Dinner

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

BySimon Carel February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Introduction

Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on classic burgers, combining crispy, flavorful beef patties with fresh toppings wrapped in soft tortillas. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for a casual meal with a burst of bold flavors.

Three soft tacos are shown on a white marbled surface, each with a crispy golden-brown fried shell. Inside each taco, there is a layer of cooked ground beef topped with a square slice of melted bright orange cheddar cheese. Above the cheese, there are chopped white onions and shredded light green lettuce, and slices of green pickles are placed on top. Drizzles of creamy light tan sauce are visible over the vegetables. In the background, a white bowl with more creamy sauce is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 flour tortillas (6 inches)
1 pound lean ground beef
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
4 slices American cheese (or preferred cheese)
Fresh toppings: diced onion, dill pickle chips, shredded iceberg lettuce
Homemade sauce: mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and place one on each tortilla.
Step 2: Season each portion of beef with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with the neutral oil.
Step 4: Place the tortillas meat-side down in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is golden brown and crispy. Flip each tortilla, top the beef with a slice of cheese, and cook for another 1-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 5: Remove the cooked tortillas from the skillet and repeat the cooking process with the remaining portions.
Step 6: To assemble, spread the homemade sauce on each taco, then add shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickle chips on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, mix some finely chopped onions or garlic into the ground beef before cooking.
Use your favorite cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a different taste.
Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas or small burger buns if desired.
Add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the homemade sauce for a spicy kick.
To keep tacos warm while cooking multiple batches, place finished tacos in a low oven (200°F/90°C) until ready to serve.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked tacos wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Two crispy, golden-brown taco shells are folded and filled with layers starting from a base of crumbly browned ground beef, topped with bright yellow melted cheddar cheese slices. Over the cheese, there are chopped white onions and fresh shredded light green lettuce, with green pickle slices placed on top. Drizzled creamy light tan sauce is seen over the lettuce and pickles. The tacos rest on a white marbled surface with a blur of a white bowl containing the same sauce in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for the burgers?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but cooking times may vary and the flavor will be milder compared to beef.

How do I make the homemade sauce?

Combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, a pinch of sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Adjust quantities to taste for a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the tacos.