Get ready for a fun twist on taco night with smash burger tacos! They are loaded with juicy beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings all wrapped in a soft tortilla.
These tacos are like a burger party in your hand! I love how quick they are to make—just smash and sizzle your way to flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The 80/20 blend of ground beef gives a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. You can go for leaner beef, but it might be a bit drier. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken, but be sure to adjust the cooking times.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are ideal for these tacos as they hold up well. If you’re looking for a gluten-free or different flavor alternative, you can use flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Shredded Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce adds crunch, but feel free to swap in romaine or even shredded cabbage for a different texture. Spinach could work too, adding a nutritional boost!
Sriracha Sauce: This adds a nice kick to the sauce, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. For a milder version, consider using mild hot sauce or even a chipotle sauce.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is classic for a burger vibe but try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra twist. If vegan, look for plant-based cheese options that melt well.
How Do You Get the Perfect Smash on the Beef?
Smashing the beef is key to creating those flavorful crusts. To ensure success, follow these tips:
- Start with a hot skillet! Preheat your pan well so the beef sizzles when placed down.
- Use a clean spatula or a burger press. This helps the patty flatten evenly without tearing.
- Don’t rush it! Let the beef cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping to get that nice crust. The longer it sits, the better the browning.
With these steps, you’ll have well-cooked, delicious patties that make your tacos extra tasty. Happy cooking!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Pickles (sliced, for garnish)
- Oil (for cooking)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll be mixing a quick sauce, cooking up flavorful beef patties, and assembling everything into tasty tacos. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. Set this yummy sauce aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, adding a drizzle of oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, take a portion of the ground beef (about 2-3 ounces) and place it on the skillet. Use a spatula or a burger press to smash the beef down into a thin patty. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see a nice crust forming, then flip the patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
3. Warm Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, take another pan and warm the corn tortillas over medium heat. Just a minute or two will make them pliable and ready for filling. Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel so they stay warm.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place a cooked beef patty right on each tortilla. Top with some shredded lettuce and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Yum!
5. Add Sauce and Garnish:
Drizzle that delicious sauce you made earlier over the toppings. Don’t forget to add sliced pickles on top for an extra crunch and burst of flavor!
6. Serve:
Fold the tacos together and serve them immediately while they’re still warm. Feel free to set out any extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be aware that these meats might require a little more seasoning to enhance the flavor, so feel free to adjust the salt and pepper or add extra spices as you see fit.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you love a kick, you can increase the amount of sriracha in your sauce or add diced jalapeños on top. Another great option is to mix some cayenne pepper into the ground beef before cooking for an extra heat boost!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ingredients?
For leftovers, store the beef patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy. You can reheat the patties in the microwave or on the skillet before assembling your tacos again!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using, and it will be ready to go!
