Smash Burger Taco Recipe

Name: Smash Burger Taco
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoonketchup; 1 teaspoon Mustard; 1 tablespoonrelish; ½ teaspoon hot sauce; 1 lb. ground round; 1teaspoon Koshersalt; 1/2 teaspoon Pepper; 4 6 inch flourtortillas; 2 slices Americancheese, cut in half lengthwise; 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 1/4 cup dicedonion

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon mustard
1 tablespoon relish
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 lb ground round
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 (6-inch) flour tortillas
2 slices American cheese, cut in half lengthwise
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1/4 cup diced onion

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and hot sauce. Mix well and set the sauce aside.
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Divide the ground beef into four loose portions. Place the portions in mounds on the hot griddle.
Season the beef evenly with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then cook for 2 minutes.
Place a tortilla on top of each beef portion. Press down gently to flatten the beef to match the size and shape of the tortilla.
Cook the tortillas for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Carefully flip each beef patty and place a half slice of American cheese on top of the beef.
Cook until the cheese has melted and the tortilla is lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Once the cheese has melted, top the patty with shredded iceberg lettuce and diced onions.
Drizzle with the prepared sauce.
Remove the patty from the griddle and fold the tortilla in half like a taco. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	508
Total Fat	34g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	123mg
Sodium	921mg
Total Carbohydrate	13g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	37g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	326mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	614mg

The Story Behind the Smash Burger Taco

The Smash Burger Taco is a contemporary twist on two classic American favorites: the smash burger and the taco. The smash burger itself originated in the United States, particularly gaining popularity in the Midwest during the early 2000s. Its defining feature is the thin, crispy-edged patty achieved by pressing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle. The idea of combining this burger style with a taco shell emerged as home cooks and innovative chefs sought to blend textures and flavors, creating a handheld, indulgent meal that appeals to both burger and taco enthusiasts.

Regional Variations and Influences

Though rooted in American cuisine, the Smash Burger Taco has regional adaptations. In the Midwest, cooks often favor classic American cheese and a lightly toasted flour tortilla. In the Southwest, bold flavors like pepper jack cheese, salsa, and spicy aioli are commonly added, reflecting the influence of Mexican-American cuisine. Some coastal regions incorporate avocado, pickled onions, or specialty sauces, offering a fresher, more gourmet approach. Each variation keeps the core elementsthe smashed beef patty and the taco foldwhile highlighting local flavor preferences.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Unlike a traditional cheeseburger taco, which may simply place a standard burger inside a tortilla, the Smash Burger Taco uses a unique cooking technique. The patty is intentionally pressed thin, creating a caramelized crust that contrasts with the soft, pliable tortilla. This gives the taco a distinct crunch at the edges without the heaviness of a full burger bun. It also differs from taco-style ground beef recipes, which usually use spiced, loose beef; here, the meat is dense, juicy, and seared, providing a robust flavor profile.

Where the Smash Burger Taco is Typically Served

This inventive dish is popular in casual dining restaurants, food trucks, and backyard cookouts. Its versatility makes it ideal for weeknight meals or social gatherings, as it is quick to prepare yet visually appealing. Many diners enjoy it alongside fries or a light salad, while others serve it as part of a larger taco-themed menu. In modern eateries, it is often presented with a drizzle of signature sauces or a garnish of fresh vegetables to elevate its street-food charm.

Fun and Interesting Facts

The Smash Burger Taco merges two iconic food trends, reflecting a growing interest in hybrid comfort foods.
Pressing the beef into the tortilla allows the flavors from the griddle and cheese to infuse the tortilla, creating a unique taste experience.
It is sometimes called a "taco burger" by enthusiasts, though purists insist that the smashing technique distinguishes it from a standard burger wrap.
Home cooks often experiment with low-carb or keto tortillas, making it adaptable for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Despite its recent popularity, the concept of combining a burger patty with a tortilla dates back to regional fast-food experiments in the early 2010s, illustrating the evolving creativity in American comfort food.

FAQ about Smash Burger Taco Recipe

Leftover Smash Burger Tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use a skillet over medium heat to avoid soggy tortillas. You can also wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven.

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance. You can store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a stir before using it again.

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to complement the burger.

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas, whole wheat, or even low-carb tortillas if you prefer. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of tortilla.

If you don't have a griddle, you can use a cast iron skillet or a regular frying pan. Ensure the pan is preheated to medium-high heat before cooking the patties to get a crispy exterior and even cooking.

While the Smash Burger Tacos are best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. For example, you can cook the beef patties in advance and reheat them when ready. The sauce can also be prepared ahead of time, and the tortillas can be warmed just before serving.

You can garnish your Smash Burger Tacos with a variety of toppings such as pickles, sliced tomatoes, avocado, or jalapeños for an extra kick. Crispy bacon bits or grilled onions also make great additions.

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas. Be sure to check the labels of any condiments you use, as some may contain gluten.

If the tortilla gets too crispy or burns, reduce the heat on your griddle or pan slightly. It's also important to keep an eye on the cooking time and flip the tortilla carefully once it has reached a golden-brown color.

Freezing the cooked Smash Burger Tacos is not recommended, as the texture of the tortilla may change. However, you can freeze the cooked beef patties separately and reheat them when needed. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Comments

Nicholas Allen

03/04/2025 12:02:14 PM

Delicious and enjoyable experience! I tried grilling sliced sweet onion alongside ground beef, then added the melted cheese and onion on top before finishing with lettuce and sauce.

Helen Lopez

04/09/2025 01:56:45 AM

These pancakes are absolutely delicious! I don't have a griddle so I cooked them in a cast iron skillet and added crumbled bacon along with the recommended toppings. They turned out awesome! I will definitely be making them again. Even my very picky boyfriend enjoyed them. A win-win!

Steven Edwards

04/24/2024 06:54:10 PM

I originally whipped up this dish for myself while my wife was away, and I absolutely adored it. Upon her return, I excitedly shared the recipe with her and prepared it for us to enjoy together. She was pleasantly surprised by how effortlessly delicious the smashed burger taco was. I used fajita-sized flour tortillas, grilled onions, and cheddar cheese, all topped with lettuce, Thousand Island dressing, and a sprinkle of hot sauce (I was too lazy to dirty another dish). We savored it alongside steak fries. This recipe is a speedy, effortless, and mouthwatering option for any weeknight or weekend dinner. It's definitely going into our regular rotation!

Nicole Jones

05/05/2025 05:48:57 PM

Excellent! These were incredibly delicious. My husband absolutely enjoyed them, and they were a breeze to whip up. I'm still playing around with different variations. The initial batch I cooked had some grease dripping, which was a bit messy, so I plan to use higher-quality burger meat next time. I'm excited to try out the recommendations from others, like adding taco seasonings, sauce, and various toppings. I might even experiment with loose sausage and topping it with an egg. I really appreciate the fact that I'm avoiding the extra carbs from a traditional burger bun. Such a fantastic concept with endless potential variations.

Rachel Robinson

12/16/2023 09:43:52 AM

This was an exceptional experience! NICOLE's tip about frying the tortilla in hamburger grease truly revolutionized the dish. The 2 ounces of hamburger meat fit just right on the 6-inch tortilla. I added a sprinkle of Nicole's DIY Taco seasoning and some diced onion on top of the meat before layering on another tortilla. Once the meat was spread out, we flipped it and added cheese. After the cheese melted, we topped it with shredded lettuce and sliced avocado on one side, and sour cream on the other, then folded it over. Thanks again to NICOLE for introducing us to this innovative way of making a taco burger. This recipe will definitely stay in our rotation long after summer is over. Thanks!

Anna Turner

08/13/2023 09:28:10 PM

This recipe was fantastic and simple! By mistake, I combined the sauce with the meat, but it turned out great. I sprinkled shredded Jack cheese onto the tortilla before adding the meat on top, creating a juicy Lucy burger-like flavor. I did end up making extra sauce for the toppings, and I included a tablespoon of Sambal chili to spice it up.

Richard Wilson

09/27/2023 04:43:20 PM

My son prepared these for our Father's Day dinner. We thoroughly enjoyed the crunchy tortilla paired with the burger filling. The sauce was incredibly tasty, and I might consider increasing the recipe by 1.5 times for the next batch. I recommend folding the tortilla while it's still on the griddle, as the heat helps maintain its flexibility. My son attempted to fold his after removing it, but it quickly turned rigid.

Samantha Gomez

09/21/2023 07:28:14 PM

Absolutely enjoyed this recipe! I made a few tweaks, using only 1/3 cup of meat per burger to smash them thin and reduce excess blood/juice. Following moseleymic's advice, I grilled some onions on the side while cooking the burgers. The result was spot-on with the picture and incredibly tasty.

Linda Smith

04/20/2025 11:01:13 PM

Delicious! I only had spicy brown mustard on hand and used half a teaspoon since we're not big fans of mustard... This recipe is definitely a keeper!

Nathan Flores

08/18/2023 12:04:05 AM

This was fantastic! We opted for keto tortillas to keep it low-carb and cooked it in an iron skillet instead of a griddle. It turned out perfectly. Thank you for the recipe!

Pamela Miller

02/04/2024 07:20:38 AM

This dish was fantastic! We opted for keto tortillas to maintain a low-carb option. We decided to cook it in a cast iron skillet instead of a griddle, and it turned out perfectly. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

Tyler Martin

02/17/2024 07:47:21 AM

Delicious! I followed the recipe exactly as written and wouldn't change a thing.

Sarah Hill

12/04/2023 01:20:25 PM

Simple to prepare! The whole family enjoys it!

Dennis Jackson

01/23/2023 09:46:00 AM

I modified the recipe to make it keto-friendly by using Zero carb tortilla shells. They browned just as nicely as regular ones. Such an awesome recipe!

Ruth Anderson

11/07/2024 07:40:51 PM

This dish was absolutely delightful! I followed the recipe to the letter and had no issues. I was initially concerned about the meat cooking properly, but it ended up cooking perfectly all the way through. It paired perfectly with the burger.

Scott Moore

11/20/2022 01:48:51 PM

Quite delicious as is, though I would have rated it 5 stars if granulated garlic had been added along with the salt and pepper, as well as corn tortillas, which would have enhanced the flavor significantly.

Katherine Adams

09/09/2024 06:19:25 AM

I made this dish for my family and they're already requesting for me to make it again! Wow, it was absolutely delicious! Instead of grilling, I cooked them two at a time in an enameled cast iron skillet. I also followed another reviewer's suggestion and added some garlic powder and onion powder to the patty - it was a great addition.

Timothy Diaz

11/10/2023 07:39:25 AM

Enhanced the flavor by incorporating garlic and onion salt into the ground beef. Omitted the hot sauce and introduced horseradish to the sauce instead.

Kevin Parker

01/23/2024 12:11:22 AM

Tastes amazing!

Cook Time: 20 minutes