These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on your classic burger! Packed with juicy beef, melted cheese, and crispy toppings, they’re delicious and quick to make.
If you’re like me, tacos and burgers are life! Who wouldn’t want the best of both worlds? Just smash those patties, fill some tortillas, and enjoy a tasty bite! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy burgers, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just remember these meats can dry out faster, so watch the cooking time.
Flour Tortillas: While I love soft flour tortillas, corn tortillas work well too for a gluten-free option. Just heat them until soft without breaking.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for added spice, or even a vegan cheese if you’re going dairy-free.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangy flavor and added protein. You can also skip it if you prefer a lighter taco.
Sriracha Sauce: If you want less heat, try ketchup or barbecue sauce instead. Hot sauce can be mixed in too if you prefer a different kick.
How Do I Smash Burgers for Tacos Without Making a Mess?
Smashed burgers ensure maximum flavor and a nice crust. To smash them perfectly, follow these steps:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Adding a little oil helps prevent sticking if your skillet isn’t non-stick.
- Form the ground beef into loose balls. Avoid packing them tightly to keep them juicy.
- When placing them in the skillet, use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly but gently, ensuring they stay intact.
- Don’t rush the cooking; let them brown well on one side before flipping! This gives that lovely crust everyone loves.
- Sprinkle cheese on top right after flipping to let it melt perfectly.
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor)
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced pickles (or jalapeños for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and tasty option for lunch or dinner. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying these flavorful tacos in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet:
Start by placing a skillet over medium-high heat. If you’d like, add a little oil to the skillet to help with cooking and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Beef:
While the skillet heats up, take the ground beef and form it into loosely packed balls, around the size of golf balls. This helps to create that delicious smash burger texture.
3. Smash the Burgers:
Once your skillet is nice and hot, carefully place the beef balls in the skillet. Using a spatula, press down on each ball to flatten it into a patty. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they become nicely browned.
4. Season and Flip:
While the burgers cook, sprinkle a bit of salt, pepper, and taco seasoning over the patties. After 2-3 minutes, flip the patties over. Immediately add the shredded cheddar cheese on top so it can melt as they cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Make the Spicy Crema:
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and sriracha sauce to create a creamy and spicy sauce that adds a nice kick to your tacos. Set this bowl aside while you finish cooking.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
To make the tortillas pliable, warm them up. You can either use another skillet for this or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to assemble! Take a warm tortilla, place one of the smash burgers on it, and add a generous dollop of the spicy crema. Top it off with shredded lettuce and diced pickles (or jalapeños if you like it spicy).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Smash Burger Tacos immediately while they’re warm. You can add extra pickles or jalapeños on top if desired. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, but keep in mind that less fat means less flavor and moisture. To compensate, consider adding a little oil while cooking or mixing in some grated cheese directly into the meat mixture for extra richness.
What Can I Substitute for the Tortillas?
If you don’t have flour tortillas, you can use corn tortillas, lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or even pita pockets. Just be careful while handling, especially with corn tortillas, as they may crack more easily. Warm them up slightly beforehand to help with pliability!
How to Store Leftover Ingredients or Assembled Tacos?
For leftovers, store the assembled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. As the tortillas can become soggy, consider keeping the ingredients separate and assembling fresh tacos when you’re ready to eat. The cooked beef can be stored for up to 3 days.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To enhance the spice, you can add more sriracha to the spicy crema or mix in some chopped jalapeños into the beef while they cook. You can also try adding diced chili peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
