Easy Smash Burger Tacos in 20 Minutes
Ever crave the best of both worlds – juicy burgers and handheld tacos? Meet Smash Burger Tacos: a viral sensation combining crispy beef patties, melted cheese, and fresh toppings in a soft tortilla. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or feeding a crowd, this mashup delivers bold flavors in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a fan of classic ground beef tacos or crave something innovative, this recipe balances simplicity with irresistible satisfaction.
Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
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- Protein: 1 lb 80/20 ground beef (sub: ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
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- Tortillas: 8 small flour tortillas (or corn for gluten-free)
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- Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar or American
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- Toppings: Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, onions
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- Sauces: Ketchup, mustard, mayo, or special sauce
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- Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt, pepper
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- Tools: Cast-iron skillet, spatula, parchment paper (for smashing)
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Total: 25 mins | Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
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- Season & Prep: Mix ground beef with spices. Divide into 8 equal balls.
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- Smash: Heat skillet over high heat. Place a beef ball on a tortilla, cover with parchment, and press firmly with a spatula until thin. Repeat.
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- Cook: Place tortilla (beef-side down) in skillet. Cook 2-3 mins until crispy. Flip, add cheese, and cook another 1-2 mins.
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- Assemble: Layer toppings onto the cheesy beef side. Drizzle sauce and fold. Serve immediately.
Pro Tip: For authentic Smash Burger Tacos crunch, press the beef thinly. This technique also works for standard ground beef tacos!
Nutritional Benefits / Advantages
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- High-Protein: Packed with 20g protein per serving.
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- Customizable: Control sodium, fats, and additives vs. takeout.
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- Balanced: Add veggies like spinach or avocado for fiber and nutrients.
Tips, Variations, or Substitutions
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- Protein Swap: Use ground chicken or black beans for lighter options.
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- Global Twist: Add taco seasoning for Tex-Mex flair or gochujang for Korean spice.
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- Small-Kitchen Hack: Prep toppings first to maximize workspace.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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- Overcrowding the Skillet: Cook in batches to ensure crispiness.
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- Soggy Tortillas: Pat beef dry before smashing and avoid overloading toppings.
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- Underseasoning: Taste-test the meat mixture before cooking.
Storage / Maintenance Tips
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- Fridge: Store components separately for up to 3 days.
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- Reheat: Crisp tortillas in a skillet or air fryer (350°F for 3 mins).
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- Freeze: Freeze cooked beef patties for up to 1 month.
Conclusion
Smash Burger Tacos redefine comfort food with their crispy-meets-cheesy magic. Easier than traditional ground beef tacos yet endlessly adaptable, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Share your creations using #SmashBurgerTacos and explore our burger recipes for more fusion ideas!
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze assembled tacos?
A: Not recommended – components are best stored separately.
Q: Are corn tortillas suitable?
A: Yes, but warm them first to prevent cracking.
Q: Can I prep these ahead?
A: Cook the beef and chop toppings 1 day in advance.
Q: Vegetarian alternative?
A: Use seasoned lentils or meatless crumbles.
Q: Best cheese for meltability?
A: American or Monterey Jack melts beautifully.
