Smash Burger Tacos with In-N-Out Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Smash Burger Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic burger, served in a soft flour tortilla. With crispy, juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and a tangy homemade sauce, they’re perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 cracks fresh black pepper
- 6 six-inch flour tortillas
- 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped white onion
- Dill pickle chips
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon finely grated onion
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and loosely roll each into a ball.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one flour tortilla on the hot surface.
- Step 3: Immediately place a beef ball on top of the tortilla and press it down flat using a firm spatula or press, smashing the beef into the tortilla.
- Step 4: Cook the beef for 2–3 minutes until it is deeply browned and crispy on the bottom.
- Step 5: Flip the taco so the tortilla side cooks and becomes lightly golden, about 30–60 seconds.
- Step 6: Top the cooked beef with a slice of muenster or provolone cheese and let it melt while still on the skillet.
- Step 7: Meanwhile, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, and finely grated onion in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 8: Remove the taco from the pan and top with shredded lettuce, chopped white onion, dill pickle chips, and a generous drizzle of the prepared sauce.
- Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy your smash burger tacos fresh and warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use flour tortillas as they better absorb the juices and help the meat to stick for easier eating.
- For extra smoky flavor, cook the beef on a cast iron skillet to get a nice crust.
- Try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use ground chuck with an 80/20 fat ratio for juicy, flavorful burgers.
- Let the sauce chill to deepen its flavors before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to crisp the tortilla and warm the beef slowly to avoid drying out the meat. The sauce should be stored separately and added fresh when serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas are recommended because they absorb the meat’s juices better and hold up to smashing. Corn tortillas may break or become too stiff for this recipe.
What if I don’t have muenster or provolone cheese?
You can substitute with any mild, melty cheese like American, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for a similar effect.
Print
Smash Burger Tacos with In-N-Out Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
Description
These Smash Burger Tacos combine the crispy, caramelized flavor of smashed beef patties with the fun and convenience of tacos. Using simple ingredients like ground beef, melted cheese, and a tangy In-N-Out style sauce, this recipe delivers a satisfying and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, perfect for casual meals or entertaining.
Ingredients
Beef and Tacos
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 cracks fresh black pepper
- 6 six-inch flour tortillas
- 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped white onion
- Dill pickle chips
In-N-Out Style Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon finely grated onion
Instructions
- Season the Beef: In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with kosher salt and cracked black pepper to evenly distribute the seasoning without overworking the meat.
- Form Beef Balls: Divide the seasoned beef into 6 equal portions and loosely roll each into a ball to prepare for smashing.
- Heat the Griddle: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot enough to sear the beef.
- Place Tortilla: Lay one flour tortilla onto the hot griddle surface to start forming the taco base.
- Smash the Beef: Immediately place one beef ball onto the tortilla and use a firm spatula or press to smash the beef flat against the tortilla, ensuring good contact for a crispy crust.
- Cook the Beef: Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until it develops a deep brown and crispy exterior.
- Flip the Taco: Carefully flip the entire taco so that the tortilla side cooks, turning golden and slightly crisp for 30–60 seconds.
- Add Cheese: Place a slice of muenster or provolone cheese on top of the cooked beef and let it melt.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, and finely grated onion. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Chill Sauce: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble Tacos: Remove cooked tacos from the griddle and top each with shredded lettuce, chopped white onion, dill pickle chips, and a generous drizzle of the prepared In-N-Out style sauce.
Notes
- Using flour tortillas helps absorb juices and keeps the taco sturdy.
- Do not press or handle the beef mixture too much to maintain tenderness.
- Chilling the sauce ensures a better flavor blend but can be made ahead of time.
- Adjust the salt and pepper seasoning to taste if preferred.
- Serve immediately after assembly for best texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Smash Burger Tacos, smashed burgers, taco recipe, beef tacos, In-N-Out sauce, comfort food, quick dinner
