What the heck is this?
Okay, so imagine your favorite greasy, griddle-smashed cheeseburger and your go-to taco had a delicious love child. That’s this. We’re talking seasoned ground beef smashed directly onto a tortilla (yes, you read that right), then seared until crispy on the bottom, juicy on the inside, and cheesy on top. Throw on all your favorite burger toppings—pickles, lettuce, special sauce—and suddenly you’ve got a taco that tastes like your favorite diner and taco truck had a party. This is the kind of thing that makes weeknight dinner feel like a fast-food cheat day… but homemade and way better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy, cheesy, beefy goodness in taco form.
One pan, zero burger buns, no deep-frying.
Customizable with all your favorite burger fixings.
Super fast — we’re talking 20 minutes from start to face-stuffing.
Way more fun than just making regular tacos (or burgers).
The Stuff You’ll Need
1 lb ground beef (80/20 is perfect here)
8 small flour tortillas (the kind that just fit in your skillet)
Salt and pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
8 slices American cheese (or whatever melty cheese you like)
2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or avocado oil)
For the Smash Burger Sauce (do not skip this):
¼ cup mayo
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish
½ tsp garlic powder
Splash of pickle juice or vinegar
Toppings (aka the fun part):
Shredded lettuce
Diced onions
Pickle slices
Tomato slices (if you’re feeling classic)
More sauce, obviously
Let’s Taco-Burger This
- Mix the beef: In a bowl, season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 8 equal balls — don’t flatten them yet!
- Make your sauce: Stir all sauce ingredients together and set aside. Try not to eat it all with a spoon.
- Smash + sear: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Place a beef ball in the center of a tortilla, then place it meat-side-down in the pan. Use a spatula (or heavy pan) to SMASH that beef down into the tortilla. You want thin and wide here.
- Cook until crispy: Let it sizzle for about 2–3 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy, then flip and top with cheese. Cook another 1–2 minutes to let the cheese melt and the tortilla get slightly toasty.
- Repeat: Keep going until all tacos are seared, cheesy, and perfect.
- Top and roll: Add lettuce, onions, pickles, and a drizzle (or flood) of sauce. Fold it taco-style and get ready for the best kind of mess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges.
Pair with a creamy slaw or a quick pickle salad.
Crack open a cold beer or pour a root beer float — no wrong choices here.
Switch It Up
Use turkey or plant-based beef for a lighter or veg version.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Swap American cheese for pepper jack or cheddar if you’re feeling fancy.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Kinda — you can cook the beef/tortilla/cheese part and reheat in a skillet, then add fresh toppings before serving. Still awesome.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Not recommended — the lettuce and sauce don’t love the freezer.
Q: What if my tortillas don’t hold the smash?
A: Make sure they’re soft and fresh. If needed, microwave for 10 seconds first to make them more pliable.
Smash Burger Tacos: The Best Kind of Identity Crisis
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Description
Okay, so imagine your favorite greasy, griddle-smashed cheeseburger and your go-to taco had a delicious love child. That’s this. We’re talking seasoned ground beef smashed directly onto a tortilla (yes, you read that right), then seared until crispy on the bottom, juicy on the inside, and cheesy on top. Throw on all your favorite burger toppings—pickles, lettuce, special sauce—and suddenly you’ve got a taco that tastes like your favorite diner and taco truck had a party. This is the kind of thing that makes weeknight dinner feel like a fast-food cheat day… but homemade and way better.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 is perfect here)
8 small flour tortillas (the kind that just fit in your skillet)
Salt and pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
8 slices American cheese (or whatever melty cheese you like)
2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or avocado oil)
For the Smash Burger Sauce (do not skip this):
¼ cup mayo
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish
½ tsp garlic powder
Splash of pickle juice or vinegar
Toppings (aka the fun part):
Shredded lettuce
Diced onions
Pickle slices
Tomato slices (if you’re feeling classic)
More sauce, obviously
Instructions
Mix the beef: In a bowl, season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 8 equal balls — don’t flatten them yet!
Make your sauce: Stir all sauce ingredients together and set aside. Try not to eat it all with a spoon.
Smash + sear: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Place a beef ball in the center of a tortilla, then place it meat-side-down in the pan. Use a spatula (or heavy pan) to SMASH that beef down into the tortilla. You want thin and wide here.
Cook until crispy: Let it sizzle for about 2–3 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy, then flip and top with cheese. Cook another 1–2 minutes to let the cheese melt and the tortilla get slightly toasty.
Repeat: Keep going until all tacos are seared, cheesy, and perfect.
Top and roll: Add lettuce, onions, pickles, and a drizzle (or flood) of sauce. Fold it taco-style and get ready for the best kind of mess.
Notes
Serve with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges.
Pair with a creamy slaw or a quick pickle salad.
Crack open a cold beer or pour a root beer float — no wrong choices here
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~310 per taco
- Protein: ~18g