Smash Burger Tacos are a fun combination of tacos and Smash Burgers. They combine the juicy taste of a smashed burger patty with tasty taco fillings.
Smash Burger Tacos
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or trying your hand at this for the first time, smash burger tacos are a fun and tasty way to shake up taco night. Imagine layers of crispy beef, melty cheese, and your favorite burger toppings, all tucked inside a warm tortilla.
If you love Mexican-inspired recipes, check out this recipe for Shrimp Tacos or this Mediterranean Quesadilla.
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Why you will love Smash Burger Tacos
- It’s all about the patty. In Smash Burger Tacos, the burger patty is smashed onto the grill, making the edges crispy while keeping the middle juicy. This gives each bite a perfect mix of texture and flavor, which goes great with taco fillings.
- Amazing toppings. You can use classic taco toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa or add fun extras like guacamole, sour cream, or pickled jalapenos. You can get really creative with the flavors!
- Versatile and customizable. These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for a fun twist on Taco Tuesday. You can also mix and match different ingredients to make it your own, whether you prefer beef, chicken, or even vegetarian options.
- Easy to assemble. Simply cook the burger patty, warm up some tortillas, and add your desired toppings. It’s a great option for busy nights when you still want something delicious and satisfying.
- Healthy alternative. Smash Burger tacos can be a healthier choice than traditional burgers or fast-food tacos by using lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat tortillas, and fresh toppings like diced tomatoes and avocado.
Ingredients Needed for Smash Burger Tacos
Here is a quick look at what you will need. You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Low-Carb Tortillas: To make this dish low-carb, opt for lettuce wraps or keto-friendly tortillas. Traditional corn or flour tortillas also work well.
- Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier twist, lean ground beef is ideal for making thin patties.
- Fat-Free Cheddar Cheese: Use shredded cheddar cheese to achieve a perfect cheese melt. Their bold flavor complements the savory beef patties beautifully, creating layers of crispy beef and melty cheese with every bite.
- Lettuce & Spinach: Iceberg lettuce and spinach add some freshness to your smash tacos. These greens provide a nice contrast to the rich meat and cheese.
- Low-Fat Burger Sauce: Drizzle with a delicious homemade burger sauce or you can whip up a Big Mac-style sauce or use your favorite sauces, like hot sauce or sour cream, to add a creamy texture.
- Olive Oil: Use olive oil to lightly grease your hot pan or cast iron skillet, ensuring the beef side crisps up nicely on medium-high heat.
- Green Chili & Cherry Tomatoes: Add some heat and color with green chili and a sprinkle of cherry tomatoes on top of the meat. This provides a burst of flavor and a touch of vibrancy.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key for maximum flavor, so generously sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on your beef patties.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make
This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.
Form the ground beef into 2 balls and season.
Heat a flat pan and grease with olive oil. Place meat in the center. Cover it with a tortilla and press it firmly into the pan with a spatula or burger press.
Flip the tortilla over with the ground beef, sprinkle, and continue cooking
Place tomato slices, lettuce, and spinach on half of the item. Add the chili and sauce on the other half. Roll the taco in half.
Variations and Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: For a lighter, healthier version, substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey. Adjust seasoning, as turkey has a milder flavor.
- Cheese: Swap out the Fat-Free cheddar cheese for Fat-Free Mozzarella Cheese as is known for its creamy texture and ease of melting.
- Favorite Burger Toppings: Get creative with your favorite toppings! Add sliced avocado, pickles, or pico de gallo for extra zest.
- Healthy Dish Options: Add more veggies to your taco burgers for a more nutritious dish. Grilled onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can add both flavor and nutrition.
Storage
Storage: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container. They'll remain fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, they’ll taste just as delicious as the first time.
Freezing: For longer storage, place your taco burgers in a freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a ready-to-go meal for busy days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the tacos on a large skillet or hot griddle over medium heat. Heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through and the cheese is melted. This method helps retain that delightful crispy tortilla side.
Pro Tips
- Hot Griddle or Cast Iron Skillet: For a perfect sear, use a hot skillet or cast iron skillet. The high, even heat will help create the tortilla's signature crispy edges.
- Burger Press: Use a burger press to flatten beef patties into a thin layer, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior. This tool can make a world of difference in the final texture of your beef patty.
- Taco Night Ready: Prepare all your ingredients to make taco night a breeze. Lay out all toppings and sauces, so everyone can customize their smashed taco recipe to their liking.
- Cheese Melt Perfection: For melty cheese on every taco, place a slice of cheese on top of the beef right after flipping. Cover the skillet briefly to speed up the melting process.
- Flavor Boosting: Add a dash of yellow mustard or sprinkle sesame seeds on the meat side before smashing for an added flavor punch.
FAQ
Yes, a flat-top grill works wonderfully for this smash burger recipe. The expansive cooking surface allows you to make multiple tacos at once, perfect for feeding a crowd or your whole family.
To keep your smash burgers juicy, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Handle the beef mixture gently and press firmly but briefly when smashing. Cooking over medium heat rather than high heat will also prevent drying out.
A simple and delicious homemade burger sauce can be made by mixing equal parts ketchup, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth, and adjust seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce to taste.
Recipe Card
Smash Burger Tacos
Equipment
- Bowl
- Skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 Low Carb Tortillas
- 5 oz Lean ground beef
- 2 Cup Fat-Free Cheddar Cheese grated
- ⅓ cup Lettuce
- ¼ Spinach Torn
- 3 tbsp. Low fat burger sauce
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 5-6 green chili slices
- 3 cherry tomatoes
- ¾ tsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. Pepper blend
Instructions
- Form the ground beef into 2 equal balls. Pour salt and pepper into a bowl. Stir the mixture with a dry whisk. Dip the balls alternately in the flavor mixture.
- Heat a flat pan—grease with olive oil. Place one ball in the center. Cover it with a tortilla and press it firmly into the pan with a spatula or burger press. Cook for one minute and press the tortilla against the pan again to remove the fat. Continue cooking for 2 minutes.
- Flip the tortilla over with the ground beef, sprinkle, and continue cooking for 1 ½ -2 minutes.
- Place the tortilla and stuffing on a plate. Spread with sauce.
- Place tomato slices, lettuce, and spinach on half of the item. Add the chili. Roll the taco in half. Prepare the second portion in the same manner.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
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