Easy Smash Burger Tacos

The sizzle of the grill fills the air as you flip over crispy, beefy tacos, and you can’t help but smile. These Easy Smash Burger Tacos come together in about 30 minutes, offering juicy flavor and a fun twist on traditional tacos. Their crispy tortillas and perfectly cooked beef ensure a satisfying bite every time.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser in every sense. Great news: the savory sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of crispy tortillas and juicy beef creates a delightful contrast in texture.
• It’s a fast, fun recipe that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• The smash technique ensures even cooking and maximizes flavor.
• Customizable toppings allow you to tailor each taco to your taste.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to get started on your tacos.

For the Burger Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced bread & butter pickles
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Tacos

• 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 fat percentage
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 6 (six-inch) flour tortillas
• 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped white onion
• Dill pickle chips

Flour tortillas work best for absorbing flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Swap muenster for cheddar cheese if desired.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative.
• Substitute pickles with jalapeños for extra heat.

How to Make It

Here’s how to whip up these flavorful tacos in no time.

Mix the sauce

In a bowl, add all burger sauce ingredients and whisk to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the beef

In a bowl, mix the salt and pepper. Evenly distribute it over your ground beef chunk. Divide the beef into 2 1/2 ounce balls and place them in the fridge until your flat top is preheated.

Heat the grill

Turn your flat top onto high heat without any grease. Allow it to heat until it’s very hot for crispy beef.

Smash the burgers

Place each beef ball on the hot flat top and press a tortilla gently on top. Use your smashing tool to press down firmly, flattening the meat. Let it cook for 1 minute, then press down again to encourage further browning. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes.

Check the doneness

Using a stiff steel spatula, scrape underneath one burger to check if it’s browned and crispy. Increase the grill temperature if necessary, but it should be smoking hot.

Flip and crisp

Once browned, flip the smash burger taco onto its tortilla side, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to crisp the tortilla. Top with cheese to melt.

Add toppings

Remove from the grill, apply burger sauce, and add your desired toppings, then enjoy!

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture won’t hold up.
Reheat: Use a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Allow the flat top to preheat thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Less handling of the beef will result in more tender burgers.
• Adjust cooking time based on beef thickness for preferred doneness.
• Use a spatula to transfer burgers carefully, as they may stick.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of crispy fries for a classic combo.
• Pair with a refreshing coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
• Enjoy with your favorite salsa or queso for added flavor.