Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smash Burger Tacos deliver everything you love about a smash burger but in a fun, hand-held taco form. The crispy edges of the beef patties combined with the richness of melted American cheese and the tangy, creamy Big Mac sauce make for an irresistible bite. The addition of fresh shredded lettuce, onions, and pickles add crunch and balance, while the lightly charred flour tortillas hold everything together perfectly. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, this is a taco experience you won’t forget!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Smashburger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for juicy burgers
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 1 cup mayo
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1¼ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp white pepper (optional)
For the Assembly:
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup finely diced white onion
- Dill pickle slices
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
Make the Big Mac Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Prep the Tortillas:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla in the dry skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly charred and puffed in spots. Set aside and repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Cook the Smashburgers:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz each). Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot.
- Place a beef ball on the skillet and press down firmly with a spatula (use parchment paper to prevent sticking). Smash the patty thin, about ¼ inch thick.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and top with a slice of American cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted.
Assemble the Tortilla Smashburgers:
- Spread a generous layer of Big Mac sauce on each tortilla.
- Add shredded lettuce, diced onion, and pickle slices.
- Place a cheesy smashburger patty on top of each tortilla and fold like a taco or wrap for a sandwich-style bite.
Serve:
- Serve warm with extra Big Mac sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Different Cheese: Feel free to swap the American cheese with cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite melty cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the tacos for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef patties with veggie burger patties or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Extra Toppings: Top with tomato slices, avocado, or even a bit of crispy bacon for more indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: The patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Tortillas are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be wrapped tightly and stored for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: To reheat the patties, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes to crisp up the edges again. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
FAQs
Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Big Mac sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.
What is the best beef to use for smash burgers?
For the juiciest smash burgers, use ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20. This gives the burgers plenty of flavor and moisture without being too greasy.
Can I use a non-stick skillet instead of a cast iron skillet?
Yes, you can use a non-stick skillet, but cast iron provides a great sear and crispy edges for the patties.
How can I prevent the tortillas from tearing when assembling?
Make sure the tortillas are warm and slightly charred before assembling. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
Can I use gluten-free tortillas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas if needed. They may have a slightly different texture but will still work well for this recipe.
Can I make the smash burgers smaller for appetizers?
Absolutely! You can divide the ground beef into smaller portions and make mini smash burgers for sliders or appetizers.
Can I freeze the patties for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Just place parchment paper between each patty to prevent them from sticking together, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
What’s the secret to getting crispy smash burger edges?
The key is to press the burger down quickly and firmly when it hits the hot skillet, creating that crispy, caramelized crust. Don’t press it again while it cooks to keep the juices inside.
Can I make these tacos spicy?
Yes, you can easily add a spicy twist by adding sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the Big Mac sauce.
Can I use store-bought tortillas?
While homemade tortillas are great, store-bought flour tortillas will work fine as well. Just be sure to warm them up in a skillet for the best texture.
Conclusion
Smash Burger Tacos are a unique and delicious fusion of two classic American favorites: smash burgers and tacos. With a juicy beef patty, melty cheese, and homemade Big Mac sauce all wrapped in a warm tortilla, these tacos are both satisfying and fun to eat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch, these tacos bring bold flavors in every bite. Try them out and prepare for a new family favorite!
Smash Burger Tacos
Smash Burger Tacos combine the crispy, juicy smash burger with the flavors of a Big Mac, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. With melty American cheese, homemade Big Mac sauce, and fresh toppings, these tacos are a delicious twist on classic comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef 80/20
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 slices American cheese
1 cup mayo
¼ cup sweet pickle relish
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp white vinegar
1¼ tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp white pepper (optional)
4 medium flour tortillas
½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
¼ cup finely diced white onion
Dill pickle slices
Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla in the dry skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly charred and puffed in spots. Set aside and repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz each). Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot.
- Place a beef ball on the skillet and press down firmly with a spatula (use parchment paper to prevent sticking). Smash the patty thin, about ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and top with a slice of American cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Spread a generous layer of Big Mac sauce on each tortilla. Add shredded lettuce, diced onion, and pickle slices.
- Place a cheesy smashburger patty on top of each tortilla and fold like a taco or wrap for a sandwich-style bite.
- Serve warm with extra Big Mac sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
The Big Mac sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For crispy burger edges, press the patty firmly on the skillet.
If you prefer smaller portions, you can make mini smash burgers for sliders or appetizers.
To prevent tortillas from tearing, warm them up and slightly char them before assembling.
Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option, although they may have a different texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
