Name: Smash Burger Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 4 tablespoons pickle relish; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon sugar; 0.5 tablespoon white vinegar; 1.25 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 flour tortillas (6 inches in size); 1 pound lean ground beef; Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon neutral oil; 4 slices American cheese; 1 small onion (diced); Dill pickle chips; Shredded iceberg lettuce

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The kitchen fills with the warm aroma of sizzling beef, mingling with savory notes from the homemade Big Mac sauce. The golden tortillas, each one gently crisped, cradle tender juicy patties that peek out, hinting at layers of melted cheese and fresh toppings to come. There’s something magical about this fusion of Smash Burger Tacos that awakens childhood memories of weekend barbecues where burgers were the highlight of the day, and laughter filled the air. As we gather around the table, dipping, crunching, and savoring bites of these creative delights, it feels like every crunchy shell and bold flavor brings us closer together. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these Smash Burger Tacos are destined to impress and satisfy.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Smash Burger Tacos

Imagine the delight of each bite where the classic combo of burger and taco unite, creating an unforgettable taste experience. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These Smash Burger Tacos come together in just 20 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight meal!
Irresistible Flavor: Picture layers of melted cheese melding with juicy beef and tangy sauce—pure bliss.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These tacos are not only delicious but visually stunning, perfect for serving at gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Great for lunch, dinner, or a casual snack—enjoy them anytime!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap for gluten-free tortillas or lean meats to suit various diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup mayonnaise: This serves as the creamy base for our Big Mac sauce, adding richness. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt.
4 tablespoons pickle relish: Adds a sweet and tangy crunch, reminiscent of classic fast-food flavors. You can substitute it with diced pickles or even homemade relish if you prefer.
2 tablespoons ketchup: A staple for sweet and tangy notes. Use organic for a more natural flavor if desired.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: This brings a zesty kick to the sauce. Yellow mustard works, but for a milder taste, opt for honey mustard.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances out the acidity in the sauce. Alternatively, use honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
0.5 tablespoon white vinegar: Adds acidity and brightens up the flavors. Apple cider vinegar can also be used.
1.25 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness to the sauce. Smoked paprika can enhance that flavor even further.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a deep onion flavor without the bite of fresh onions. Freshly diced onions can be used instead if preferred.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Fresh minced garlic is a good substitute, but use sparingly.
4 flour tortillas (6 inches in size): The base for our tacos, bringing that carve-able crunch. Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free alternative.
1 pound lean ground beef: The star of this dish! Choose grass-fed for extra flavor, or substitute with turkey or plant-based ground meat for lighter options.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out the flavors in the beef.
1 tablespoon neutral oil: Use vegetable, canola, or avocado oil for cooking. This ensures even browning and prevents sticking.
4 slices American cheese: Melts beautifully to cover the beef. Feel free to use cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick.
1 small onion (diced): Adds a fresh, crisp bite to the tacos. You can switch to green onions for a milder flavor.
Dill pickle chips: Both crunchy and tangy, enhancing each bite. You can use sweet pickles if that’s more your flavor.
Shredded iceberg lettuce: Provides a refreshing crunch that lightens up the meal.

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons of pickle relish, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 0.5 tablespoon of white vinegar. Add 1.25 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well-blended, then set this zesty sauce aside to let the flavors meld together.

Divide the Beef: Take your pound of lean ground beef and divide it into four equal portions. It helps to roll them into balls first. Having uniform portions ensures that each taco has a perfectly sized patty, so when you press them down, they’ll fit well within the tortillas.

Prep the Tortillas: Place your flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Using the palm of your hand, evenly spread one portion of the ground beef over each tortilla, making sure to cover it entirely for even cooking. Season each with salt and pepper to enhance the beef’s flavor.

Heat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil. You want the skillet hot enough to create a nice sear on the tortillas but not so hot that they burn. Make sure to spread the oil around for even cooking.

Cook the Tacos: Carefully place one tortilla meat-side down into the hot skillet. Using a spatula, apply slight pressure to form a thin patty—let it cook for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be crisp and the whole tortilla should have a delightful aroma.

Flip and Melt: Using the spatula, gently flip the taco so the tortilla side is now down. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of the meat patty. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-3 minutes, depending on your desired level of tortilla crispness. The cheese should be perfectly melted and beautiful.

Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, remove your Smash Burger Taco from the heat and place it on a plate. Repeat the cooking process for the remaining tacos. When ready to enjoy, top each taco with your prepared burger sauce, some shredded iceberg lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips for that extra crunch. Serve immediately and savor that first bite!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Smash Burger Tacos fresher longer, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you need to store them longer, transfer to the fridge where they’ll last for about 3 days. For freezing, wrap each taco in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through, keeping an eye on the tortilla to maintain its crispness. Note that the texture might soften slightly after refrigeration, but a quick reheating brings it back to life.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-pressing the beef in the pan; you want that nice crust without turning it into a burger paste.
For an extra cheesy experience, consider adding shredded cheese on top of the patties before flipping.
Using a cast-iron skillet can help achieve the perfect sear on your Smash Burger Tacos.
Don’t skip the resting time for the sauce; letting it sit allows the flavors to deepen and develop.
If you’re short on time, you can prep the sauce and the toppings while the meat cooks to speed up the process.

These Smash Burger Tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience packed with flavor and fun! The combination of everything delicious from burgers to tacos has endless possibilities. Feel free to experiment with the toppings and sauces to suit your taste buds. Dive in, enjoy, and make these tacos a delightful treat for any occasion!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The burger sauce can be made a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Just give it a quick stir before serving!

Can I use leftover beef or other proteins?

Yes, leftover cooked beef or even shredded chicken works great! Reheat it before assembling the tacos for a speedy meal. Just adjust the cooking time if you’re using already cooked meat.

Are there any good toppings or variations?

Definitely! Try adding sliced jalapeños for heat, diced tomatoes for freshness, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist. The world is your oyster with toppings!

How can I customize the tortillas?

You can certainly customize your tortillas! Opt for corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, or try flavored tortillas, such as spinach or sun-dried tomato for an exciting visual and taste variation.