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Two smashburger tacos filled with ground beef, cheese, lettuce, pickles, and special sauce.

Smashburger tacos: 25 min magic

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July 26, 2025

Oh my goodness, have you guys seen these Smashburger tacos all over the internet lately? They’re seriously blowing up, and for good reason! It’s this genius way to get all the incredible, juicy, crispy goodness of a smashburger but in the fun, easy format of a taco. I mean, who wouldn’t want that? Here at Unfold Recipes, we’re all about bringing those amazing flavors into your kitchen without a fuss, and Catherine Valdès herself, with her fantastic culinary background, just knows how to make food sing. This recipe? It’s going to be your new go-to for a seriously satisfying meal that tastes like you spent ages on it, but honestly, it comes together so fast!

Why You’ll Love These Smashburger Tacos

Seriously, get ready to be obsessed!

  • Crazy Fast: We’re talking about a totally delicious meal from start to finish in about 25 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
  • Super Easy: No fancy techniques here, just simple steps that anyone can nail. Catherine really nailed the approachable part with this one.
  • Irresistible Flavor: That crispy, savory smashed beef, melty cheese, warm tortilla, and dreamy special sauce? It’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
  • Game Day GOLD: These are a total crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or just a fun family dinner night. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
  • Viral Sensation: You’ve probably seen them everywhere, and now you can make the authentic, super tasty version right at home!

Gather Your Ingredients for Smashburger Tacos

Alright, let’s get our ducks (or rather, our burgers and tortillas) in a row! This recipe is so straightforward, but having everything ready makes it a breeze. You’ll want to grab:

  • 1 lb of good old ground beef. I swear by 80/20 for flavor and juiciness – it’s what gives these smashburger tacos that amazing texture.
  • 8 small corn tortillas. Taco-sized is perfect! Make sure they’re fresh.
  • 4 slices of American cheese. Yep, the classic singles. They melt like a dream onto the hot patties.
  • For our special sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp pickle relish, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder.
  • Salt and black pepper, of course, to season everything up.
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for getting that perfect sizzle in the pan.
  • And for those optional, but highly recommended, toppings: shredded lettuce, some finely diced onions, and of course, more pickles!

Seriously, that’s it! Gather these up, and we’re practically halfway there.

Crafting Your Perfect Smashburger Tacos: Step-by-Step

Okay, this is where the magic really happens! It’s honestly not complicated at all, just a few simple steps to get that amazing smashed burger flavor into a taco shell. Trust me, you’ll want to have everything ready to go because once that skillet heats up, things move pretty quickly!

Prepare the Special Sauce for Your Smashburger Tacos

First things first, let’s whip up that dreamy sauce. It’s super simple and ties everything together. Just grab a small bowl and mix up your mayo, ketchup, mustard, and that little bit of pickle relish. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder. Give it all a good stir until it’s perfectly combined. Set this aside – you can even make it earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge! It only gets better.

Forming and Seasoning the Burger Patties

Now, let’s talk beef! You’ll want to divide your pound of ground beef into 8 equal little portions. It sounds like a lot, but remember, we’re smashing them *super* thin. Just roll ’em into balls and then flatten them out with your hands until they’re nice and thin, like, a quarter-inch thick if you can manage. The most important part? Season them generously! Salt and pepper are your best friends here. Don’t be shy; this is what gives them that fantastic smashburger flavor.

Sizzling Your Smashburger Tacos to Perfection

Time to get that skillet hot! You want it medium-high heat. Add your tablespoon of vegetable oil – just enough to coat the bottom. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place 2 or 3 of those seasoned beef patties in there. Now for the “smash” part: grab your spatula and press down *firmly* on each patty. You want them thin and getting all those crispy edges. Let them cook for just a minute or maybe two until they’re beautifully browned and crispy on the bottom. Flip them over, and *immediately* pop a slice of American cheese on each one. Cook it for another minute until that cheese is melted and gooey. Perfection!

Assembling Your Delicious Smashburger Tacos

Alright, the grand finale! Make sure your tortillas are warm – I like to just do them quickly in the microwave or a dry pan. Take one of those perfectly smashed, cheesy burger patties and lay it right in the middle of a warm tortilla. Now, drizzle generously with that special sauce you made earlier. Add your optional toppings – a little shredded lettuce for crunch, some diced onion for bite, maybe an extra pickle slice if you’re feeling it. Fold it gently, and there you have it!

Tips for Ultimate Smashburger Tacos Success

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but a few little tricks can take these smashburger tacos from “really good” to “OMG-I-need-to-make-these-again-NOW”! Trust me, it’s all in the details. First off, that skillet? Make sure it’s nice and hot before those patties hit it. A really hot skillet is your best friend for getting that super crispy, browned edge that’s signature to the smashburger style. Don’t overcrowd the pan, either – two or three patties at a time is perfect so they cook evenly. And remember those notes about the sauce? Yep, make that ahead of time! It just lets those flavors meld together beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy or just want that extra guarantee against sticking, a little sprinkle of cheese right on the hot pan *before* you smash can create a super crispy cheese skirt. How fun is that?!

Ingredient Spotlight: The Magic of the Smash

You know, it’s not just about slapping a burger on a tortilla. The real secret weapon here, besides that amazing sauce, is the beef itself and how we treat it! For these smashburger tacos, I always reach for 80/20 ground beef. That little bit of extra fat is crucial; it keeps the patties super juicy and helps them get that incredible crispy, browned edge when you smash ’em down. Catherine always says fat is flavor, and it’s never more true than with a good smashburger. When you press that patty thin on a hot surface, you’re maximizing the surface area for delicious browning and caramelization. It’s this crispy, lacy edge that truly makes it special!

Frequently Asked Questions About Smashburger Tacos

Got questions about these incredible smashburger tacos? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those recipes that gets people really excited, and it’s totally normal to want to know all the little details. Here are a few things folks often ask:

Can I use flour tortillas for smashburger tacos?

Absolutely! While corn tortillas give you that more traditional taco vibe, flour tortillas work wonderfully too. They’re a bit softer and can be a bit more forgiving. Just warm them up the same way, and they’ll hold all that delicious burger goodness just fine. It’s all about what you prefer for your burger tortilla hack!

What are the best toppings for cheeseburger tacos?

Oh, the toppings are where you can really have some fun! Beyond the special sauce, I love adding some crisp shredded lettuce and finely diced white onion for a fresh crunch. Pickles are pretty non-negotiable for me – they add that perfect bite. Some people even go for a little chopped tomato or a squirt of ketchup and mustard right on top. Get creative!

How do I make these tiktok smash tacos crispy?

Great question! The key to that amazing crispy edge, which is what makes these, well, *smash* tacos, is all about heat and pressure. Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you add the patties, and press down firmly with your spatula. Don’t move them around too much while they’re cooking on the first side; let that delicious crust form. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is fantastic for this!

Can I make smashburger tacos ahead of time?

The special sauce is definitely something you can make ahead – it’s even better when the flavors meld. For the best experience, though, I recommend smashing and cooking the burgers right before you assemble them. They lose a bit of their crispy magic if they sit around too long. So, prep the sauce, get your toppings ready, and cook the patties just before serving!

Storing and Reheating Your Smashburger Tacos

So, you had an epic taco night and *miraculously* have a few smashburger tacos leftover? Score! To keep these beauties tasting their best, it’s a good idea to store them smart. If you’ve got assembled tacos, wrap them up well in plastic wrap or pop them into an airtight container. But honestly? The patties and the sauce are best stored separately. Keep the leftover smashed patties in a container or bag, and the special sauce in its own little jar in the fridge. They’ll last a good 2-3 days this way!

When you’re ready for round two, gently reheat the patties in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re warmed through and slightly crisped up again – don’t microwave them unless you absolutely have to, they get a bit sad that way. Warm up your tortillas, then assemble them fresh. Drizzle with that glorious sauce, add any leftover toppings, and they’ll be almost as good as the first time!

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

These smashburger tacos are honestly a meal all on their own, right? But if you’re looking to round out your game day spread or just make it a full-on feast, I’ve got a couple of ideas that just *work*. You can’t go wrong with a classic side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries – they’re like the perfect partner for anything burger-y. Or, keep it light and fresh with a simple, crunchy coleslaw. The tanginess cuts through the richness of the tacos beautifully. A quick homemade pickle relish or some seasoned tater tots would be amazing too!

Nutritional Snapshot of Smashburger Tacos

Alright, let’s talk numbers for these amazing smashburger tacos! Keep in mind these figures are estimates, as your exact ingredients and how you pile on those toppings can change things up. But generally, you’re looking at about:

  • Calories: Around 450 per serving (which is two tacos for us!)
  • Fat: About 28g, with 10g being saturated fat. That beef works hard for the flavor!
  • Protein: A solid 22g to keep you satisfied.
  • Carbohydrates: Roughly 25g, mostly from those yummy tortillas and the sauce.

It’s a delicious balance, perfect for a fun meal!

Share Your Smashburger Tacos Creation

Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! I really want to see what amazing smashburger tacos you create. Did you try them? Were they as good as the internet promised? Please, drop a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you snap a pic, tag us on social media – I absolutely love seeing your creations. Your feedback truly makes my day and helps other home cooks get excited!

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Smashburger Tacos

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Enjoy a viral sensation with these smashburger tacos, combining juicy smashed beef patties with warm tortillas and a special sauce. Perfect for game day or a fun dinner.

  • Author: Cat
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp pickle relish
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
  2. Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin patty. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  5. Place 2-3 beef patties in the hot skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula to smash them thin. Cook for 1-2 minutes until browned and crispy.
  6. Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of each. Cook for another minute until the cheese is melted.
  7. Remove the smashed burger patties from the skillet.
  8. Place a smashed burger patty onto each warm tortilla.
  9. Top with the special sauce and any desired optional toppings.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a crispier taco, ensure your skillet is hot before smashing the burgers.
  • You can prepare the special sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
  • If you don’t have corn tortillas, flour tortillas also work well.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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Catherine Valdès is the creator, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Unfold Recipes. With a rich heritage blending Spanish traditions and Californian sensibilities, she believes that every meal has a story. After leaving a successful career in public relations to pursue her passion, Catherine honed her skills in a professional culinary arts program. Her focus is on creating approachable yet elegant recipes that inspire confidence in the kitchen. She combines her expertise in recipe development with a love for wine pairing and effortless entertaining, showing her audience how to create beautiful, delicious meals to share with loved ones.

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