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve smash burger tacos as a fun main course. They pair well with:

• Crispy baked fries or sweet potato fries
• Onion rings for more crunch
• Simple slaw for a refreshing side
• Corn salad or grilled corn, especially at summer cookouts

Create a taco bar for gatherings, letting everyone add their own toppings.

Storing and Reheating

Smash burger tacos are best eaten hot, but leftovers can be managed with care.

To Store

• Wrap assembled tacos in foil and refrigerate up to 2 days.
• Store components separately for the best results—keep beef, tortillas, toppings, and sauce in individual containers.

To Reheat

• Oven: Place tacos wrapped in foil on a baking sheet. Warm at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and cheese remelts.
• Skillet: Heat on low, pressing down to crisp the tortilla.

For Meal Prep

• Prep the meat and sauce ahead; assemble fresh with toppings.
• Toppings like lettuce and onion should be cut fresh.

Smash burger tacos bring together the crisp and savory elements of burgers and the handheld convenience of tacos. They’re easy to customize, quick to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you lean classic with beef and American cheese or get creative with new sauces and toppings, these tacos are here to shake up your next meal and disappear fast from the table.