Smash burger tacos recipe! That’s right, you heard me. Imagine the juicy, savory goodness of a classic smash burger combined with the fun and portability of a taco. This smash burger tacos recipe is my latest obsession, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s a delightful collision of flavors and textures that will have you hooked from the very first bite.
Table of Contents
The inspiration for this creation sparked after watching a viral smash tacos trend online. I knew I had to put my own spin on it! The result? These easy smash burger tacos, a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your weeknight dinners.
Why You Will Love This smash burger tacos recipe Recipe
These burger tacos are simply irresistible. Forget complicated cooking processes and lengthy ingredient lists; this easy smash burger tacos recipe is all about simplicity and maximum flavor. Think crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite, ready in under 30 minutes!
It’s the perfect meal when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s so customizable! Use your favorite toppings, cheeses, and sauces to create a personalized burger taco experience. This has become a weekend family favorite!
Ingredients Needed for This smash burger tacos recipe Recipe
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cheesy Tacos:
- 8 small corn and flour blend tortillas
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, halved
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese, halved
Toppings (optional, but highly recommended!):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Pickled jalapeños
- Burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish)

How to Make This smash burger tacos recipe Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions, roughly forming small balls.
- 2. Heat a Large Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium high heat. Add olive oil.
- 3. Smash the Burgers: Place one ball of ground beef onto the hot skillet. Using a burger press or a sturdy spatula, smash the beef as thin as possible.
- 4. Cook the Burgers: Cook for about 2 3 minutes per side, until browned and crispy around the edges. Try not to move them around too much while they are cooking.
- 5. Prepare Tacos: While burgers are on the skillet, put 2 slices of cheese side by side and place one cooked burger (on top of the cheese) to act as glue, then carefully place the tortilla on top of the burger and press down lightly to help the tortilla adhere to the burger and toppings.
- 6. Flip and Repeat: Reduce the flame to medium heat and carefully, by hand, flip all of the smash burger tacos. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow tortillas to get crispy. Then remove from skillet.
- 7. Add Toppings: Transfer the cheesy smash burger tacos to a plate. Top with your favorite burger toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and burger sauce.
- 8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious, easy smash burger tacos while they’re still hot and crispy.
Did you enjoy making this smash burger tacos recipe? I have something similar you can also enjoy! Check out my Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos, if burgers aren’t your craving.
How to Serve This smash burger tacos recipe Recipe
Serve these delightful viral smash tacos immediately for the best experience. The crispy tortilla and melty cheese are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet.
Pair these easy smash burger tacos with sides like crispy french fries, onion rings, or a fresh coleslaw. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces in addition to burger sauce, such as sriracha mayo or BBQ sauce. Consider adding a side of Best Corned Beef Recipe 2 for your friends and family to try!
For plating, consider serving the tacos in a taco holder or on a bed of shredded lettuce. Garnish with extra toppings like chopped scallions or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
How to Store This smash burger tacos recipe Recipe
Ideally, these cheesy smash tacos are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Refrigeration: Allow the tacos to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days.
Freezing: While not recommended, you can technically freeze the tacos. Wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. The texture of the tortilla may change upon thawing.
Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crispy and warm. Also, while you’re considering other options, check out the Best Corned Beef Recipe.
Tips to Make This smash burger tacos recipe Recipe
- Cheese Placement: Place the cheese directly on the burgers while they’re still on the skillet. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and adheres well to the tortillas. Also, please feel free to add more cheese on top!
- Tortilla Choice: For the crispiest tacos, use a tortilla blend of flour and corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are more likely to break.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the smash burgers in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the temperature and prevent proper browning.
Helpful Notes for This smash burger tacos recipe Recipe
- For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture or using a spicy cheese like habanero cheddar.
- If you don’t have a burger press, you can use the bottom of a heavy pan to smash the burgers.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the burgers. This is key to getting that delicious crispy crust.
Variation of This smash burger tacos recipe Recipe
- Spicy Smash Burger Tacos: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the ground beef for extra heat.
- BBQ Smash Burger Tacos: Use BBQ sauce instead of burger sauce for a smoky flavor. Top with coleslaw for a classic BBQ combination.
- Vegetarian Smash Tacos: Substitute the ground beef with plant based crumbles, and cook until browned. Top with your favorite vegetarian burger toppings.
What makes smash burger tacos so good?
Smash burger tacos combine the best of both worlds: the crispy, caramelized crust of a smash burger with the handheld convenience of a taco. The combination of textures and flavors is incredibly satisfying.
What kind of cheese is best for smash burger tacos?
American cheese is the classic choice for smash burgers due to its meltability and creamy texture. However, cheddar or pepper jack are also excellent options depending on your preference.
Can I use different toppings for smash burger tacos?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your smash burger tacos with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or special sauce for a personalized twist.
What kind of tortilla should I use for smash burger tacos?
Small, street-style tortillas work best as they provide the ideal ratio of burger to tortilla. Corn or flour tortillas can be used depending on your taste.
Conclusion
This smash burger tacos recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The combination of crispy tortillas, juicy smash burgers, and melty cheese is simply irresistible. I encourage you to give this smash burger tacos recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Smash Burger Tacos Recipe: Easy Cheesy Heaven!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, cheesy smash burger tacos in under 30 minutes! Juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings combine for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, halved
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese, halved
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions, roughly forming small balls.
- Heat a Large Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium high heat. Add olive oil.
- Smash the Burgers: Place one ball of ground beef onto the hot skillet. Using a burger press or a sturdy spatula, smash the beef as thin as possible.
- Cook the Burgers: Cook for about 2 3 minutes per side, until browned and crispy around the edges. Try not to move them around too much while they are cooking.
- Prepare Tacos: While burgers are on the skillet, put 2 slices of cheese side by side and place one cooked burger (on top of the cheese) to act as glue, then carefully place the tortilla on top of the burger and press down lightly to help the tortilla adhere to the burger and toppings.
- Flip and Repeat: Reduce the flame to medium heat and carefully, by hand, flip all of the smash burger tacos. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow tortillas to get crispy. Then remove from skillet.
- Add Toppings: Transfer the cheesy smash burger tacos to a plate. Top with your favorite burger toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and burger sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious, easy smash burger tacos while they’re still hot and crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg


