Smash Burger Tacos are the easiest tacos you’ll ever make! The crispy edges on the beef, the melty cheese, and the toasted tortilla make these tacos irresistible!
Author’s Notes
Perfecting the Viral Smash Taco!
When Smash Tacos went viral last year, I had to try them. But my first attempt didn’t go so well. The meat didn’t brown how I wanted it to, flipping was messy, the cheese wouldn’t melt right, and the sauce was a bit bland.
BUT I loved the idea! So, I kept testing until I got it right. An electric griddle with a set temperature made a huge difference. Pressing the tortilla with a burger press gave evenly browned meat (which means more flavor). Covering it with a pot lid after adding the cheese helped it melt beautifully without burning the tortilla.
I finished them off with a reliable sauce from these burger bowls and that was it. These are now the most flavorful and foolproof smash burger tacos I have ever made. My whole family gives them a big thumbs-up, and it’s honestly one of the fastest, easiest dinners I make!
Ingredients In Smash Burger Tacos
| Ingredient(s) | Helpful Notes |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (80/20), Flour Tortillas (5–6 in), Neutral Oil (skippable) | High-fat beef browns beautifully. I grab “fajita-size” tortillas. If using stainless steel, you’ll want to add oil. |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | Use sharp cheese for more flavor. A slice melts and holds everything together. |
| Salt & Pepper | Season beef generously for max flavor! |
| Mayo, Ketchup, Sweet Pickle Relish, Paprika | Use real mayo, and go with Heinz relish and ketchup for the best flavor. |
| Your favorite burger toppings! | It is satisfying to using shredded iceberg lettuce, diced white onion, dill pickle chips, and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds. |
Featured Comment
“It is satisfying to these tacos, I cooked on my Blackstone griddle outside and served a group. I made a large platter with all the fixings for taco, buffalo, reg. burgers, giving everyone their choice, was fast and straightforward and very tasty.”
– Pam
chelsea’s recipe tips
Top Tips For Making Smash Burger Tacos
- Use an electric griddle: A griddle keeps the heat consistent throughout cooking.
- Heat griddle: A super hot surface creates a crispy crust and deeper flavor.
- Use 80/20 ground beef: More fat gives better browning and flavor, but I’ve also tried leaner beef (like 93/7) and it works.
- Keep the beef cold: Cold beef holds its shape and smashes more cleanly.
- Use a burger press or pan: This gives an even smash and helps set the crust.
Storage
These are best enjoyed fresh and do not store well once assembled. Store leftover components (uncooked beef, sauce, and toppings) separately. Burger sauce lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
More Ways To Use Ground Beef:
Dinner
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Dinner
Mongolian Ground Beef
Dinner
Ground Beef Naan Tacos
Beef
Ground Beef QuesadillasVariations
Change Things Up!
- Breakfast Smash Tacos: Add a fried egg, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper: Mix chopped jalapeños into the beef or cheese, and top with cream cheese, cheddar, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Tex-Mex Taco Smash: Season beef with taco seasoning, top with Cheddar, salsa, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
- Buffalo Smash: Top beef with buffalo sauce, some blue cheese crumbles, diced celery, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese.
What To Serve With Smash Burger Tacos
- Crispy Fries or Waffle Fries: Classic pairing with burger flavors.
- Corn Salad: Light, fresh, and reliable for summer!
- Coleslaw: Adds crunch and coolness on the side.
- Potato Salad: Creamy, cool, and totally crowd-pleasing!
- Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing contrast to the rich tacos.
