Hi, I’m Lina.
As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you love homey food that brings everyone to the table, this recipe will be perfect for you.
These Smashburger Tacos bring together two all-time favorites, burgers and tacos, for one mouthwatering meal. Think juicy smashed beef patties seared right onto small tortillas, topped with melty cheese, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a hit on your next taco night.
Why You’ll Love Smashburger Tacos
They’re quick, delicious, and made with ingredients you probably already have. The trick? Pressing the beef directly onto the tortilla as it cooks, creating a crispy, caramelized edge while the inside stays juicy. Add cheese, your favorite toppings, and that classic burger sauce, pure magic.
If you enjoy creative comfort food, check out Air Fryer Pasta Chips or Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Baked Potatoes next!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 6 small flour tortillas (street taco size)
- 6 slices of American cheese or cheddar
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for the skillet
For the smash sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp diced pickles or relish
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Toppings (optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced tomato
- Pickles
- Diced onion
Instructions
- Make the sauce: Combine mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, pickle juice, and garlic powder in a bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate.
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Form the beef balls: Divide beef into 6 equal portions and roll into balls.
- Smash and cook: Place a tortilla on the skillet, add a beef ball on top, and press down firmly with a spatula to “smash” the beef thin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Flip and top: Once browned (about 1–2 minutes), flip so the tortilla is on the bottom. Add cheese on top of the cooked beef and let it melt.
- Assemble: Transfer tacos to a plate, top with smash sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Serve immediately.
Lina’s Tip:
Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to get that perfect crispy edge. If you’re cooking multiple tacos, keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the batch.
For another family-favorite dinner, try my Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole, it’s just as comforting and easy!
Print
Smashburger Tacos – Juicy, Cheesy, and Ready in Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos
Description
Juicy smashed beef tacos with melted cheese, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings – the perfect burger-taco fusion.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
6 small flour tortillas
6 slices American cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter or oil
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp diced pickles or relish
1 tsp pickle juice
¼ tsp garlic powder
Shredded lettuce
Sliced tomato
Pickles
Diced onion
Instructions
1. Combine mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, pickle juice, and garlic powder to make the sauce. Refrigerate.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
3. Divide ground beef into 6 equal balls.
4. Place a tortilla on the skillet and top with one beef ball. Smash the beef flat using a spatula.
5. Season with salt and pepper and cook 1–2 minutes until browned.
6. Flip so the tortilla is on the bottom, add cheese, and let it melt.
7. Remove from heat and top with smash sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, toast tortillas before assembling. Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American