Smash Burger Tacos: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Smash Burger Tacos: Prepare to have your taste buds completely revolutionized! Forget everything you thought you knew about tacos and burgers because this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the crispy, caramelized edges of a perfectly smashed burger, combined with the portability and customizable fun of a taco. It’s a culinary collision that’s surprisingly harmonious and utterly addictive.

While the exact origins of the Smash Burger Taco are shrouded in delicious mystery (likely born from a late-night craving!), the concept draws inspiration from the enduring popularity of both smash burgers and tacos. Smash burgers, known for their thin patties and intense flavor developed from direct contact with a hot griddle, have taken the food world by storm. Tacos, a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine with roots stretching back centuries, offer endless possibilities for fillings and toppings. Combining these two beloved dishes is a stroke of genius, offering a playful and satisfying meal.

People adore Smash Burger Tacos for their incredible flavor and texture. The crispy burger patty, the soft tortilla, and the fresh toppings create a symphony of sensations in every bite. They’re also incredibly convenient and customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun dish to serve at your next gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Plus, who can resist the sheer novelty and deliciousness of a burger in taco form? Get ready to experience a flavor explosion!

Ingredients:

• For the Smash Burgers:
• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 4 slices American Cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 4 Brioche Buns, lightly toasted
• 2 tbsp Butter, melted
• For the Taco Shells:
• 12 Small Corn Tortillas (street taco size)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• For the Taco Sauce:
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
• 1 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• For the Toppings:
• 1 cup Shredded Lettuce
• 1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes
• 1/4 cup Diced White Onion
• Pickles, sliced (optional)

Preparing the Smash Burger Patties:

1. Combine the Ground Beef and Seasonings: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. I like to use my hands to gently incorporate everything, but you can also use a spatula.
2. Divide the Mixture: Divide the seasoned ground beef into 4 equal portions. I usually eyeball it, but you can use a kitchen scale for precision. Gently form each portion into a loose ball. Don’t pack them too tightly; we want them to smash easily.
3. Prepare Your Smasher: You’ll need a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) and a sturdy spatula or burger press. If you don’t have a burger press, you can use the bottom of a smaller skillet or a heavy can wrapped in foil. Make sure your “smasher” is clean and ready to go.

Smashing and Cooking the Burgers:

1. Heat the Skillet: Place your heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. You want it to be nice and hot before you start smashing. A little bit of smoke is a good sign.
2. Smash the Burgers: Place one of the ground beef balls in the hot skillet. Immediately use your spatula or burger press to smash it down as thin as possible. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. The thinner, the crispier!
3. Season and Sear: Once smashed, season the top of the burger with a little extra salt and pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, or until a dark, crispy crust forms on the bottom. This is where the magic happens!
4. Scrape and Flip: Use your spatula to carefully scrape under the burger and flip it over. The crust should be beautifully browned and slightly caramelized.
5. Cook the Second Side: Cook the second side for another 1-2 minutes, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
6. Add Cheese: In the last 30 seconds of cooking, place a slice of American cheese (or your cheese of choice) on top of the burger and let it melt. You can add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid to help the cheese melt faster.
7. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-6 for the remaining ground beef balls.
8. Butter the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, brush the cut sides of the brioche buns with melted butter.
9. Toast the Buns: Place the buttered buns cut-side down in the skillet (after removing the burgers) and toast them until golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds a nice texture and flavor.

Preparing the Taco Shells:

1. Heat the Oil: In a medium skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to quickly crisp the tortillas, but not so hot that they burn.
2. Fry the Tortillas: Working one at a time, carefully place a corn tortilla in the hot oil. Fry for about 15-20 seconds per side, or until the tortilla is pliable and slightly crispy. You don’t want them to be completely hard, just enough to hold their shape.
3. Shape the Tacos: Immediately after frying, use tongs to carefully fold the tortilla in half to create a taco shell shape. Hold it in place for a few seconds until it starts to set.
4. Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried taco shells on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 for the remaining tortillas.

Making the Taco Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more relish for sweetness, mustard for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat.
4. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the taco sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Smash Burger Tacos:

1. Spread the Sauce: Spread a generous amount of the taco sauce on the bottom of each fried taco shell.
2. Add the Burger: Place a cheeseburger patty inside each taco shell. You might need to fold or cut the burger patty to fit properly.
3. Add Toppings: Top the burgers with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced white onion.
4. Add Pickles (Optional): If you like pickles, add a few slices to each taco.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the smash burger tacos immediately while they are still warm and the taco shells are crispy. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! These Smash Burger Tacos are a must-try because they perfectly blend the satisfying crunch of a taco with the juicy, savory goodness of a smash burger. Seriously, what’s not to love? The crispy, caramelized beef, the melty cheese, the tangy sauce – it all comes together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have you craving them again and again. I know I do!

But the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen. These come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. And trust me, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made these for picky eaters, burger aficionados, and taco lovers alike, and they’ve always been a hit.

Why are these Smash Burger Tacos a must-try? Because they’re quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious! They’re the perfect way to satisfy your burger craving with a fun and unique twist.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While these tacos are fantastic as is, there’s always room for customization! For a spicier kick, try adding some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or using a spicy mayo as your sauce. If you’re a fan of avocado, a few slices of creamy avocado would be a welcome addition. You could also experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack for some heat, or a sharp cheddar for a classic burger flavor.

For a complete meal, serve these Smash Burger Tacos with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some elote (Mexican street corn). They also pair perfectly with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try making a batch of homemade guacamole to serve alongside.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own signature version of these tacos. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that these Smash Burger Tacos will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect combination of comfort food and culinary adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience a taste sensation like no other.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed them. Did you add any special toppings? Did you serve them with a particular side dish? Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy these delicious tacos. Happy cooking!

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