Smash Burger Tacos (Printable)
Crispy smashed beef on warm tortillas with cheddar, pickles, lettuce and burger sauce for an easy, fun meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend)
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Tacos
04 - 8 small flour tortillas
05 - 4 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese, halved
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for toasting)
→ Toppings
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
09 - 1 large tomato, sliced
10 - 1/2 cup sliced pickles
11 - 1/4 cup burger sauce or mayonnaise
12 - Ketchup and mustard, to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal balls, approximately 2 ounces each.
03 - Place a tortilla on your work surface. Position one beef ball in the center and press flat, spreading the beef to cover most of the tortilla.
04 - Lay the tortilla and beef assembly meat-side down on the hot skillet. Press down firmly using a large flat spatula to smash the beef into a thin layer. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
05 - Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef forms a deep brown crust and crispy edges. Flip to place the tortilla against the skillet, and top beef side with half a cheese slice. Cook 1 minute to warm and toast the tortilla.
06 - Remove from skillet and repeat with the remaining tortilla and beef portions.
07 - Top each taco with shredded lettuce, sliced onion, tomato, pickles, and drizzle with burger sauce, ketchup, or mustard as desired. Fold and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This is a clever trick for transforming leftovers into craveable bites that never get old.
- Smash Burger Tacos make burger night less fussy, and the crispy beef edges are a revelation inside soft tortillas.
02 -
- Trying to flip too early will make the beef stick—wait for a solid crust before going for it.
- Toasting the tortillas on the skillet side gives the whole thing the perfect chew and structure; don’t skip it even if you’re rushed.
03 -
- I learned to press the beef flat with a piece of parchment under the spatula if it starts sticking—it makes all the difference for clean smashing.
- The secret: mixing a spoonful of burger sauce and a dot of mustard right on the taco for layered flavor in every bite.