Name: Smash Burger Tacos Recipe: Easy 5-Ingredient Family Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef; 4–6 slices American cheese (or cheddar/pepper jack as alternatives); 8–10 small flour tortillas; 2 tablespoons (30g) butter; Pickles or sliced onions (optional but recommended)

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Introduction

These Smash Burger Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on classic burgers, perfect for a family meal. With just five simple ingredients, you can create crispy, cheesy patties served on warm tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are sure to become a favorite.

Two crispy taco shells are filled with layers of cooked ground beef at the bottom, topped with fresh green lettuce, bright orange melted cheese, and small pieces of red onion. On top of that, creamy sauce is drizzled in thin lines and slices of green pickles are added on one taco. The tacos are resting on a white marbled surface, showing clear texture on the shells and fresh colors in the toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef
4–6 slices American cheese (or cheddar/pepper jack as alternatives)
8–10 small flour tortillas
2 tablespoons (30g) butter
Pickles or sliced onions (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is smoking hot. Meanwhile, warm the tortillas wrapped in foil in a low oven set to 200°F (95°C).
Step 2: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls, about 2 ounces (60g) each. Place one ball in the hot skillet and press down firmly with a spatula or burger press until it is about ¼-inch thick. Hold the pressure for 10 seconds. Repeat with 3–4 patties at a time, leaving space between each.
Step 3: Cook the patties without moving them for 2 minutes until the edges become crisp and brown. Flip each patty, place a slice of cheese on top immediately, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and the burger is cooked through.
Step 4: Melt the butter in a small frying pan over medium heat. Toast each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until lightly golden and soft. Keep them warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
Step 5: Assemble the tacos by placing two patties on each tortilla. Add pickles or sliced onions if desired. Fold gently without squishing the patties.
Step 6: Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the tortillas are warm.

Tips & Variations

Use a cast iron skillet for best crust formation on the patties.
Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick.
For extra flavor, add a smear of mayo or your favorite taco sauce before assembling.
Substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
If you prefer, add fresh salsa or chopped cilantro for a fresh contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked patties and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave until warm, and warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. Assemble tacos just before serving to maintain texture.

How to Serve

The image shows two crunchy tacos on a white marbled surface, each taco shell golden yellow with a slightly textured pattern. The first taco has a bottom layer of seasoned ground beef that is dark brown, topped with fresh green shredded lettuce. Above the lettuce, there are small pieces of diced white onion and red tomato scattered. A drizzle of light pink sauce runs across the top, adding a creamy texture. The second taco also has a base of dark brown ground beef, layered with slices of light green avocado, green lettuce, and small chopped light purple onion pieces. The same light pink sauce is drizzled on top, blending into the fresh toppings. The tacos are close together, showing the colors and textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leaner ground beef for this recipe?

While you can use leaner beef, the 80/20 ratio ensures juicy, flavorful patties. Leaner meat may result in drier burgers.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

You can use a heavy non-stick or stainless steel skillet, but cast iron is best for achieving the crispy edges characteristic of smash burgers.