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Unleash 24 Delectable Smash Burger Tacos, a Sinful Recipe

Okay, so listen to this. I was at this totally random food truck rally last summer, right? And I saw this sign: “Smash Burger Tacos.” I was like, “What in the world?” But trust me, my friends, it was love at first bite! I’ve been playing around with the recipe ever since, and I think I’ve finally nailed it. These aren’t just any tacos; we’re talking crispy, beefy, cheesy goodness smashed into a tiny tortilla. Yes, my friend, these Smash Burger Tacos are where it’s AT! It’s seriously the best of both worlds, taking all the deliciousness of a classic smash burger and putting it in a fun, handheld taco. You’ve GOT to try it!

Three smash burger tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sauce on a plate.

Why You’ll Love These Smash Burger Tacos

Seriously, what’s not to love? These smash burger tacos are:

  • **Super Quick:** We’re talking dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
  • **Crazy Delicious:** That smash burger crust with all the taco fixings? It’s a flavor explosion!
  • **Totally Customizable:** Use your favorite cheese, toppings, sauces…go wild!
  • **Seriously Fun:** I mean, come on, they’re mini smash burgers IN TACOS!

Ingredients for Your Smash Burger Tacos

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing smash burger tacos:

  • 1 pound of ground beef (I like 80/20 for extra flavor!)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 12 small corn tortillas (street taco size, you know?)
  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese, quartered (or your fave cheese, like pepper jack – ooh, spicy!)
  • ½ cup of shredded lettuce
  • ¼ cup of diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup of ketchup
  • ¼ cup of mustard

Now, a little secret? If you’re not a ketchup fan (gasp!), try some burger sauce instead. And romaine lettuce works just as well if that’s what you have. Also, feel free to experiment! That’s the beauty of smash burger tacos, my friend!

Three smash burger tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese on a plate.

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, friend, let’s get smashing! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think, and way more fun. Follow these steps and you’ll be chowing down on Smash Burger Tacos in no time!

  1. First things first, we gotta get our beef ready. Roll that pound of ground beef into about 24 small balls. Think marble-sized, okay? This is crucial for getting those thin, crispy smash burgers.
  2. Now, heat up a big ol’ skillet (cast iron is awesome, but any large skillet works) over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so you get that good sear.
  3. This is the fun part! Place about 4 of those beef balls into the hot skillet. Then, using a spatula (a sturdy one!), SMASH them down as thin as you possibly can. Seriously, get ’em paper-thin! Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round; we’re going for flavor, not perfection.
  4. Sprinkle those smashed patties with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
  5. Cook ’em for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve got a nice, deep brown crust. Careful, ’cause they cook fast!
  6. Now, the cheese! While the burgers are still cooking (and this is important!), place 4 cheese quarters on each burger. This lets the cheese get all melty and gooey…yum! I usually cover the pan for like 30 seconds to really get that cheese going!
  7. While all that’s happening, quickly warm your tortillas in a separate pan or the microwave. I usually just stack ’em and microwave for like 30 seconds, but if you want to grill them slightly beforehand, go for it!
  8. Time to assemble! Place each cheesy smash burger onto a warm tortilla.
  9. Top with a little lettuce, some diced tomatoes, a squirt of ketchup, and a drizzle of mustard. Or, you know, whatever toppings your heart desires!
  10. Serve those babies up IMMEDIATELY. Seriously, these are best served hot and fresh!

And that’s it! See? Told ya it was easy! Enjoy your amazing Smash Burger Tacos!

Three Smash Burger Tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and ketchup on a gray plate.

Tips for Perfect Smash Burger Tacos

Okay, so you wanna make *amazing* Smash Burger Tacos, right? Here’s my secret sauce (literally and figuratively!).

  • **Smash ’em HARD!** Seriously, don’t be shy. The thinner, the crispier. I use a metal spatula and put all my weight into it.
  • **Don’t overcrowd the pan!** Work in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature and you won’t get that beautiful crust.
  • **Hot pan = happy burgers:** Make sure that skillet is HOT before you throw those beef balls in.
  • **Season, season, season!** Salt and pepper are your friends. Don’t skimp!

Trust me, follow these tips, and you’ll be in Smash Burger Taco heaven!

Variations on Your Smash Burger Tacos

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Smash Burger Tacos…now let’s get WILD! These are totally begging for you to put your own spin on them. Here are some of my favorite riffs on this insane recipe:

  • **Cheese, Please!:** Cheddar is classic but think pepper jack for a kick, Monterey Jack for creaminess, or even crumbled queso fresco for a totally different vibe!
  • **Topping Time!:** Skip the lettuce, tomatoes, and basic ketch-mustard if that ain’t your thing. Try some pico de gallo, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, or even a little slaw.
  • **Spice It Up!:** Add a pinch of chili powder or some cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture before you cook it. Trust me, that little kick is awesome!

Honestly, the possibilities are endless. Raid your fridge, get creative, and make these your own! That’s the best part!

Three smash burger tacos filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese on a plate. Ready to eat smash burger tacos.

Serving Suggestions for Smash Burger Tacos

Alright, so you’ve got your Smash Burger Tacos ready to go… but what do you serve with ’em? Here’s the deal – you want some sides that complement those beefy, cheesy flavors. My go-to’s?

  • Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – sweet, spicy, and perfect!
  • Some good ol’ Mexican rice and beans.
  • Guacamole and chips (duh!). You can never go wrong with freshness!

Seriously, keep it simple and focus on those fresh, zesty flavors. It’s the perfect fiesta!

Frequently Asked Questions About Smash Burger Tacos

Got some questions about making these awesome Smash Burger Tacos? Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked (and my totally honest answers!).

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great! Just remember, it’s a bit leaner, so you might want to add a touch of olive oil to the pan to help get that crispy crust. Plus, add a little extra seasoning, since turkey can be milder in flavor.

What are the best toppings for Smash Burger Tacos?

Ooh, this is where it gets fun! Honestly, anything goes! But my personal faves? Some fresh pico de gallo, a dollop of guacamole, a drizzle of spicy mayo, or even just some good ol’ shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes (can’t go wrong with the classics, right?).

How do I prevent the burgers from sticking to the pan?

Ah, the age-old question! The key is a HOT pan and a little bit of oil. Make sure your skillet is screaming hot before you add the beef, and don’t be afraid to use a little bit of oil or cooking spray. Also, resist the urge to move the burgers around too much while they’re cooking. Let them get that nice crust before you even *think* about flipping them!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Well, you CAN, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Smash Burger Tacos are definitely best served fresh. The tortillas can get a little soggy if they sit for too long. If you *really* need to make them ahead, I’d recommend keeping the burgers and toppings separate and assemble them right before serving.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Smash Burger Tacos

Okay, so here’s the deal: that nutritional info you see? It’s just an estimate, okay? I mean, different brands, different ingredients…it all changes things! So don’t take it as gospel, but it’ll give you a general idea.

Enjoyed This Recipe? Leave a Comment and Rate These Smash Burger Tacos!

Hey, did you LOVE these Smash Burger Tacos? Then drop a comment below and let me know! I always love hearing how they turned out for you! A rating would make my day, so be sure to click those stars!

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Two smash burger tacos filled with seasoned meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sauce on a gray plate.

Smash Burger Tacos


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  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 12 tacos 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Combine the flavors of a smash burger and tacos in this recipe.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese, quartered
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup mustard

Instructions

  1. Shape ground beef into 24 small balls.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Place 4 balls in the skillet and smash thin with a spatula.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
  6. Place 4 cheese quarters on each burger while cooking.
  7. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
  8. Place each burger on a tortilla.
  9. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add diced onions to the burgers while cooking.
  • You can use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack.
  • Serve with your favorite taco toppings.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 300
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5
  • Trans Fat: 0.5
  • Carbohydrates: 10
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 10
  • Cholesterol: 40

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