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Three tacos filled with seasoned meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, and drizzled sauce on a wooden board

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or a fun twist on taco night. Serve with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a refreshing drink for a complete meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 tacos
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Spatula for smashing
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • griddle as an alternative to skillet Optional

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20
  • 4 small flour tortillas
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • ¼ cup diced onions
  • ¼ cup sliced pickles
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions
 

  • Heat skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
    Divide ground beef into 4 equal balls.
    Four raw ground beef balls shaped into patties on parchment paper
  • Place one tortilla flat, press a beef ball directly onto one side, spreading evenly.
    Season beef side with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
    Add butter to skillet, then place tortilla beef-side down.
    A ball of ground beef being pressed onto a tortilla in a hot skillet
  • Smash firmly using a spatula to create a thin patty.
    Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until crispy edges form.
    Flip taco so tortilla side touches pan, then add a slice of cheese on top of beef.
    Ground beef spread and cooking on a tortilla in a hot skillet with a spatula pressing it down
  • Cook another 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts and tortilla crisps lightly.
    Remove and top with lettuce, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
    Fold and repeat for remaining tacos.
    A crunchy taco filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and sauce on a wooden board

Video

Notes

Nutrient Amount
Calories 420 kcal
Carbohydrates 28 g
Protein 22 g
Fat 24 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g
Monounsaturated Fat 9 g
Trans Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 75 mg
Sodium 620 mg
Potassium 320 mg
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 4 g
Vitamin A 450 IU
Vitamin C 3 mg
Calcium 180 mg
Iron 3 mg

Cooking Tips

  • High heat helps create crispy edges on beef.
  • Avoid overworking meat to keep texture tender.
  • Thin smash gives best caramelization.
  • Swap cheddar with American cheese for classic flavor.
  • Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Keyword Beef, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Quick Recipes, Taco Shells