These Smash Burger Tacos combine the best of juicy smash burgers and crispy tacos into one mouthwatering fusion dish. Each flour tortilla is topped with a thin, caramelized beef patty, melted cheese, and classic burger toppings, all finished with a homemade copycat Big Mac sauce. Quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, these tacos are perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Crispy & Juicy: Thin beef patties form a perfect crust while the tortilla stays crisp.
- Customizable: Swap toppings and sauces to match your favorite burger flavors.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family meals, parties, or game nights.
- One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks directly on a skillet or griddle for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Burger Sauce (Big Mac Sauce):
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Smash Burger Tacos:
- 4 flour tortillas (6-inch fajita size)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
- 4 slices American cheese (or preferred burger cheese)
- 1 small onion, diced
- Dill pickle chips
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Form the Smash Burger Tacos
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and press one portion of ground beef evenly over the entire tortilla, making sure it’s spread to the edges.
- Season the beef side with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Smash Burger Tacos
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil.
- Place the tortilla meat-side down onto the hot surface. Press it down slightly with a spatula to form a thin patty.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms on the beef.
- Flip the tortilla over so the crispy beef side is facing up, then top with a slice of cheese.
- Cook for another 1-3 minutes, depending on how crispy you want your tortilla. Avoid charring.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Spread burger sauce over each taco.
- Add diced onions, shredded lettuce, and pickles.
- Fold slightly, serve hot, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Street Taco Size: Use mini tortillas and reduce the beef portion to make 8 small tacos.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or jalapeños for extra heat.
- BBQ Smash Tacos: Swap Big Mac sauce for BBQ sauce and add crispy bacon.
- Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead.
- Gourmet Cheese: Try cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for a new flavor twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as tortillas can become soggy.
- Reheating: Heat on a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, but flour tortillas hold up better and get crispier. If using corn tortillas, expect a slightly different texture.
Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce tastes better after 30-60 minutes in the fridge and can be stored for up to 5 days.
What’s the best ground beef to use?
Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and crispiness.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I serve with these tacos?
They pair well with French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a side salad.
Can I use pre-made burger patties?
It’s best to use fresh ground beef so it spreads evenly over the tortilla.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Press down with a spatula while cooking and cook for the full 3 minutes per side.
Can I use turkey or plant-based meat?
Yes! Just make sure it cooks through properly.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a griddle to cook multiple tacos at once.
What’s a good substitute for Big Mac sauce?
You can use ketchup, mustard, mayo, or Thousand Island dressing instead.
Conclusion
These Smash Burger Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with classic burger flavors, making them an easy, delicious dinner idea. Perfect for quick meals, game days, or casual get-togethers, they’re a fun and tasty twist on two beloved dishes. Try different toppings, sauces, or cheeses, and enjoy a new favorite fusion recipe!
Print
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious fusion of juicy smash burgers and crispy tacos, topped with melted cheese, onions, pickles, lettuce, and a homemade Big Mac-style sauce. With a crispy tortilla base and a flavorful beef patty, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for taco nights, BBQs, or anytime you crave a fun twist on a classic burger!
Ingredients
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Tacos:
- 4 (6-inch) flour tortillas (fajita size)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
- 4 slices American cheese (or preferred cheese)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- Dill pickle chips
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
Instructions
1. Make the Big Mac Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Stir until well combined, cover, and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to enhance the flavors.
2. Prepare the Smash Burger Tacos:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
- Lay a flour tortilla flat and spread one portion of beef evenly across its surface.
- Season the beef side with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Tacos:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease with neutral oil.
- Place the tortilla meat-side down onto the skillet, pressing gently with a spatula.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms on the beef.
- Flip the taco and immediately top with a slice of cheese.
- Cook for another 1–3 minutes, until the tortilla is crispy but not burnt.
4. Assemble & Serve:
- Remove from heat and repeat for the remaining tacos.
- Top each taco with Big Mac sauce, diced onions, pickles, and shredded lettuce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Sauce Tip: Make the sauce ahead of time—it tastes better after chilling for 30–60 minutes.
- Tortilla Size: Use street taco tortillas for mini smash burger tacos. Adjust beef portions accordingly.
- Cheese Options: Swap American cheese for cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different flavor.
- Cooking Tip: A griddle works best to cook multiple tacos at once. If using a skillet, cook 1–2 tacos at a time.
- Storage: Leftover sauce keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Tacos
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
