Smash Burger Tacos
Hola! I’m Emma, and if you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls head over heels for the bold, soul-warming flavors of Mexico, well… you’re about to find out. This Smash Burger Tacos recipe is the perfect fusion of two comfort food powerhouses: the juicy, crusty edges of a classic smash burger and the hand-held joy of a taco. These sizzling gems were born on my Blackstone griddle one sunny Orlando evening, inspired by a family craving for something fun, flavorful, and fast. The sizzle of the beef, the gooey American cheese, the creamy homemade burger sauce—it’s all packed into warm tortillas and loaded with fresh toppings. Let me show you how to bring this backyard crowd-pleaser to life!
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 2 mins | 22 mins | 6 | Easy | American | Summer |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Flavorful: Ready in under 25 minutes, these tacos pack serious punch thanks to juicy beef and zesty sauce.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for BBQs, game nights, or family dinners—everyone grabs seconds.
- Customizable: Add bacon, onions, or your favorite pickles to suit your cravings.
- Homemade Burger Sauce: A creamy, tangy dream that elevates the whole bite.
- Blackstone or Skillet Friendly: Whether you’re outside or at the stove, this recipe adapts perfectly.
Smash Burger Tacos
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy smash burger tacos with melty cheese, homemade sauce, crispy tortillas, and classic toppings—all ready in under 25 minutes!
Ingredients
Burger Sauce:
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
1/2 tsp pickle juice
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp rice vinegar
Smash Burger Tacos:
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
6 slices American cheese
6 flour tortillas (street taco size)
shredded lettuce
burger pickles
optional: bacon, white onions
Instructions
1. Make the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, chopped pickles, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix well and set aside.
2. Form Burger Balls: In a medium bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Mix gently, then divide into six equal-sized balls.
3. Prep Ingredients: Set out tortillas, cheese slices, and toppings like lettuce and pickles near your cooking station. This cooks fast, so have everything ready!
4. Preheat Griddle: Heat your Blackstone or skillet to medium-high. Once hot, add beef balls.
5. Smash the Patties: Use a burger press or spatula to flatten each beef ball as much as possible. Smash for 15–20 seconds. Cook for another 40 seconds.
6. Flip and Cheese It: Flip patties, immediately top with cheese. Place tortillas on the griddle next to patties.
7. Toast and Assemble: After 2 minutes, flip tortillas and lift each cheesy patty onto a tortilla. Transfer to a plate.
8. Build the Tacos: Top with shredded lettuce, pickles, and a generous drizzle of burger sauce. Add bacon or onions if using. Serve hot!
Notes
Prep everything before cooking—this recipe moves fast.
Use a burger press or heavy spatula to get a crispy edge.
Try with spicy mayo or pickled jalapeños for a twist.
American cheese melts best, but feel free to swap!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Dinner/Entree
- Method: Blackstone
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 4.2 g
- Sodium: 1247.8 mg
- Fat: 19.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 31.9 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 25.4 g
- Cholesterol: 57.8 mg
Ingredients
Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
- 1/2 tsp pickle juice
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp rice vinegar
Smash Burger Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 flour tortillas (street taco size)
- shredded lettuce
- burger pickles
- optional: bacon, white onions
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Ground beef | Use 80/20 for the juiciest patties with crispy edges |
| American cheese | Melts quickly and perfectly over hot patties |
| Tortillas | Choose small, soft flour tortillas for best grip and texture |
| Pickles | Dill pickles add the best contrast to the creamy sauce |
| Mayo | A good-quality mayo makes the burger sauce extra luscious |
| Soy sauce | Adds umami depth to the sauce—don’t skip it! |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, chopped pickles, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix well and set aside.
- Form Burger Balls: In a medium bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Mix gently, then divide into six equal-sized balls.
- Prep Ingredients: Set out tortillas, cheese slices, and toppings like lettuce and pickles near your cooking station. This cooks fast, so have everything ready!
- Preheat Griddle: Heat your Blackstone or skillet to medium-high. Once hot, add beef balls.
- Smash the Patties: Use a burger press or spatula to flatten each beef ball as much as possible. Smash for 15–20 seconds. Cook for another 40 seconds.
- Flip and Cheese It: Flip patties, immediately top with cheese. Place tortillas on the griddle next to patties.
- Toast and Assemble: After 2 minutes, flip tortillas and lift each cheesy patty onto a tortilla. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the Tacos: Top with shredded lettuce, pickles, and a generous drizzle of burger sauce. Add bacon or onions if using. Serve hot!
Helpful Tips
- Smash Immediately: For crispy edges, smash patties right after hitting the griddle.
- Don’t Overwork Beef: Keep beef loosely packed so it stays tender.
- Pre-Slice Toppings: Have everything ready before cooking—it goes fast!
- Use a Burger Press: For evenly flattened patties with great crust.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Griddle Heat Control: Medium-high heat ensures crispy crust without burning.
- Cheese Timing: Add cheese immediately after flipping so it melts perfectly.
- Flip with Confidence: Let patties form a crust before flipping to avoid sticking.
- Toasting Tortillas: Flip tortillas right before topping to keep them soft but lightly crisped.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Swap pickles for pickled red onions and add cotija cheese.
- Breakfast Tacos: Top with scrambled egg and crispy hashbrowns for a morning version.
- Avocado Smash: Add sliced avocado or a smear of guac for extra creaminess.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can prep the burger sauce and portion the ground beef into balls up to 24 hours in advance—just keep everything refrigerated. Cooked patties can be frozen individually with parchment between each layer. Reheat on the griddle or a skillet for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Smash Burger Tacos hot off the griddle with a side of crispy fries or potato wedges. Arrange on a platter with extra pickles and dipping sauce in the center. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a burger-like finish!
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a cold Mexican lager, a frosty root beer float, or an icy limeade. Sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, or mac & cheese make this a full comfort meal. Even a crunchy dill pickle spear works great!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat patties and tortillas separately in a hot skillet or microwave the taco in 30-second bursts until warm. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a skillet instead of a griddle? Yes! Use two skillets—one for the patties, one for the tortillas—so everything cooks evenly.
What ground beef is best? Use 80/20 for a juicy texture with crispy edges. Leaner beef may dry out.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, just use gluten-free tortillas and double-check your condiments.
How do I get the perfect smash? Smash the beef right as it hits the hot surface and press firmly. A burger press helps!
What cheese can I substitute? Try cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby—but American cheese melts the smoothest.
Can I meal prep these? Yes! Make the sauce and shape the beef in advance, then cook fresh.
Can I cook these indoors? Absolutely! Use a well-ventilated kitchen and a cast iron skillet for best results.
Nutrition Info Table + Disclaimer
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 taco | 405 | 25.4g | 31.9g | 19.1g | 1.2g | 4.2g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Smash Burger Tacos recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner that fuses bold burger flavor with taco night ease. Once you try these, you’ll want them on repeat. Go fire up that griddle and make tonight delicious!
