Why I Love This Recipe

Burger night is always a good idea, and this is one of my favorite ways to switch it up. These smash burger tacos are made by pressing seasoned beef directly into the tortilla as it cooks, creating a perfectly crispy, flavorful base. The result is a crunchy tortilla with juicy beef cooked right into it, topped with melty cheese, sweet caramelized onions, crisp lettuce, pickles, and a tangy burger sauce. Every bite tastes just like a restaurant-style smash burger. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving a burger without firing up the grill.

Enjoying The Leftovers

These are best made and enjoyed fresh since the beef is cooked directly into the tortilla for that signature crispy texture. You can store the components separately and assemble fresh tacos when ready to eat.

Storing

Store the cooked beef, onions, and burger sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the lettuce, pickles, and tortillas separate until serving.

Reheating

For best results, cook the beef pressed into a fresh tortilla when ready to serve. If reheating components, warm the beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, then assemble on a fresh tortilla with cheese, lettuce, pickles, burger sauce, and your favorite toppings.

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Smash Burger Tacos

These Smash Burger Tacos feature seasoned beef pressed and cooked directly into tortillas for a crispy, juicy base, topped with melty cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy burger sauce. They're quick, flavorful, and best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate texture and taste.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
US M
Servings 6 tacos

Ingredients

For the burger mixture
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  •  paprika
For the caramelized onions
  • 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
For the burger sauce
  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp dill relish
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle juice (from a jar of sweet pickles)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Optional toppings
  • Sliced cheddar or American cheese
  • Pickle chips
  • Shredded lettuce
  • 1 pack of tortillas
US – M

Instructions

  • Start by making the caramelized onions. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring often, until soft, golden, and caramelized, about 20 to 30 minutes. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, dill relish, sweet pickle juice, and garlic powder until smooth. Set the burger sauce aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until just mixed.
  • Lay out the tortillas and divide the beef mixture evenly between them. Press the beef into a thin, even layer that spreads all the way to the edges of each tortilla.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla beef side down into the pan and give it a good press down. Cook until the beef is deeply browned and crisp around the edges, about 3 minutes. Flip and add the cheese to the top and cook the tortilla side for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until lightly toasted.
  • Remove from the pan and immediately top with caramelized onions, pickles, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of burger sauce.
  • Repeat with the remaining tortillas and serve hot.

Equipment

saute pan
cutting board
measuring cups
mixing bowls

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 1g