Smash Burger Tacos (Printable Version)
Smashed beef pressed on tortillas, melted cheddar, pickles, lettuce and tangy sauce for a handheld, flavor-packed dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend)
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Tacos
04 - 8 small flour tortillas
05 - 4 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese, halved
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for toasting)
→ Toppings
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
09 - 1 large tomato, sliced
10 - 1/2 cup sliced pickles
11 - 1/4 cup burger sauce or mayonnaise
12 - Ketchup, as desired
13 - Mustard, as desired
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions, forming each into a ball approximately 2 ounces in weight.
03 - Place a tortilla on your work surface. Center a beef ball on each tortilla, pressing to flatten so the beef covers most of the tortilla.
04 - Once the skillet is hot, position each tortilla with the beef facing down onto the skillet. Firmly press with a flat spatula to spread the beef into a thin layer. Immediately season with kosher salt and black pepper.
05 - Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef develops deep browning and crispy edges. Flip the assembly so the tortilla contacts the skillet. Top the cooked beef side with a half-slice of cheddar cheese and cook for 1 minute to melt the cheese and lightly toast the tortilla.
06 - Remove each taco from the skillet and repeat the process with remaining patties.
07 - Top each taco with shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, tomato, pickles, and drizzle with burger sauce, ketchup, or mustard as preferred. Fold and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This is the ultimate weeknight fix for when you can't decide between burgers and tacos.
- Every bite is packed with juicy beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite fixings for pure crowd-pleasing fun.
02 -
- Trying to use lean beef once left the patties disappointingly dry and lacking that signature crisp edge.
- Warming the tortillas before assembly prevents cracks and tears—learned after several taco disasters.
03 -
- Giving each smashed burger a moment to really crisp up before flipping makes all the difference.
- The best bites come from letting everyone mix and match toppings—make it a group activity.