Crispy Smash Burger Tacos: A Fusion Delight

Smash Burger Tacos bring together the best of both worlds—crispy, flavorful smash patties and soft, warm tortillas. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or when you’re in the mood for a creative twist on comfort food. The combination of a perfectly seared patty, gooey melted cheese, and fresh toppings creates an irresistible flavor profile that will leave you craving more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for hectic evenings.
• Perfect Texture: The smash technique ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and sauces to make it uniquely yours.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps if you’re watching your carb intake.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These tacos are a hit at parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor)
• Small flour tortillas
• American cheese (or cheddar for a sharper taste)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oil or butter for cooking
• Burger sauce (or your preferred sauce)
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced onions
• Pickles
• Sliced tomatoes

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Directions

Preheat the Pan or Griddle

Start by heating a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect sear on the patties.

Form the Meatballs

Take your ground beef and roll it into small balls, each weighing about 2 ounces. These portions are just the right size for tacos.

Smash the Burgers

Place a tortilla on a clean surface and put one meatball in the center. Using a spatula or burger press, firmly flatten the meatball onto the tortilla. This step ensures the patty adheres to the tortilla, creating a seamless fusion of flavors.

Season and Cook

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder generously over the meat. Place the tortilla, meat-side down, onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges turn crispy and golden brown.

Flip and Melt Cheese

Flip the tortilla so the meat side is now facing up. Place a slice of cheese on top of the patty and let it melt for another 1-2 minutes.

Assemble the Tacos

Once cooked, remove the tacos from the heat and add your toppings. Layer shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with your favorite sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve Immediately

Enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos while they’re still hot and crispy for the ultimate experience!

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 tacos (adjust as needed)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

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Variations

• Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy aioli for those who love heat.
• BBQ Style: Swap burger sauce for barbecue sauce and top with crispy fried onions.
• Avocado Twist: Spread mashed avocado on the tortilla before adding the patty for a creamy texture.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb alternative.

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Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortilla soggy.

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FAQs

How do I achieve a crispy crust?
Use a hot cast-iron skillet and press the meat firmly onto the tortilla to ensure maximum contact with the heat.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but they are more delicate. Warm them slightly before using to prevent tearing.

What type of cheese works best?
American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss are excellent alternatives.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely, though turkey is leaner and may not develop the same crispy crust as beef.

What’s the best sauce for these tacos?
Classic burger sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, or chipotle aioli all pair wonderfully.

Can I cook these on an outdoor grill?
Yes, use a griddle plate or cast-iron skillet on your grill for optimal results.

How do I keep the tacos from getting soggy?
Serve them immediately after cooking, and avoid overloading with wet toppings like tomatoes or sauce.

Can I prep these in advance?
You can pre-form the meatballs, but it’s best to cook them fresh for the crispiest texture.

What toppings work well?
Shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, tomatoes, and avocado are all great choices.

Are these tacos freezer-friendly?
No, they’re best enjoyed fresh, as freezing may compromise the texture.

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Conclusion

Smash Burger Tacos are the ultimate fusion dish, blending the rich, crispy goodness of a smash patty with the convenience and portability of a taco. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick dinner or serving them at a party, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. Experiment with different toppings and variations to make them uniquely yours.

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Smash Burger Tacos

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Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy, crispy essence of a smash patty with the handheld ease of a taco. Ground beef is pressed directly onto a warm tortilla, seared to perfection, and topped with melty cheese, fresh lettuce, pickles, and a zesty burger sauce. It’s a fun and effortless way to enjoy classic burger flavors in taco form!

Author: Beth
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 tacos
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

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For the Burger Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• ½ tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)

For the Smash Burger Tacos:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 6 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
• 6 slices American cheese
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• ¼ cup diced white onion
• 18 dill pickle chips
• 1 tbsp butter or neutral oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Make the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and hot sauce. Set aside.
2. Preheat the Pan: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
3. Form the Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 2½ oz each). Roll them into loose balls.
4. Smash the Beef onto Tortillas: Place a tortilla on a flat surface and put a beef ball in the center. Use a heavy spatula or burger press to smash the beef down evenly, pressing it into the tortilla. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook the Smash Burger Tacos: Place the taco, beef side down, onto the hot skillet. Press down firmly and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the beef gets crispy and browned. Flip and cook the tortilla side for 30-60 seconds until lightly golden.
6. Melt the Cheese: Flip the tacos beef-side up and place a slice of cheese on top. Remove from heat once melted.
7. Assemble the Tacos: Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced onion, pickle chips, and a drizzle of burger sauce.
8. Serve & Enjoy! Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, juicy Smash Burger Tacos!

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Notes

• For extra crispiness, press the beef down firmly when smashing.
• Substitute American cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or other toppings for extra flair.

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