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Smash Burger Tacos

Smash burger tacos combine the juicy, crispy edges of a classic diner burger with the handheld convenience of a taco. Seasoned ground beef smashed until perfectly caramelized, topped with melty cheese, and wrapped in a warm tortilla with all your favorite burger fixings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (8 tacos)
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American Fusion
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Smash Burger Patties
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend works best
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Assembly
  • 8 small flour tortillas street taco size, about 4 to 5 inches
  • 8 slices American cheese or cheddar if preferred
  • 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 1/4 cup diced white onion
  • 8 dill pickle slices
For the Burger Sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment

  • Large cast iron skillet or flat griddle
  • Sturdy metal spatula or burger smasher
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Kitchen scale (optional)
  • Clean kitchen towel or tortilla warmer
  • Cutting board and sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Mix the Burger Sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Prepare the Seasoning Blend: Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small dish.
  3. Portion the Ground Beef: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, roughly 2 ounces each. Roll each portion into a loose ball without overworking the meat.
  4. Heat Your Cooking Surface: Place your cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat for at least 3 to 4 minutes. The surface should be smoking hot before any meat touches it.
  5. Smash and Season the Beef: Place 2 to 3 beef balls on the hot surface, leaving space between them. Immediately press down firmly with your spatula until each patty is very thin, about 1/4 inch thick. Season the tops generously with your spice blend right after smashing.
  6. Cook Until Crispy: Let the patties cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the edges turn deep brown and crispy.
  7. Flip and Add Cheese: Use your spatula to scrape under each patty, preserving every bit of that caramelized crust. Flip and immediately place a cheese slice on top. Cook for another 30 to 45 seconds until the cheese melts.
  8. Warm the Tortillas: While cooking the final batch of patties, warm your tortillas directly on a burner flame or in a dry skillet for about 20 seconds per side. Wrap in a clean towel to keep warm.
  9. Assemble the Tacos: Spread a generous spoonful of burger sauce on each warm tortilla. Place a cheesy beef patty on top, then add lettuce, tomato, onion, and a pickle slice. Serve immediately while everything is hot.

Notes

For extra crispy edges, try placing the tortilla directly on the patty during the last 30 seconds of cooking. The tortilla absorbs the beef drippings and gets slightly crispy where it contacts the meat. Use cold ground beef straight from the refrigerator for best results. Store cooked patties separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months.