Easy Smash Burger Tacos: A Viral Recipe You Need to Try

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the latest food trend taking the internet by storm: Easy Smash Burger Tacos. This mouthwatering mash-up combines the best of both worlds—crispy, juicy smash burgers and handheld tacos. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend cookout, or even a party appetizer, these tacos are as delicious as they are easy to make.

In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making Easy Smash Burger Tacos, from the best cut of beef to use to the perfect toppings and tools for smashing. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

What Are Smash Burger Tacos?

Smash Burger Tacos are a creative twist on the classic smash burger. Instead of serving the patty on a bun, it’s smashed directly onto a tortilla, creating a crispy, thin patty that adheres to the tortilla as it cooks. The result? A golden, crunchy tortilla filled with a flavorful, juicy beef patty, melty cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings.

The magic of this recipe lies in the smashing technique. By pressing the beef firmly onto a hot griddle, you create maximum surface contact, which leads to a beautifully caramelized crust and a tender, juicy interior. Add a tangy burger sauce, fresh lettuce, pickles, and onions, and you’ve got a handheld masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make them your own.
Crispy and Juicy: The combination of a crispy tortilla and a juicy beef patty is unbeatable.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this fun twist on tacos and burgers.

Ingredients for Easy Smash Burger Tacos

Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 Smash Burger Tacos:

For the Tacos:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat percentage): The ideal fat content for a juicy, crispy patty.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef.
10 cracks fresh black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
6 (six-inch) flour tortillas: Flour tortillas work best because they’re more absorbent and stick to the meat better.
6 slices muenster or provolone cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully.
Toppings: Shredded lettuce, chopped white onion, and dill pickle chips.

For the Burger Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise: The base of the sauce.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of garlicky goodness.
1/2 teaspoon mustard: Adds tanginess.
2 tablespoons minced bread & butter pickles: For a sweet and tangy crunch.
1 tablespoon pickle brine: Adds acidity and depth.
10 cracks fresh black pepper: For a bit of spice.
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity.

How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together all the burger sauce ingredients until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use. This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Step 2: Shape the Beef Patties

Divide the ground beef into 2 1/2-ounce portions and gently roll them into balls. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough. Mix the salt and pepper in a small bowl, then roll each beef ball in the seasoning. Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate while you preheat the griddle.

Step 3: Preheat the Griddle

Turn your flat-top griddle to high heat. Do not grease the surface—this is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.

Step 4: Smash the Tacos

Place each beef ball on the hot griddle and immediately set a tortilla on top. Using a burger press or a heavy spatula, press down firmly on the tortilla to smash the beef into a thin patty. Let the tacos cook for 1 minute, then press down again to release some of the fat. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, or until the patties are crispy and browned.

Step 5: Flip and Add Cheese

Use a stiff spatula to flip the tacos onto their tortilla side. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes to crisp up the tortilla. Add a slice of cheese to each patty and let it melt as the tortillas crisp.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Remove the tacos from the griddle and top with burger sauce, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, and pickles. Serve immediately and enjoy!

The Secret to Perfect Smash Burger Tacos

The key to making the best Easy Smash Burger Tacos lies in the technique and ingredients. Let’s start with the beef. Using an 80/20 fat ratio is crucial because the fat renders as the patty cooks, creating a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the interior juicy and flavorful. Leaner cuts like 90/10 or 85/15 can result in dry, less flavorful patties, so stick with 80/20 for the best results.

Another secret is the smashing technique. When you place the beef ball on a hot griddle and press a tortilla on top, you’re creating maximum surface contact. This not only ensures a thin, even patty but also allows the beef to develop a beautiful crust. The tortilla, pressed into the beef, absorbs the flavorful juices and crisps up as it cooks, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Timing is also important. After smashing the beef, let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to allow the crust to form. Resist the urge to move the patty around—this can prevent proper browning. Once flipped, the tortilla side cooks for another 2-3 minutes, giving it that golden, crispy texture we all love.

Finally, don’t forget the burger sauce. This tangy, creamy condiment is the glue that holds everything together. Made with mayonnaise, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, pickles, and Worcestershire sauce, it adds a burst of flavor that complements the beef and toppings perfectly.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve Smash Burger Tacos that are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s a simple recipe, but the details make all the difference.

Why a Flat-Top Griddle is a Game-Changer

If you’re serious about making Easy Smash Burger Tacos, investing in a flat-top griddle is a game-changer. Unlike traditional stovetops or grills, a flat-top griddle provides an even, consistent cooking surface that’s perfect for smashing burgers.

One of the biggest advantages of using a griddle is its large cooking surface. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making a few tacos for yourself, a griddle allows you to cook multiple patties at once without overcrowding. This is especially helpful when making smash burgers, as each patty needs plenty of space to develop a crispy crust.

Another benefit is the temperature control. Flat-top griddles heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature, which is essential for achieving that perfect sear. The high heat ensures the beef cooks quickly, locking in the juices while creating a caramelized exterior.

Cleaning a griddle is also a breeze. Most models come with a grease tray that catches excess fat, making cleanup quick and easy. Plus, the smooth surface is easy to wipe down, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your tacos.

For this recipe, I used the Dometic Delta Heat Teppanyaki Flat Top Griddle, and it’s been a game-changer in my outdoor kitchen. Its sleek design, fast heating, and easy cleanup make it a must-have for anyone who loves cooking outdoors.

Whether you’re making smash burgers, pancakes, or fried rice, a flat-top griddle is a versatile tool that will elevate your cooking game.

Customizing Your Smash Burger Tacos

One of the best things about Easy Smash Burger Tacos is how customizable they are. While the classic combination of beef, cheese, lettuce, and pickles is delicious, you can easily switch things up to suit your taste.

Start with the cheese. While muenster and provolone are my go-to choices, you can experiment with other varieties like cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a bold flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing cheeses for a unique twist.

Next, consider the toppings. Shredded lettuce and pickles are classic choices, but why not add some caramelized onions for sweetness or jalapeños for a spicy kick? Avocado slices or guacamole can add a creamy texture, while bacon bits bring a smoky crunch.

Don’t forget about the sauce. While the burger sauce in this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, you can swap it out for other condiments like chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha aioli.

Tips for Perfect Smash Burger Tacos

Use the Right Beef: An 80/20 fat ratio is ideal for juicy, crispy patties. Avoid leaner cuts, as they can result in dry burgers.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the beef as little as possible to keep the patties tender.
Preheat the Griddle: A hot surface is key to achieving a crispy crust.
Press Firmly: Use a burger press or heavy spatula to smash the patties as thin as possible.
Customize Your Toppings: Add tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado for a personal touch.

Why Use a Flat-Top Griddle?

For this recipe, a flat-top griddle is your best friend. It provides an even cooking surface and allows you to cook multiple tacos at once. I used the Dometic Delta Heat Teppanyaki Flat Top Griddle, which heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature. Its sleek design and easy-to-clean grease tray make it a must-have for any outdoor kitchen.

Best Toppings for Smash Burger Tacos

Burger Sauce: A tangy, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
Melty Cheese: Muenster or provolone are my top picks.
Fresh Veggies: Shredded lettuce, chopped onions, and pickles add crunch and flavor.
Optional Add-Ons: Tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado for extra flair.

More Recipes to Try

If you love these Easy Smash Burger Tacos, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes:

Spinach Gruyere Tater Tot Hotdish
Gluten-Free Taco Tater Tot Hotdish
One-Pot Braised Beef Roast with Carrot Mash

Final Thoughts

Easy Smash Burger Tacos are the ultimate fusion of two beloved classics. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these tacos are sure to be a hit.