Smash Burger Tacos: A Cozy Twist on a Classic Favorite
There’s something undeniably comforting about a burger, isn’t there? The aroma of sizzling beef and melted cheese wafting through the air can make any moment feel special. I remember summer nights gathering around the grill, friends laughing and sharing stories while we crafted the perfect burgers. Now, imagine taking that beloved experience and transforming it into a fun, portable taco! Join me as we dive into the cozy world of Smash Burger Tacos with a zesty burger sauce that will make your heart sing.
This delightful recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. With its warm flavors and crispy edges, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Assemble and cook in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Smash Burger Tacos are a delightful twist that will impress both kids and adults alike.
- Flavor Packed: Each bite bursts with delicious flavors, especially with the creamy burger sauce.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings for a personal touch—think crispy turkey bacon or zesty onions!
- Fun to Make: Get the family involved in the cooking process, making mealtime interactive and enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Smash Burger Taco Recipe + Burger Sauce
For the Burger Sauce:
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickles (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 flour tortillas (street taco size)
- Shredded lettuce
- Burger pickles
- Optional: Turkey bacon, thinly sliced white onions, burger press, burger patty paper squares
Let’s Make It Together
Make Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, ketchup, chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, pickle juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Prep Burger Balls: In another bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat. Divide the mixture into 6 equal-sized balls and set aside.
Prep Other Ingredients: Gather your tortillas, cheese, and any additional toppings you want to include. Make sure to have everything ready to go because the cooking time is quick!
Cook Patties + Toast Tortillas: Preheat your flat top griddle to medium-high heat. Place the burger balls onto the griddle. Using a burger press, gently press down on each ball for about 15-20 seconds until they’re as flat as possible. Allow them to cook for 40 seconds without disturbing.
Add Cheese and Tortillas: Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheese on each one. At the same time, put the tortillas on the griddle to toast. Close the lid and let the burgers cook for approximately 2 minutes. Open the lid, flip the tortillas, and check that the burgers are nice and golden.
Finish Building Taco: Gently lift the patties with a spatula and place each one on a toasted tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, a generous dollop of burger sauce, and pickles. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add crispy turkey bacon and thin white onion slices for added crunch!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Spicy Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce for a zesty kick.
- Cheesy Delight: Swap out the American cheese for your favorite melty cheese, like pepper jack or gouda.
- Veggie Version: For a meat-free option, substitute the beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Taco Style: Change up your tortillas with corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Burger Sauce: Prepare the burger sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. It’s an excellent time-saver!
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t hesitate to substitute the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier version.
- Perfectly Even Patties: Use burger patty paper squares to keep your burger balls perfectly shaped while pressing.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 400
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 3g
- Total Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the burger sauce and burger balls in advance, refrigerating them until you’re ready to cook.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to use different cheeses, sauces, or toppings based on your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover patties and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How long does it last?
Cooked patties will last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly.
A Cozy Closing Note
Smash Burger Tacos are more than just a meal; they’re a delightful twist on classic flavors that bring warmth and joy to any dinner table. With a rich, creamy burger sauce and all the toppings your heart desires, it’s hard not to fall in love with this recipe. Save this Smash Burger Taco Recipe + Burger Sauce to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!
Smash Burger Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful twist on classic burgers, these Smash Burger Tacos are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickles, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 flour tortillas (street taco size)
- Shredded lettuce
- Burger pickles
- Optional: Turkey bacon, thinly sliced white onions
Instructions
- Make Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, ketchup, chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, pickle juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Prep Burger Balls: In another bowl, combine the ground beef with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat. Divide the mixture into 6 equal-sized balls and set aside.
- Prep Other Ingredients: Gather your tortillas, cheese, and any additional toppings you want to include. Make sure to have everything ready to go.
- Cook Patties + Toast Tortillas: Preheat your flat top griddle to medium-high heat. Place the burger balls onto the griddle and press down with a burger press for about 15-20 seconds. Allow them to cook for 40 seconds without disturbing.
- Add Cheese and Tortillas: Flip the patties and place a slice of cheese on each one. Place the tortillas on the griddle to toast. Close the lid and let the burgers cook for approximately 2 minutes.
- Finish Building Taco: Gently lift the patties with a spatula and place each on a toasted tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, a dollop of burger sauce, and pickles. Add turkey bacon and onions if desired.
Notes
Make the burger sauce in advance for a quick meal. Use burger patty paper squares for perfectly shaped patties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
