Unleash your inner foodie with my take on the internet’s Viral Smash Burger Tacos, a delicious fusion of classic American and Hispanic flavors.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
So, have you seen it? It’s everywhere! Instagram, top ranked on your go-to food blog – these Viral Smash Burger Tacos are taking over! What a crazy, mouthwatering mashup of our three faves – tasty burgers, cute tacos, and viral trends. Honestly, what more could a food lover want, right?
But, between you and me, the first time I spotted this online, I was like, “Wait, what?” Don’t get me wrong, I was totally intrigued, but also, just a li’l bit skeptical. The closest thing I ever made to this was my Sloppy Joe Burgers. The whole idea of blending the yum-factor of a good, juicy burger with the light and zesty vibe of our trusty taco seemed almost too wild. But hey, I was game, gave it a shot, and it was so worth it!
It’s basically our classic Smash Burger (you know – scrumptiously seasoned beef, seared till crispy, covered with outrageous toppings) but served in a soft, fluffy tortilla instead of the usual bun. And my gosh, please get me a napkin, because this isn’t any ordinary taco — it’s a full-on flavor explosion, just like other awesome mash-up foods like my Pizza Pasta Salad or Philly Cheesesteak Tacos!
Ingredients
I’ve split it up into two sections. The burger sauce should resemble a Big Mac sauce in taste (and appearance).
THE BURGERS:
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 2 small flour tortillas
- 2 big tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 tbsp burger sauce
- ½ cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- pinch of salt and pepper
THE BURGER SAUCE:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ketchup
- 6 dill pickles, chopped
- ground black pepper
Instructions
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Press a thin layer of the beef mixture onto the tortillas.
- Preheat a skillet on MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add a bit of the olive oil and place one tortilla with the beef side down. Smash it using the bottom of a saucepan. Cook it for 5 minutes.
- Flip the tortilla and place the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the beef. Place a lid on and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove it from the pan and repeat with the other tortilla.
- To make the sauce, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and chopped dill pickles in a small bowl. Season with the ground black pepper.
- Assemble your smash burger tacos. Top with the lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and burger sauce. Then fold and serve warm!
Tips & Tricks
Quality of Ingredients: A common element of all the best meals? The best ingredients. Go for fresh, high-quality meat and veggies. And don’t forget about the cheese — fresh, shredded mozzarella can make a world of difference.
Seasoning Matters: Seasoning often gets overlooked because 1) you can’t really see it, and 2) most people just wing it when it comes to how much to add. Don’t be shy with your salt and pepper, both really bring out the flavor of your other ingredients.
Master the Smash Technique: This one is more an art than science. It’s something you FEEL. Use the flat base of a saucepan and gently press down to spread out the beef onto the tortilla evenly. Just be careful with the amount of pressure you apply: Too much and you might break the tortilla, too light and it won’t cook properly.
Cooking Temperature: Here’s another that treads a fine line. The skillet needs to be just the right temperature – too hot and your tacos might burn, too low and they might not cook properly, leaving you with a soggy disappointment.
Customize to Taste: While I totally recommend Smash Burger Tacos as laid out in this recipe, don’t hesitate to bring your own flair. Add your favorite taco toppings like avocado slices, a drizzle of hot sauce, or sprinkle some chopped cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
For an unforgettable dining experience, serve your Viral Smash Burger Tacos hot off the skillet, accompanied with fresh homemade guacamole, a tangy watermelon salsa, and a dollop of cool sour cream. Round out this fabulous fiesta with a refreshing side of Mexican rice or a vibrant black bean and corn salad for that extra wow factor. And don’t forget, a frosty margarita or an ice-cold beer makes the perfect pairing for this sensational meal!
FAQs
I presume you haven’t attempted this recipe yet. You’ll know why it’s called a “Smash” Burger Taco when it comes time for you to smash the beef down on the taco.
Any ground beef will do, but if you want to make your tacos next-level good, try 80/20 ground beef (that’s 80% lean, 20% fat). The fat part brings the flavor and gives the burger a nice crispy coating when you “smash” it.
For sure! If you prefer corn tortillas or you’re just on a gluten-free kick, replace the flour tortillas. It’s a nice option to provide for fellow diners.
Nope. I use mozzarella ’cause it melts easily and has got a nice mild taste, so it doesn’t overshadow the beef. But if you’re feeling sassy, swap out the mozzarella for another melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack. You can also spice it up with jalapeno cheese instead of mozzarella for a fiery twist.
Variations
- Smash a layer of avocado on the tortilla before adding the beef mixture.
- Add other vegetables as toppings, like sliced red onions or bell peppers.
- Top your smash burger tacos with herbs like coriander or fresh parsley. Garlic powder, onion powder or even cumin would also taste good. Try different amounts and combinations until you find one that blows your socks off.
- Transform it into a vegetarian delight by replacing ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute.
- Revamp it into a gourmet version by topping it with truffle oil infused mayo and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles.
- Make it heart-healthy by opting for lean ground turkey and topping it with fresh avocado slices.
Make Ahead and How to Store Smash Burger Tacos
Sure, Smash Burger Tacos taste great when they’re sizzling fresh from the skillet, but prepping all of that ground beef ahead of time is a total lifesaver. So go ahead and do that if life gets too busy to make it on the spot. If you have any leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dine on them again, heat them up nice and slow in a skillet on MEDIUM. It keeps that crunch factor going strong and the flavors popping off.
Viral Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
THE BURGERS:
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 2 small flour tortillas
- 2 big tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 4 tbsp burger sauce
- ½ cup lettuce shredded
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- pinch of salt and pepper
THE BURGER SAUCE:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ketchup
- 6 dill pickle chopped
- ground black pepper
Instructions
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Press a thin layer of the beef mixture onto the tortillas.
- Preheat a skillet on MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add a bit of the olive oil and place one tortilla with the beef side down. Smash it using the bottom of a saucepan. Cook it for 5 minutes.
- Flip the tortilla and place the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the beef. Place a lid on and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove it from the pan and repeat with the other tortilla.
- To make the sauce, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and chopped dill pickles in a small bowl. Season with the ground black pepper.
- Assemble your smash burger tacos. Top with the lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and burger sauce. Now fold them and serve warm!
Notes
Nutrition
