The Best Smash Burger Tacos You Need to Try
Say hello to taco-meets-burger perfection!
Juicy, caramelized smash burgers tucked into soft tortillas with melty cheese and all the toppings you love.
Easy to make, fun to eat, and bursting with flavor—these tacos are the ultimate way to have your burger and eat it too.
These smash burger taco, the ultimate mash-up of two of life’s greatest inventions: burgers and tacos.
Think crispy edges, melty cheese, and all the toppings you love, snugged into a soft taco shell.
Yeah, your taste buds are about to throw a party.
Smash Burger Taco Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 mix for juiciness
- Salt & pepper – because seasoning is non-negotiable
- 4 small flour or corn tortillas your taco base
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese or your favorite melty cheese
- 1 small onion finely diced
- Pickles sliced (optional but highly recommended)
- Lettuce shredded
- Tomato diced
- Spicy mayo or your favorite sauce see note below
- Butter or oil for toasting tortillas
Instructions
- Prep the pan: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a tiny drizzle of oil so your burgers don’t stick.
- Form the beef balls: Divide your ground beef into four equal portions. Roll them lightly into balls, don’t pack too tight—they need to spread nicely when smashed.
- Smash it down: Place a beef ball in the hot skillet. Using a spatula, smash it down until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Hold for 10–15 seconds to get that crispy crust.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper on top while the bottom crisps.
- Add cheese: Once the edges are brown and crispy (about 2–3 minutes), flip the burger, and immediately add a slice of cheese. Cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
- Toast tortillas: While burgers cook, melt a small bit of butter in another skillet. Toast tortillas for 30 seconds per side until lightly golden and warm.
- Assemble tacos: Place a burger patty in each tortilla. Top with onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
- Serve immediately: Smash burger tacos are best enjoyed hot off the skillet, while edges are still crispy and cheese is melty.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
It’s the best of both worlds.
You get the crispy, caramelized edges of a smash burger, the juicy middle, and the convenience of a taco that doesn’t fall apart (well… mostly).
Even if you’ve never cooked a burger or a taco before, this recipe is totally approachable—and honestly, the results will make you feel like a professional chef in under 30 minutes.
Plus, it’s highly customizable. Want spicy mayo? Go for it. Pickles?
Absolutely. Avocado?
Don’t even get me started. It’s like a build-your-own flavor adventure in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you start smashing:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix for juiciness)
- Salt & pepper – because seasoning is non-negotiable
- 4 small flour or corn tortillas (your taco base)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- Pickles, sliced (optional but highly recommended)
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomato, diced
- Spicy mayo or your favorite sauce (see note below)
- Butter or oil, for toasting tortillas
Pro tip: Keep your ingredients close and prepped. Smash burgers cook fast, so you’ll want everything ready to go.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the pan: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a tiny drizzle of oil so your burgers don’t stick.
- Form the beef balls: Divide your ground beef into four equal portions. Roll them lightly into balls, don’t pack too tight—they need to spread nicely when smashed.
- Smash it down: Place a beef ball in the hot skillet. Using a spatula, smash it down until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Hold for 10–15 seconds to get that crispy crust.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper on top while the bottom crisps.
- Add cheese: Once the edges are brown and crispy (about 2–3 minutes), flip the burger, and immediately add a slice of cheese. Cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
- Toast tortillas: While burgers cook, melt a small bit of butter in another skillet. Toast tortillas for 30 seconds per side until lightly golden and warm.
- Assemble tacos: Place a burger patty in each tortilla. Top with onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
- Serve immediately: Smash burger tacos are best enjoyed hot off the skillet, while edges are still crispy and cheese is melty.
How to Serve
Serve these juicy smash burger tacos on a platter with extra pickles and a little side of chips or fries.
They also pair beautifully with a simple coleslaw or fresh salsa if you want a refreshing contrast.
Bonus points if you let everyone assemble their own tacos—it’s interactive, fun, and makes cleanup easier (sort of).
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per taco)
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: These are rough estimates and will vary depending on cheese type, tortilla, and toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpacking the patties: Smashing is fun, but too tight a patty will be dense instead of juicy.
- Not preheating the skillet: You want a hot pan for crispy edges, otherwise your burger will steam.
- Skipping the cheese timing: Add cheese after flipping for the perfect melt. Too early or too late = uneven cheese coverage.
- Overloading tacos: Sure, toppings are delicious, but too many and your taco will fall apart faster than your Monday morning motivation.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Cheese swap: Pepper jack or American cheese melts just as well and adds a flavor twist.
- Taco base: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and give a little extra crunch, while flour tortillas are soft and pliable.
- Sauce upgrade: Instead of spicy mayo, try garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, or even a creamy avocado spread.
- Meat options: Ground turkey or chicken can work, but smash technique might require slightly lower heat to avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing to remember about juicy smash burger tacos, it’s that the magic is in the crisp edges and quick assembly.
They’re fun, satisfying, and versatile, making them a perfect weeknight dinner or weekend treat.
So go ahead—smash those patties, toast those tortillas, and drizzle that sauce like you mean it.
Your taste buds—and anyone lucky enough to sit at your table—will thank you.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Technically, yes, but smash burgers are best hot and fresh. Pre-cooked patties lose that perfect crisp edge.
Can I freeze the burgers?
Yes, but assemble tacos fresh. Freezing works for patties only; tortillas get soggy.
Do I need a cast-iron skillet?
Nope, a heavy non-stick skillet works fine. Cast-iron just gives that extra crispy crust.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely. Try a plant-based burger patty or smashed portobello mushroom caps.
What’s the best cheese for meltiness?
American, cheddar, or pepper jack. Avoid very hard cheeses—they won’t melt quickly enough.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches for best results.
Any tips for less mess?
Line a tray with parchment or foil while assembling, and use a drizzle bottle for sauces to avoid spills.
