Smash Tacos are layers of flavorful, crispy beef cooked on buttery, golden tortillas and topped with classic burger toppings and a tangy sauce! And, they're so quick and easy, you'll make them all the time!
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Smash tacos have become a quick favorite around here. And, for good reason. They come together in no time, everyone loves them, and of course, there's an incredible sauce! It's the ultimate combination of a burger and taco and I just cannot get enough!
These are such a fun recipe for dinner when you're tired of the same old thing. I mean, it's a burger taco with big mac sauce. What in the world would be bad about that?! They're also a huge hit at get togethers and parties with friends!
These little beauties are also great for your cast iron skillet indoor and super fun for an a large outdoor flat top griddle like a Blackstone!
Tips and Tricks
- I use my homemade flour tortillas for these smash tacos. I highly recommend you do as well. Otherwise, look for a good quality 6-inch flour tortilla.
- Pull the ground beef out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you press it into the tortillas.
- Keep the ground beef layer very thin and even for the best result. If the beef layer is too thick, you will have issues with cooking times and the bending of the tortilla.
- Leave a small border around the tortilla free of ground beef. This is so when you fold the smash tacos in half to eat them, the meat doesn't fall out of the tortilla. It gives the meat room to move.
- For best eating experience, simply fold the smash tacos in half, drizzle with the burger sauce, and nom!
Substitutions and Variations
- If you don't want to use a flour tortilla, a corn tortilla would be phenomenal!
- Ground turkey or chicken would be great substitutions. We also use ground venison, too!
- I use my all-purpose seasoning recipe for the burgers, but use you favorite if you don't want to make it from scratch.
- If a burger sauce isn't your thing, dill pickle ranch, pico de gallo, or even a salsa verde would be amazing on smash tacos!
Fun Topping Ideas
If you have a favorite burger topping, you can definitely use them here! I could go on for days, but here's some of my top recommendations!
- Pickled Jalapeños or Quick-Pickled Red Onions - for tang and and a spicy kick!
- Sautéed mushrooms or onions - because they're delicious.
- Bacon - because bacon.
- Top with your favorite bbq sauce or teriyaki - you can never go wrong with a good sauce.
- Avocado - creamy and wonderful and perfect for topping smash tacos!
- Fried Eggs - I mean, if you're outside on the griddle, a fried egg would be pretty easy to do and that runny yolk is just amazing!
Smash Tacos Recipe
Equipment
- large cast iron skillet or outdoor griddle
Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup dill pickle relish
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- cayenne, optional for a kick
Smash Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef
- all-purpose seasoning to your taste
- 6 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- shredded lettuce, minced red onion, and dill pickle chips for topping
Instructions
Burger Sauce
- Mix sauce ingredients together in a mixing bowl and store in fridge until ready to serve.
Smash Burgers
- Season ground beef with all purpose seasoning and divide into 6 equal balls. Each ball will be approximately 2½ ounces.
- Place a ball of ground beef onto a tortilla and press and spread it out towards the edges of the tortilla. Keep a small border around the edges of the tortilla free of meat - kind of like a pizza. Make sure the meat layer is thin and even.
- Repeat for all tortillas.
- Place smash taco meat side down onto a HOT griddle. It needs to be hot to create the crispy beef. Let it cook for a couple of minutes or until the beef is nice and browned.
- Flip the smash taco over and top with cheese. Cook for an additional few minutes until the beef is cooked through, the tortillas are crisp, and the cheese melted.
- Top with shredded lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and burger sauce.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving Ideas
Smash burger tacos are the perfect dish for get togethers with friends or a quick and easy dinner. Some crispy fries or your favorite potato chip would be fantastic on the side. However, if you need a few more serving ideas, I've got some!
Think:
- Potato Salad - Super simple and a perfect side for any backyard bbq!
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad - My all-time favorite pasta salad!
- Creamy Coleslaw - A quick and easy classic that's perfect with smash tacos!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, and very easily! Just use your favorite GF wrap/tortilla or a certified GF corn tortilla!
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap your favorite DF cheese! That's it. There is nothing in the burger sauce that would be of any concern.
What fat-to-lean ratio is best for this recipe?
I prefer an 80/20 grind. I think it's the perfect blend because while there is enough lean to prevent the smash burgers from becoming greasy, it has enough fat to make the beef nice and crispy and wonderful!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers (without toppings or sauce) in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for the best result. If you reheat them in the microwave, they will lose any crispiness.
Leftovers (without toppings or sauce) can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Smash Tacos recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or TikTok! I love seeing all of your masterpieces!
If you guys make this Smash Tacos, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a star rating in the recipe card! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments! And, as always, be kind. I’m only human.
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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