Smash Burger Tacos Recipe – Juicy Beef, Melted Cheese & Tangy Sauce for Taco Tuesday
If tacos and burgers had a love child, it would be the Smash Burger Taco juicy, crispy-edged beef, melty cheese, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings all tucked into a warm tortilla. This recipe takes the best of both worlds, the caramelized crust of a smash burger and the handheld happiness of a taco to create something that’s as easy as it is irresistible.
Why We Love Smash Burger Tacos
Smash Burger Tacos hit all the right notes:
The crispy sear on the beef gives you that craveable burger flavor.
The American cheese melts right into the meat, making it saucy and indulgent.
And the lettuce, red onion, and special sauce add a cool crunch and tang that balances everything out.
They’re fast to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to snag one off your griddle.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper
For the Smash Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp pickle relish (optional)
- A few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Smash Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and optional hot sauce or paprika. Chill until ready to serve. This sauce ties the burger and taco worlds together with creamy tang and just enough zip.
- Toast the Tortillas – Warm your tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle for 30 seconds per side, then keep them wrapped in a clean towel so they stay soft and pliable.
- Smash the Burgers – Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Place 2-3 beef balls on the surface and immediately smash each one flat with a metal spatula (you can use parchment paper to prevent sticking).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until crispy on the edges about 1½ minutes then flip.
- Lay American cheese on each patty to melt while the other side cooks for another minute.
- Assemble the Tacos – Place each cheesy burger patty directly on a warm tortilla.
Top with shredded lettuce, thin red onion slices, and a drizzle of Smash Sauce.
Fold slightly or serve open-faced, taco style.
Spice it up: Add jalapeños or swap the sauce for a spicy chipotle mayo.
Smash Burger Tacos perfectly for Taco Tuesday perfection. This recipe is guaranteed to smash it.
