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Burger or taco? Why not both? These Smash Burger Tacos are crispy, cheesy, juicy perfection with a punch of homemade burger sauce and all your favorite toppings.
Think golden tortilla, smashed beef with crunchy edges, and that melt-in-your-mouth vibe that makes you go omg. One bite and you’re obsessed. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Talk About a Glow-Up
Smash Burger Tacos are more than just a viral moment—they’re a total upgrade to burger night. Pressing the beef directly into the tortilla locks in flavor and keeps everything compact, handheld, and mess-free. No patty slipping out. No buns falling apart. Just crispy beef edges, melty cheese, and a golden tortilla that soaks up all the juicy magic.
Plus, you’re in full control of the toppings and that dreamy sauce, so every bite hits just right. It’s fast, fun, and way more exciting than your usual burger routine. This is comfort food with a twist—and honestly, kind of a serve
Inside the Smash Hit
Before we get sizzling, let’s round up the stars of this flavor show. These key ingredients bring all the crunch, melt, and juicy goodness you need for a total taco takeover:
- Ground beef – Look for one with a little fat for that rich, crispy sear.
- Flour tortillas – Small, low-carb or regular, as long as they’re sturdy enough to hold all the good stuff.
- Cheddar cheese – Melts like a dream and gives you that bold, savory kick.
- Burger sauce crew – Mayo, ketchup, relish, and friends—basically the secret to making people ask for seconds.
- Crunchy toppings – Lettuce, tomato, and onion add freshness and balance to all that melty, meaty love.
Note: See the Recipe Card for full list of Ingredients and measurements.
Smash It Like You Mean It
This isn’t your average taco build. We’re flipping, pressing, and melting our way to something next-level. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have crispy-edged, cheesy-loaded Smash Burger Tacos ready in no time.
- Mix. Combine all burger sauce ingredients in a bowl. Stir well until smooth and pop it in the fridge until ready.
- Portion. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 loose balls—don’t shape into patties!
- Press. Spread a beef ball over one tortilla, pressing it out to the edges. Place it beef-side down onto the hot skillet.
- Smash. Immediately press the tortilla down with a flat object (pan or foil-wrapped brick) for 15 seconds to get a crust.
- Flip & Melt. Flip the tortilla and beef over. Add 2 slices of cheese and cook 1–2 mins until melty and golden.
- Assemble. Layer your tacos with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a big drizzle of that dreamy burger sauce.
Okay, babe, so these Smash Burger Tacos? They’re a whole moment, but a little something on the side never hurts. Keep it fresh with a bright Pico de Gallo or a zesty Taco Salad—both balance out the richness perfectly. Feeling bold? Go all in with Black Beans & Rice. You love the vibe? Try my Smokey Mexican Beef Wedges.
FAQs
Totally! Cheddar is classic, but you can go wild with mozzarella, provolone, American, or even pepper jack if you want a little heat. As long as it melts well, you’re good.
Not a must, but highly recommended. Cast iron gives you that crispy sear and even heat. No cast iron? Use the heaviest skillet you’ve got and crank up the heat.
They can be! Just make sure your tortillas are low-carb (most brands have great options), and keep the toppings simple. The burger sauce has a bit of sugar, so adjust to your goals.
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Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
For the Homemade Burger Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp minced dill pickle relish
- 1 tbsp finely minced red onion
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
For the Tacos
- 4 small low-carb flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1.1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Toppings
- 8 slices cheddar cheese or your preferred melting cheese
- 1 baby cos lettuce shredded
- 2 tomatoes sliced into half moons
- ½ red onion thinly sliced into half moons
Instructions
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well until smooth and place in the fridge until ready to use.
- Mix the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 loosely packed balls—do not form into patties; keep them round and loose.
- Place a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Allow it to get very hot—almost smoking. Add about 1 tsp (5 ml) of vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
- Take one tortilla and spread a beef ball evenly across one side, covering the entire surface with your hands. Carefully place it beef-side down into the hot skillet.
- Immediately press the tortilla down firmly with a heavy, flat object (like another skillet or foil-wrapped brick) for about 15 seconds to get a good crust. Let it cook for 1 minute until the beef edges are browned and crispy.
- Lower the heat slightly. Slide your spatula underneath the beef and tortilla and flip the whole thing over. Add 2 slices of cheese to the beef side and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the cheese starts to melt and the tortilla becomes golden and crisp.
- Remove the finished taco from the skillet and repeat the cooking process with the remaining tortillas and beef. If there’s too much grease or burnt bits in the pan, carefully wipe it out between batches.
- Arrange the smash burger tacos on a serving platter. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and a generous drizzle of your homemade burger sauce
Notes
- Hot skillet = great crust. Don’t skip preheating.
- Smash firmly: More surface contact means more flavour.
- Cook in batches: Give each taco enough space to cook evenly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
