What Are Smash Burger Tacos?
Picture this: the crispy, caramelized edges of a smash burger meet the soft, golden crunch of a tortilla. That’s Smash Burger Tacos—the ultimate taco twist. They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to make. Think of it as a Copycat Big Mac in taco form.
Why Are They So Popular?
It all started on TikTok, where people went wild over this mash-up. Instead of a regular bun, the tortilla gets pressed onto sizzling ground beef patties, creating the perfect crispy base. Add cheese, pickles, and Copycat Big Mac Sauce, and you’ve got the best hamburger tacos of your life.
Ingredients You Need
For the Smash Burger Tacos
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 6 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
For the Copycat Big Mac Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Toppings
- 6 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or provolone)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup diced white onions
- ¼ cup dill pickle slices
If you love bold flavors, check out this Hamburger Potato Casserole for another mouthwatering dish.
Choosing the Right Beef for Smash Burgers
The fat content of your beef makes all the difference. 80/20 ground beef has the perfect balance of moisture and crispiness. If you go leaner, like 90/10, the result will be dry. The goal is crispy edges and juicy flavor, just like the best burger tacos should have.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
1. Make the Sauce
Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and gives you the perfect Copycat Big Mac Sauce. It’s also great on fries, by the way.
2. Prep the Beef
Divide the ground beef patties into 2.5-ounce balls. Don’t overwork the meat—keeping it loose ensures a better texture.
3. Heat the Griddle
A flat-top griddle or cast-iron skillet works best. Heat it dry, without oil, over high heat. You need that sizzling surface to create the signature crispy edges.
4. Smash & Cook
Place a beef ball onto the griddle and immediately press a tortilla on top. Use a burger press or spatula to smash the meat into the tortilla. This creates a thin, even layer that crisps up beautifully.
5. Let it Crisp
Season with salt, pepper, and taco spices, then cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully, allowing the tortilla side to crisp up for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Add Cheese & Toppings
Top with cheese so it melts right into the beef. Remove from heat and add Copycat Big Mac Sauce, pickles, onions, and shredded lettuce.
7. Serve & Enjoy
That’s it—your smash burger tacos are ready! Serve them hot, with extra sauce on the side.
Love cheesy dishes? Try this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for another flavor-packed meal.
Best Cheese for Burger Tacos
- American Cheese – Classic and ultra-melty.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp, rich, and flavorful.
- Provolone or Muenster – Creamy and mild for a smooth melt.
Toppings & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- BBQ Style: Swap the Big Mac Sauce for BBQ sauce and crispy onions.
- Bacon Lover’s Dream: Crumble crispy bacon on top.
For another over-the-top burger dish, check out this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Using Too Much Beef: Stick to 2.5-ounce portions.
- Not Heating the Griddle Enough: High heat is key for crispy edges.
- Overcrowding the Griddle: Give the beef space to cook properly.
- Forgetting to Season: Salt and pepper are simple but essential.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
- Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Use a hot skillet to crisp up the tortilla again.
- Avoid the Microwave: It makes the tacos soggy.
FAQs About Smash Burger Tacos
Can I make these with turkey or chicken?
Yes! Use 85/15 ground turkey for the best results.
What’s the best tortilla to use?
Small flour tortillas hold up best to the crispy beef.
Can I cook these on a regular frying pan?
Yes! Just make sure it’s hot enough to get that signature sear.
What’s a good side dish?
Try this Hobo Casserole for a hearty addition to your meal.
Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
- For the Smash Burger Tacos
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 6 small flour tortillas 6-inch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- For the Copycat Big Mac Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- Toppings:
- 6 slices cheese American, cheddar, or provolone
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup diced white onions
- ¼ cup dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Make the Sauce – Mix all sauce ingredients and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Prep the Beef – Divide the ground beef into 2.5 oz balls for even cooking.
- Heat the Griddle – Use high heat on a flat-top griddle or cast-iron skillet.
- Smash & Cook – Place a beef ball on the griddle, press a tortilla on top, and smash it down firmly.
- Let it Crisp – Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then flip to crisp the tortilla side.
- Add Cheese & Toppings – Top with cheese, remove from heat, and add sauce, pickles, and lettuce.
- Serve & Enjoy – These hamburger tacos are best served hot with extra sauce.
Notes
- Best Tortillas? Use flour tortillas for the best structure and crispiness.
- Want it Spicy? Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Reheating? Use a skillet, not a microwave, to keep the crunch.
Final Thoughts on Smash Burger Tacos
If you love smash burgers and hamburger tacos, this recipe is a game-changer. The crispy beef, melty cheese, and tangy Big Mac Sauce make every bite unforgettable. They’re easy, fun, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Try them today and let me know—are you more of a burger person or a taco lover?
