Craving something crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor? Say hello to Smash Burger Tacos a delicious cross between a classic cheeseburger and a taco! After making this you will never have to choose between tacos and beef burgers. This fusion recipe has taken the internet by storm, and once you try it, you'll understand why. Ideal for busy weeknights, game days, or fun family dinners, these tacos are ridiculously easy to make and totally addictive.
Me and my family loves to make it on weekends. I like to involve my children while making it. It's so much fun when we all do something like this as a family, isn't it? Make our own customized smash burger tacos with our preferred fillings.
What are Smash Burger tacos?
If you’ve been scrolling through foodie TikToks lately, chances are you’ve come across the viral sensation known as Smash Burger Tacos and for good reason. This wild food fusion took over the internet because it blends everything we love about classic American cheeseburgers and crispy street-style tacos into one irresistible bite. It’s cheesy, meaty, crunchy, and customizable and most importantly, it’s fun to make at home. What else do we need, RIGHT?
Smash burgers have long been loved for their thin, crispy edges and juicy centers, and tacos need no introduction. But when someone (genius, really!) decided to smash a seasoned beef patty directly onto a tortilla and griddle it until golden and crispy? Internet magic happened. The result is perfect for dinners, casual weeknights, or Whenever you’re craving something cheesy and crunchy.
This isn’t just a trend it’s a new family favorite in the making. Whether you’re a taco Tuesday loyalist or a burger lover looking to switch things up, this recipe delivers on every level.
Looking for another beef recipe? Try Beef Chili Dry recipe.
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Ingredients for Smash Burger Tacos
- Ground beef – A higher fat ratio ensures crispy edges and juicy centers.
- Small flour tortillas – Soft enough to fold, yet sturdy enough to hold the beef and toppings.
- Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a rich, sharp flavor.
- Burger sauce – A mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice for that signature tang.
- Pickles – Adds crunch and brightness to balance the richness of the meat.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Combine all spices into a large bowl and mix it well
2. Divide beef into 4 to 5 portions about 2 ½ ounces each.
3. Top each tortilla with a portion of beef.
4. Cook, undisturbed, until beef is browned and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
Flip tacos, top each with a slice of cheese, and cook until cheese is slightly melty,
5. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, chopped jalapeños , vinegar, garlic powder ,
smoked paprika, onion powder, ketchup and mustard until combined. Keep aside
6. Top each taco with burger sauce, lettuce , cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Hint: Use a wide, flat spatula (or even a small plate covered in parchment) to smash the beef as thin as possible. This helps get that crispy edge that makes smash burgers so special!
Reasons to Adore Smash Burger Tacos
- Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
- A fun twist on classic burgers and tacos
- Easy to Make - This recipe can be made under 30 mins. Another reason to make it NOW!!
- Kid-friendly and endlessly customizable
- Minimal cleanup - everything’s cooked in one pan
- This recipe has gone viral for good reason - it’s perfect for busy weeknights, cookouts, or Taco Tuesday.
Substitutions
Cheddar Cheese → Use American, mozzarella, or pepper jack instead of cheddar
Burger Sauce → Use Thousand Island or spicy mayo if you want to skip the process of making burger sauce
Flour Tortillas → Use corn tortillas (crispier texture)
Variations
Spicy Smash Tacos – Add jalapeños or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version of smash burger tacos
Bacon Burger Tacos – Top with crispy bacon strips (Customize as you like)
Double Beef Smash – Layer two patties for a meatier taco
Vegan Version – Use plant-based meat and dairy-free cheese
Storage for Smash Burger Tacos
Smash Burger Tacos are best eaten fresh. However, you can store leftover beef-tortilla combos in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness before adding fresh toppings.
Looking for more delicious and easy recipes? Explore all our latest creations on the FoodvLove.
Top tip
To get that signature crispy edge, don’t move the taco once it hits the skillet. Let it sear undisturbed for the best texture and flavor.
Smash burger tacos
These Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy, crispy goodness of a classic smash burger with the handheld fun of a taco! Ground beef is smashed onto tortillas, seared to perfection, then layered with melty cheddar, tangy pickles, fresh lettuce, and creamy burger sauce. Quick to make and bursting with flavor—this viral recipe is a must-try for any weeknight dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Jalapeño chopped
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Mustard paste
- SMASH BURGER TACOS
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 4 (5") flour tortillas
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoon oil, divided
- 4 slices American Cheese
- 1 tablespoon cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
BURGER SAUCE
STEP 1
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, chopped jalapeños , vinegar, garlic powder , smoked paprika, onion powder, ketchup and mustard until combined. Keep aside
SMASH BURGER TACOS
STEP 2
Sprinkle paprika, Garlic powder ,salt, and black pepper and mix it well.
Divide beef into 4 to 5 portions about 2 ½ ounces each.
Top each tortilla with a portion of beef.
Using a fork, spatula or hand flatten beef on top of tortilla into an even layer, leaving a ½" border.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil
Arrange each tacos beef side down and press to flatten with a sturdy spatula or burger press.
Cook, undisturbed, until beef is browned and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
Flip tacos, top each with a slice of cheese, and cook until cheese is slightly melty, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining burger tacos.
STEP 3
Top each taco with burger sauce, lettuce , cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 837Total Fat: 60gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 38gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 1267mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 45g
FAQ
Smash tacos are a fusion of burgers and tacos where seasoned ground beef is smashed thin directly onto a tortilla, then seared until crispy and topped with classic burger fixings like cheese, pickles, lettuce, and sauce. They combine the juicy texture of a smash burger with the handheld convenience of a taco.
Creamy Coleslaw
Adds a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich, savory tacos.
Street Corn
Mexican-style grilled corn with mayo, lime, chili, and cotija cheese—it’s bold and fun like the tacos.
Guacamole & Chips
A simple appetizer or side that offers creamy texture and zesty flavor. Try this recipe for: Easy Guacamole
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Light and refreshing, this balances the heaviness of the taco.
Lemonade or Lime Soda
A fizzy, citrusy drink pairs great with the richness of the beef and cheese.
Flour tortillas are more pliable and easier to fold. Corn tortillas work too, but they’ll be crispier and might crack.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
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