Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Imagine the juicy, savory goodness of a burger marrying the convenience and comforting vibe of a taco. Let me introduce you to **Smash Burger Tacos**—an innovation that’ll elevate your weeknight dinners to a whole new level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mouthwatering Fusion: Combines the best elements of juicy burgers and satisfying tacos.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customizable: Easily swap out toppings or sauces to fit any taste or dietary preference.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making dinner a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting these Smash Burger Tacos is all about simplicity and impact. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that will wow your taste buds.
- Flour Tortillas: The perfect canvas for building your taco masterpieces.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides a juicy, flavorful foundation for your smash-style patty.
- American Cheese: Adds creamy, melty goodness that’s irresistible.
- Onions and Pickles: Provide a crunchy, tangy contrast that balances the richness.
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Offers freshness and a satisfying crunch.
- Burger Sauce: This tangy, homemade sauce is the magic touch that ties everything together.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to adapt the Smash Burger Tacos to your personal taste, dietary needs, or to simply explore different flavor profiles. Here’s how you can adjust the recipe for more delicious possibilities.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack for a little kick or cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based ground meat replacement and vegan cheese for a meat-free version.
- Spice Level: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to bring the heat.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Step 1: Form the Patties
Start by dividing your ground beef into four equal portions. Lay a tortilla flat on the counter and press one portion of beef into an even layer across the tortilla’s entire surface. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Smash Burger Tacos
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, adding a little oil. Place the beef-covered tortilla meat-side down onto the hot surface. Press gently with a spatula and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to form that signature crust. Flip, add cheese, and let it melt as the tortilla crisps up, about another 1-3 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Smash Burger Tacos
- Crust Perfection: For a perfect crust, ensure the skillet is hot before placing the tortilla meat-side down.
- Cheese Timing: Adding cheese right after flipping helps with a perfect melt.
- Layer Wisely: Keep the lettuce and onions fresh by adding them just before serving.
- Sauce in Advance: Make the burger sauce at least an hour ahead for the best flavor fusion.
How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos
Garnishes
Top off your tacos with fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, or a squeeze of lime to elevate the flavors. These fresh garnishes bring brightness and an extra zing to the juicy Smash Burger Tacos.
Side Dishes
Serve your Smash Burger Tacos with crispy fries, a refreshing coleslaw, or some grilled corn on the cob. These sides wonderfully complement the hearty and savory tacos, making for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the tacos open-faced on a platter with all the fillings alongside. This setup invites guests to customize each bite, adding a touch of interactive dining to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep sauce and toppings separate to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the beef-coated tortillas after cooking. Lay them flat and wrap well in plastic wrap before sealing in a freezer bag. They should keep well for up to one month.
Reheating
For a quick reheat, warm the leftover tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Reapply the toppings freshly just before serving to restore their original crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Just be aware that corn tortillas are smaller and more delicate, so adjust the cooking technique and meat amount to suit.
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What type of ground beef is best?
Lean ground beef works best as it forms a nice crust without too much grease. A mix like 85/15 is ideal.
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Can I prep any part of this recipe in advance?
You bet! Make the burger sauce ahead of time, and you can also pre-dice the onions and shred the lettuce to streamline the process.
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Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet?
While a cast iron skillet promotes even heat and helps develop a great crust, any heavy-bottomed pan will work effectively.
Final Thoughts
Deliciously simple and innovative, Smash Burger Tacos are a fabulous way to change up your usual dinner routine. Bursting with flavor, they’re sure to delight everyone at your table. Dive in, savor each bite, and don’t forget to share your taco masterpieces!
Print
Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American/Mexican Fusion
Description
Smash Burger Tacos combine the savory appeal of classic smash burgers with the portability of tacos, featuring crispy edges, melty cheese, and fresh toppings all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that brings together burger indulgence and Mexican flair.
Ingredients
Burger Sauce / Big Mac Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Tacos:
- 4 Flour tortillas, 6 inches in size
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, both to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
- 4 slices American Cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1 small onion, diced
- Dill pickle chips, enough for topping
- Shredded iceberg lettuce, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined. Chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Portion the beef: Divide the ground beef into four equal parts, shaping them loosely into balls.
- Assemble the tacos: Place a tortilla on your work surface. Flatten one portion of beef evenly over the entire tortilla, spreading it out into a thin layer, covering the surface completely.
- Season the beef: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the beef layer to taste.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil.
- Cook the smash tacos: Gently place the tortilla with the beef side down onto the hot skillet, applying slight pressure with a spatula to help form a thin patty. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip carefully, top with a slice of cheese, and cook for another 1-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla edges crisp up.
- Repeat: Remove from heat and repeat the process for the remaining portions.
- Assemble: Spread burger sauce on the cooked tacos, then top with shredded lettuce, diced onion, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- The burger sauce can be made ahead of time and tastes better after resting for 30–60 minutes.
- Fajita-sized tortillas work best, but smaller street taco-sized tortillas can be used for mini versions, yielding around 8 tacos.
- Any leftover sauce should be refrigerated and used within 5 days.
- You can swap American cheese for other melting cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack.
- Cooking best achieved on a griddle, but a skillet works just as well; cook 1–2 tacos at a time depending on pan size.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
