Smash Burger Tacos

Smash Burger Tacos combine two classic comfort foods—smash burgers and tacos—into one irresistible dish. These tacos are packed with all the savory flavors of a smash burger, including juicy, crispy-edged beef patties, melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and tangy dill pickles, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Topped with a creamy burger sauce, these Smash Burger Tacos are an inventive and fun way to enjoy your favorite burger flavors in a taco form. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just craving a twist on your usual burger, these tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The combination of ground beef, melty cheese, crunchy pickles, and fresh vegetables is perfectly balanced by the special burger sauce, which ties everything together with a creamy, tangy kick. The key to these tacos is smashing the beef patties on a hot grill or pan to get those crispy edges that mimic the best part of a smash burger. Then, assemble the tacos with all the toppings you love and enjoy a delicious, handheld meal that’s full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold and Flavorful

These Smash Burger Tacos have all the bold flavors you love from a smash burger but with the added twist of being in taco form. Each bite is packed with savory beef, melted cheese, and tangy pickles, making them irresistible.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe comes together quickly and easily. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a tasty meal on the table in no time.

3. Perfect for Taco Night

If you’re looking for something new for taco night, these Smash Burger Tacos are the perfect alternative. They offer a fun twist on traditional tacos with familiar burger flavors.

4. Customizable

This recipe is highly customizable. Add your favorite burger toppings, swap out the cheese, or even make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce.

5. Great for Feeding a Crowd

With simple ingredients and easy assembly, this recipe is perfect for feeding a group of people. Everyone loves a good burger, and these tacos are sure to be a hit!

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Ingredients

For the Tacos:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 6 tortillas (about 6″ in diameter)
• Salt and pepper or burger seasoning of your choice
• 6 slices American cheese
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• ¼ onion, diced
• 12-18 dill pickle slices

For the Burger Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet relish
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt

Variations

• Cheese Options: Feel free to swap the American cheese for cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Smash Burger Tacos: Add jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring some heat to your tacos.
• Veggie Smash Burger Tacos: If you want a vegetarian option, use a plant-based burger patty or portobello mushrooms as the filling.
• Bacon Smash Burger Tacos: Add crispy bacon to your tacos for extra flavor and crunch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Mix well until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Form the ground beef into 6 equal-sized patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper (or your preferred burger seasoning). Once the skillet is hot, place the patties in the pan and immediately smash them down using a spatula or burger press. This creates the signature crispy edges. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the cheese is melted on top.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

While the patties are cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this by heating them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side until they are soft and warm.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Place each cooked patty on a warm tortilla. Top each patty with shredded lettuce, diced onion, and a few dill pickle slices. Drizzle with the prepared burger sauce for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Smash Burger Tacos with lime wedges on the side and any additional toppings you desire. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Smash the Patties Well: For the best crispy edges, press down on the patties firmly and evenly when cooking them.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the patties in batches to ensure they get crispy and cook evenly.
• Taco Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings such as pickled jalapeños, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce or sprinkle chili flakes on the beef patties before cooking.

How to Serve

• Perfect for Taco Night: These Smash Burger Tacos are a great alternative to traditional tacos and are sure to spice up your taco night.
• Game Day: Serve these tacos at your next game day gathering for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
• Casual Dinner: These tacos are perfect for a relaxed weeknight dinner with family or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cooked beef patties, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked beef patties for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, cook in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Smash Burger Tacos, simply warm the tortillas and beef patties in the skillet for a couple of minutes. Reassemble the tacos with fresh toppings and sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack. American cheese is commonly used for its meltability, but other cheeses can offer different flavors.

Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the burger sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How can I make these tacos spicier?

Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the burger sauce or directly on the tacos for an extra kick of heat.

Can I use a grill to cook the patties?

Yes, you can cook the patties on a grill if preferred. Just make sure to smash them once on the grill to achieve the crispy edges.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to experiment with other toppings like bacon, sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, or grilled onions to make the tacos even more delicious.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Both flour and corn tortillas work well with these Smash Burger Tacos.

Can I make these tacos in advance?

While the beef patties and sauce can be made ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the tortillas soft and fresh.

How do I keep the tacos warm for a party?

To keep the tacos warm, place them in a covered dish or a warming tray, or keep them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

Can I make these tacos with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, though the flavor and texture will be different. Be sure to season the turkey or chicken patties well.

How many tacos does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 6 tacos, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make more.

Conclusion

Smash Burger Tacos are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, combining the best of both worlds—crispy, juicy beef patties and classic taco flavors. The burger sauce adds a creamy, tangy element, while the pickles, lettuce, and onions give these tacos the perfect balance of crunch and freshness. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something new for dinner, these Smash Burger Tacos are sure to satisfy your taste buds and become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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