Amazing Smashburger Tacos in 35 Minutes

You guys, have you SEEN these Smashburger Tacos all over the internet? They’re seriously blowing up, and for good reason! It’s this totally genius idea of taking everything we love about a crispy, juicy smashburger and cramming it into a taco. I first stumbled upon them scrolling through TikTok a few months back, and honestly, my jaw just dropped. Being in the kitchen as long as I have, you see trends come and go, but this one? This is pure magic. Making these homemade smashburger tacos felt like discovering a culinary cheat code. They’re incredibly fast, super satisfying, and just plain fun to eat.

Why You’ll Love These Smashburger Tacos

Listen, if you’re looking for a weeknight dinner miracle, you’ve found it! These smashburger tacos are:

• Crazy Fast: Seriously, you can have them on the table in about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when hunger strikes hard.
• Super Easy: No fancy techniques here, just simple smashing and cooking. Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll nail these.
• Mouthwateringly Flavorful: That crispy, browned beef, gooey cheese, and tangy special sauce? It’s a flavor explosion that mimics a great burger but in taco form.
• Totally Viral-Worthy: You’ll be the talk of your friends (or at least your social media feed!) when you whip these babies up. They taste just like the ones you’ve seen everywhere online.

Gather Your Ingredients for Smashburger Tacos

Alright, let’s get down to business and round up everything you need to make these amazing smashburger tacos. It’s pretty straightforward, which is part of the magic! Here’s what you’ll be grabbing:

For the Smashburgers and Tacos:

• About a pound of ground beef. I always go for 80/20 – that little bit of fat makes them so juicy and helps them get nice and crispy.
• 12 small flour tortillas. The taco-sized ones are perfect.
• 6 slices of good old American cheese. You know, the melty kind! Just cut each slice in half, so you have 12 little squares.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, of course. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
• A little bit of vegetable oil, maybe 2 tablespoons, if your pan isn’t perfectly non-stick.

For the Totally Addictive Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise – this is our creamy base!
• 2 tablespoons of ketchup – for that classic burger flavor.
• 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard – a tangy little kick.
• 1 tablespoon of finely minced dill pickle. This is key, trust me!
• 1 teaspoon of white vinegar – just brightens everything up.
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• A tiny pinch of paprika for color and flavor.

And for the Toppings (Totally Optional, but Recommended!):

• Some shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Or even just some extra dill pickle slices if you’re a pickle fanatic like me!

Mastering the Smashburger Tacos: Step-by-Step

Alright, home cooks! This is where the magic really happens. Don’t be intimidated by the ‘smash’ part – it’s easier than you think and totally worth it for those crispy edges. We’re going to build these flavor bombs layer by delicious layer. Ready to get your hands a little messy?

1. Crafting the Perfect Smashburger Taco Sauce: First things first, let’s whip up that sauce that makes these truly special. Grab a small bowl and combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and that *diced* dill pickle (use the fine briney bits!). Whisk in the white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and that little pinch of paprika. Give it all a good stir until it’s smooth and gorgeous. Taste it – does it need a little more tang? A touch more salt? You be the judge! Then, just pop it in the fridge to let all those flavors get friendly while we handle the burgers.

2. The Art of Smashing: Cooking Your Smashburger Tacos: Now, for the main event! Take your ground beef and divide it into 12 equal little balls. I like to aim for about 1.3 ounces each. Gently roll them into loose balls – don’t overwork the meat! Season them generously on all sides with salt and pepper. Seriously, don’t hold back here! Get your griddle or a big, sturdy skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. If you’re not using a super non-stick pan, add that optional bit of vegetable oil now. It helps everything get that perfect golden crust.

3. Okay, here’s the ‘smash’ part. Place one beef ball right onto the hot griddle. Immediately lay a small flour tortilla smack-dab on top of that beef ball. Now, take your spatula – a good stiff one works best – and press down *firmly* and evenly onto the tortilla and the beef. You want to smash that patty out thin, covering as much of the tortilla as possible. This thinness is what gives us those amazing crispy edges! Let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see the beef browning and getting wonderfully crispy around the edges of the tortilla. That’s what we’re after!

   

4. Carefully get your spatula underneath that beef-tortilla combo and give it a confident flip. Right away, before it has a chance to cool off, lay half a slice of that American cheese on the cooked beef side. Let it cook for another minute or two, just until that cheese is gloriously melted and the tortilla side gets kissed by the heat and gets a little toasty. Perfection!

   

5. Slide that glorious smashburger taco onto a plate. If your pan got a little messy, give it a quick wipe. Then, just repeat that smashing, cooking, flipping, and cheesing process for the rest of your beef balls and tortillas. It goes super fast once you get the hang of it! You can find even more ground beef skillet ideas here if you’re feeling inspired.

   

6. Once they’re all done, serve them up piping hot with a dollop of that special sauce and all your favorite toppings. Dig in!

   

Tips for the Ultimate Smashburger Tacos

You know, after making these a few times, I’ve picked up a couple of little tricks that really make a difference. First off, don’t skimp on the beef quality – that 80/20 blend is your friend for flavor and crispiness. And make sure your pan or griddle is properly hot before you smash! A screaming hot surface is what gives you those beautiful browned, crispy edges on the beef and a nicely toasted tortilla. Also, I’ve found it helps if you don’t try to smash the beef *too* hard; you want it thin, but not dense. Cooking them in batches is key, too, so you don’t overcrowd the pan and steam them instead!

Customizing Your Smashburger Taco Experience

Now, here’s where you get to play chef and really make these smashburger tacos your own! Don’t feel like you *have* to stick to my list. If you’re a cheese lover, try swapping out the American for some sharp cheddar or even a bit of Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness. Want to amp up the beef? Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika right into the meatball before smashing for a little something extra. And the toppings? Oh, the possibilities are endless! Think crisp shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of chopped onions, or even some jalapeños if you like a bit of heat. Really, anything you’d put on a smashed burger can go right here. If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, check out these other dinner recipes for more inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions About Smashburger Tacos

Got questions about these fun smashburger tacos? I totally get it! They’re a little different, but so worth it. Here are some things people ask me:

Are these the viral smashburger tacos I see everywhere?

Yep, you bet! These are pretty much the same idea as those famous viral smashburger tacos that have taken over TikTok and Instagram. The key is smashing that beef super thin right onto the tortilla – it creates those amazing crispy edges everyone raves about. It’s a simple concept, but the result is pure genius!

Can I really use regular ground beef? What kind is best?

Absolutely! Regular ground beef is perfect for this. I really recommend using an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat). The little bit of extra fat is crucial here; it melts down as it cooks, making the beef extra juicy and helping those crispy bits form beautifully on the tortilla. Don’t go too lean on this one!

Can I make these super easy smashburger tacos ahead of time?

Honestly, these are best enjoyed FRESH off the griddle when they’re hot and crispy! The tortillas can get a little soggy if they sit too long. You *can* totally make the special sauce ahead of time (it’s even better after the flavors meld!), and you *could* pre-portion the beef balls, but the actual smashing and cooking is a quick process best done right before serving.

What if I don’t have American cheese? What else works?

While American cheese melts like a dream and gives that classic burger vibe, you can certainly get creative! A good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, a mild cheddar, or even a Provolone could work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts really well so you get that gooey goodness!

Nutritional Information for Smashburger Tacos

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind these are just estimates, because what you use (like the brand of mayo or the exact fat content in your beef) can change things up a bit. But roughly, for one of these glorious smashburger tacos:

• Serving Size: 1 taco
• Calories: About 350
• Fat: Around 20g (with about 8g being saturated fat)
• Protein: Roughly 18g
• Carbohydrates: About 25g
• Sodium: Can be around 700mg, depending on your seasonings and cheese.

It’s a satisfying bite, for sure!

Share Your Smashburger Taco Creations!

Okay, you’ve made them, right?! I *really* want to hear all about it! Did your smashburger tacos turn out perfectly crispy? Did you try any wild topping combinations? Please, drop a comment below and tell me everything! And if you snapped a pic, tag me on social media – I’d absolutely love to see your delicious creations. You can also reach out through my contact page – I’m always excited to chat food!

Print