It’s a beautiful day outside, perfect for grilling up some Smash Burger Tacos that will make your mouth water just thinking about them. Imagine the sizzling sound of juicy beef patties hitting a hot grill or skillet, the scent of melting cheese wafting through the air, and the crunch of fresh toppings waiting to burst forth with flavor in every bite.
Now picture this: you’re at a backyard barbecue, surrounded by friends and family eagerly waiting to dive into these culinary creations. You set down a platter full of Smash Burger Tacos, and suddenly everyone is chanting your name like you’ve just scored the winning touchdown at the Super Bowl. Let’s face it; these tacos are not just food; they’re love on a plate
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You’ll whip these up in no time with minimal effort while impressing your guests with amazing flavor
- The blend of crispy taco shells and juicy burgers creates a delightful texture
- These versatile tacos can easily adapt to whatever toppings you crave or have on hand
- Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings with family and friends
I still remember the first time I made these Smash Burger Tacos for my friends. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bites; I swear I heard angels singing in the background.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness; leaner cuts might leave you feeling sad.
- Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought or make your own mix to spice things up.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack works wonderfully; they melt beautifully over those patties.
- Taco Shells: Use hard shells for that satisfying crunch or soft tortillas if you’re feeling fancy.
- Fresh Lettuce: Crisp lettuce adds freshness; shredded works best because who wants to be wrestling with whole leaves?
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add sweetness and color; opt for vine-ripened ones if possible.
- Pickles: Optional but highly recommended—these little guys bring an extra zing
- Sour Cream: For drizzling on top—because everything is better with sour cream
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Grill or Skillet: Get things heated by preheating your grill to medium-high heat or warming a skillet over medium heat.
Prepare the Beef Patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef with taco seasoning until well combined. Form into balls about the size of golf balls.
Sear Those Patties!: Place those meatballs on your hot grill or skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula until they flatten out nicely—this is where that “smash” magic happens.
Add Cheese Like A Boss!: When patties are nearing doneness (about 3-4 minutes), sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top and cover briefly until melted.
Warm Your Taco Shells: While patties are cooking, quickly warm your taco shells according to package instructions—nobody likes cold shells
Assemble Your Tacos!: Place each cheesy patty inside its shell and top with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and sour cream as desired!
There you have it! A fun-filled culinary adventure resulting in mouth-watering Smash Burger Tacos that will leave everyone clamoring for seconds
Now grab your plates and let’s get munchin’! Enjoy those tasty creations while basking in the glory of being everyone’s favorite chef today
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the patties first for that perfect sear, then warm the tortillas while assembling toppings. This ensures everything is hot and ready at once, maximizing flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based alternative. Experiment with toppings like avocado, salsa, or spicy aioli for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crispy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For impressively juicy smash burger tacos, use high-fat ground beef
- Ensure your pan is super hot to achieve that perfect crust on your patties
- Don’t forget to let your burgers rest briefly before serving for maximum juiciness!
There’s something magical about cooking for loved ones, especially when they rave about these smash burger tacos at dinner parties. Their smiles and satisfied nods make all the effort worthwhile
FAQ
What type of meat is best for smash burger tacos?
Ground chuck with 80/20 fat ratio offers great juiciness and flavor.
Can I make smash burger tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance but assemble right before serving.
What are some good toppings for these tacos?
Try guacamole, cheese, pickles, or fresh cilantro to elevate your taco experience
Smash Burger Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious blend of juicy beef patties and crispy taco shells, delivering a flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Optional: pickles for topping
- Optional: ½ cup sour cream for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef and taco seasoning; form into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Place meatballs on the hot grill/skillet and smash down with a spatula to flatten.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned, then add shredded cheese on top; cover briefly to melt.
- Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
- Assemble tacos by placing each cheesy patty in a shell and topping with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (200g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
