One Pan Smash Burger Taco Recipe
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Smash burger tacos are hands-down one of the most fun things I’ve made lately. You get that juicy burger flavor with crispy edges, melted cheese, and warm tortillas, all loaded up with fresh toppings and creamy sauce. It comes together fast, tastes amazing, and you can make it exactly how you like it.
I’ve shared my favorite taco soup recipe here before, as well as some fun taco bar ideas, but when it comes to tacos, this one’s got a little something extra. It feels like taco night and burger night rolled into one, and it’s just plain satisfying.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it simple at home, this is the kind of dinner that hits the spot without making a mess of your kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and flavorful
- Quick to make
- No-mess cooking: Made entirely on the stovetop for easy prep and fast cleanup.
- Fun and different: A unique way to serve a classic flavor combo that’s great for casual meals or entertaining.
- Flexible recipe
- Great for groups: Makes enough to feed a family or small crowd, and can be doubled if needed.
How to Make Smash Burger Taco
These smash burger tacos come together with just a few simple steps and deliver big on flavor. Cook the patties, stir up the sauce, assemble everything, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that hits the spot in under an hour.
For the full ingredient list, measurements, and step-by-step instructions, scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card.
Ingredients You Need
For the smash burgers:
- Ground beef: I go with 80/20 for the best mix of crispy edges and juicy centers.
- Salt and black pepper
- Small tortillas: Corn, flour, low-carb, whole grain, or almond flour all work, depending on what you like.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredding your own gives the best melt and texture.
- Cooking oil
For the sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Store-bought keeps things simple, but homemade spicy mayo is a real treat.
- Dill pickle relish: Be sure to drain it so the sauce doesn’t turn out watery.
- Dijon mustard: You can stick with Dijon or mix in coarse grain mustard for more flavor and texture.
- White vinegar
- Spices and seasonings: Use paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
For toppings:
- Iceberg lettuce: A classic pick, but any lettuce you like will work.
- Onions
Step-By-Step Instructions
Bring something fun to the table tonight with these easy smash burger tacos. With just five quick steps, you’ll have a crave-worthy meal everyone will want again.
Step 1: Make the patties
Season your ground beef with salt and pepper, then divide it into 8 even portions. Roll each into a ball and press it onto a tortilla, flattening it out so it covers most of the surface.
Step 2: Cook
Warm a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease it. Place a tortilla meat-side down and cook for about 2 minutes until the beef browns and starts to crisp.
Step 3: Melt the cheese
Flip the tortilla over so the beef is facing up. Add a handful of shredded mozzarella right on top of the patty, cover the pan, and let it cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the meat is cooked through. Set aside and repeat with the rest.
Step 4: Mix the sauce
Stir all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Set it aside for assembling.
Step 5: Assemble
Layer each taco with lettuce, onion, and a generous spoonful of sauce over the cheesy beef. Fold the tortilla and serve while everything is hot and fresh.
Substitutions
This recipe is built around everyday ingredients, so there’s a good chance you already have what you need. But if something’s missing, these simple substitutions have you covered.
- Ground beef: Swap in ground turkey or chicken.
- Mozzarella cheese: Try cheddar or Colby Jack if that’s what you have.
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt makes a great substitute.
- Dill pickle relish: Finely chopped pickles, cornichons, or cucumber relish all work just as well.
- Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard gives a milder taste, while spicy brown adds a little more heat.
- White vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or rice vinegar can be used in its place without losing balance.
Expert Tips
- Press while cold: Shape and flatten the beef before it warms up. It stays in place better and helps create those thin, crispy edges.
- Melt cheese at the right moment: Flip the patty, then add the cheese right away. Pro tip: Cover the pan briefly so it melts smoothly without drying out the beef.
- Don’t go overboard: Stick to a few crisp toppings so the beef and cheese can really shine, and the tacos stay easy to eat.
- Let your sauce sit: Mixing the sauce ahead of time gives it a better, more balanced flavor. If you like to meal prep, mix it up beforehand to give at least an hour and up to overnight in the fridge.
How to Store This Recipe
Once everything has cooled, it’s best to store the parts separately to keep things tasting fresh. Place the cooked beef and tortillas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
Keep the sauce, lettuce, onions, and any other toppings in their own containers so they stay crisp. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the meat and tortillas on the stovetop or in the oven, then build your tacos fresh for the best flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Smash Burger Taco
Serve these smash burger tacos with simple sides to round out the meal. Crispy sweet potato fries, air-fried pickles, or a crunchy coleslaw are all great choices. For something that feels more like takeout, add a side of oven-baked fries or onion rings.
More Easy Main Recipes To Try
- Ham and cheese sliders
- Cheese-stuffed meatloaf
- Chicken asparagus bake
- Air fryer pork chops
- Pineapple teriyaki pork chops
Cheesy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 8 small tortillas flour or low-carb alternative
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 portion cooking oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup onions chopped
Instructions
- Season your ground beef with salt and pepper, then divide it into 8 even portions. Roll each into a ball and press it onto a tortilla, flattening it out so it covers most of the surface.
- Warm a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease it. Place a tortilla meat-side down and cook for about 2 minutes until the beef browns and starts to crisp.
- Flip the tortilla over so the beef is facing up. Add a handful of shredded mozzarella right on top of the patty, cover the pan, and let it cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the meat is cooked through. Set aside and repeat with the rest.
- Stir all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Set it aside for assembling.
- Layer each taco with lettuce, onion, and a generous spoonful of sauce over the cheesy beef. Fold the tortilla and serve while everything is hot and fresh.
Notes
- Shape and flatten the beef before it warms up. It stays in place better and helps create those thin, crispy edges.
- Mixing the sauce ahead of time gives it a better, more balanced flavor. If you like to meal prep, mix it up beforehand to give at least an hour and up to overnight in the fridge.
