Smashed Burger Tacos



Smash Burger Tacos

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 tacos
Category: Main Dish

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Notes After Making

Quick, easy, satisfying. Try shredded cheese for better coverage.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20) or ground chicken (videos linked: watch starting at 5 mins)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 10 cracks fresh black pepper
  • 6 (6-inch) flour tortillas
  • Shredded cheese or 6 slices Muenster or provolone cheese

Burger Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon pickle brine or milk, to thin
  • 10 cracks fresh black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Toppings

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced red onion
  • Sliced tomatoes

Optional: Use a Caesar salad kit for topping and skip the burger sauce.

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Instructions

Make the Burger Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all burger sauce ingredients until smooth.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Cook the Tacos

  1. Heat a flat-top griddle or large cast-iron skillet over high heat until extremely hot. Lightly oil the cooking surface.
  2. Divide the meat into six loose portions (about ⅙ pound each).
  3. Press out 1/6 of the meat onto a tortilla and season with salt and pepper (or if too firm for this method place meat directly onto the hot surface, season and top with tortilla). Immediately cook. 
  4. Using a burger press or sturdy spatula, firmly smash through the tortilla, pressing the meat into a thin layer that reaches the edges of the tortilla.
  5. Cook for 1 minute, then press again to flatten further and encourage crispy edges.
  6. Continue cooking undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the meat develops a deep brown crust.
  7. Using a sturdy metal spatula, scrape underneath and flip so the tortilla side is now against the cooking surface. Top each taco with cheese and cook until melted. Spread with burger sauce.
  8. Remove from the skillet and immediately top with lettuce, onion, and tomato. Fold in half and serve right away.

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Jessica’s Notes

Best served with:

Wine pairing:

  • A fruit-forward Zinfandel, juicy Grenache, or a chilled Rosé.

Prep Ahead:

  • Burger sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.
  • Chop lettuce, onion, and tomatoes ahead of time.

Storage:

  • Store toppings separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Recommend cooking the tortillas with meat fresh.

Freezer-friendly:

  • No

Variations:

  • Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
  • Add pickles, bacon, or sautéed onions.
  • Try pepper jack, cheddar, or American cheese for different flavors.
  • Top with different salad mixes for a fun twist.

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