Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Okay, so you’ve had tacos.

You’ve had smash burgers.

But have you ever had a Smash Burger Taco ?

If not — welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner. It’s crispy, juicy beef smashed right onto a warm tortilla, melted cheese, and topped with a tangy burger sauce that’ll make you forget everything else on your plate even exists.

It’s fast, it’s messy, and it’s so good.

What Makes Smash Burger Tacos So Delicious

Let’s break it down:

• That crunchy sear from smashing the meat on a hot griddle? Chef kiss.
• The melty cheese that gets all gooey and sticks to the back of the taco shell? Yes please.
• And when you bite into that warm, slightly toasted tortilla with all that flavor packed inside? Game over.

They’re like if a burger and taco got married and threw a flavor party in your mouth.

What Cut of Beef is Best for Smash Burgers?

Go for 80/20 ground beef — that means 80% lean, 20% fat. It holds up well when smashed, gives you that perfect crust, and stays juicy without falling apart.

Don’t use extra-lean — it’ll dry out too fast and won’t give you that rich flavor you want.

How to Make Perfect Smash Burger Tacos

Alright, let’s get cooking. This is one of those recipes that sounds fancy but takes no time at all.

Step 1: Prep Your Sauce

Mix mayo, ketchup, relish, paprika, and salt until smooth. Chill it while you cook. Or skip that and use your fave store-bought sauce — I won’t tell.

Step 2: Get That Griddle Hot

Heat your electric griddle or cast-iron skillet to 400°F . Super hot is key here — that’s what gives you that crispy crust.

If using stainless steel, add a little oil and swirl it around.

Step 3: Shape the Beef Balls

Divide the beef into six equal portions. Roll each into a loose ball. Keep ‘em cold — helps them smash better.

Step 4: Smash & Sear

Place one beef ball on the tortilla — press it down thin and evenly. Season with salt and pepper.

Flip the whole thing onto the hot griddle so the meat hits first. Press it hard with a burger press or small pan for 5 seconds to set the crust.

Let it cook 2–3 minutes until edges are dark brown and crispy.

Step 5: Flip & Melt

Use a stiff spatula to flip the whole taco — now the tortilla side is down. Top with cheese and cover with a lid or bowl for about a minute until cheese melts and tortilla crisps up.

Step 6: Fold & Serve

Fold gently and transfer to a plate. Add toppings and sauce. Eat right away — trust me, they don’t wait.

Using a Flat Top Griddle

A flat top griddle is your best friend here. It heats evenly and gives you that perfect sear across the whole patty. If you’ve got one, fire it up. If not, a cast iron or heavy stainless pan works just fine — just make sure it’s really hot before you start.

Tips for Smash Burger Tacos

• Keep the pan super hot for that perfect sear.
• Use cold beef balls for best texture.
• Don’t skip pressing — it locks in flavor and crunch.
• Tortillas toast faster when covered briefly.
• Eat immediately — they’re best fresh and crispy.

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

This isn’t just a recipe — it’s a method. A delicious, crispy, melty, handheld method. You can tweak the toppings, swap the cheese, or even go bun-less if you're feeling wild.

Author: Kelsey Perez Cooking Method: Stovetop Cooking Cuisine: American, Mexican Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 5 mins Total Time 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 13 Calories: 650 Best Season: Summer

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Tacos:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 6 fajita-size flour tortillas
• 6 slices sharp cheddar or American cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 to 1 2 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, if using stainless steel pan)

For the Burger Sauce:

• ¹⁄₂ cup mayo
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced white onion
• Pickles
• Avocado slices
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Make the sauce : In a small bowl, whisk mayo, ketchup, relish, paprika, and salt. Chill until ready to use.
   Mark as complete
2. Heat your griddle or skillet to 400°F. If not using a griddle, heat a cast iron or heavy stainless pan until very hot. Add a bit of oil if needed.
   Mark as complete
3. Form beef balls : Divide beef into six equal portions and roll each into a loose ball. Keep cold.
   Mark as complete
4. Press & cook : Place one beef ball on a tortilla. Press it out thinly and evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Flip so the meat hits the pan first. Press hard with a spatula or burger press for 5 seconds to set the crust. Cook 2–3 minutes until deeply browned.
   Mark as complete
5. Flip & melt : Use a stiff spatula to flip the whole taco over. Add cheese slice, then cover with a lid or metal bowl for about 1 minute until cheese melts and tortilla crisps.
   Mark as complete
6. Fold & serve : Transfer to a plate, fold gently, and top with sauce and any fixings you like. Serve right away!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 650kcal

% Daily Value *

Sodium 707mg30%

Total Carbohydrate 29g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 24g48%

---

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: smash burger tacos, cheesy beef tacos, crispy smash burger recipe, quick taco dinner, burger taco fusion