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

Scale

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