Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the moment you take a bite of a Smashed Cheeseburger Taco, where the crispiness of the tortilla meets the savory, juicy goodness of the ground beef. This recipe takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish, blending two beloved classics into one irresistible meal. The simple technique of smashing the beef into the tortillas ensures even cooking and a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends, these tacos are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. You can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an even faster assembly when mealtime arrives.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Each bite is bursting with flavor from the seasoned beef and melty cheese.
• The tortillas provide a satisfying crunch that complements the juicy filling.
• It’s a fun, hands-on meal that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
• The customizable toppings allow for personal flair and creativity.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients to prepare these fun tacos.

For the Beef

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 taco size flour tortillas
• seasoning of choice

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 2 tbsp pickle relish

For Serving

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• shredded lettuce
• tomato, diced
• pickles

Use your favorite condiments instead of the sauce mix if preferred.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• Any cheese variety for different flavors.
• Avocado for extra creaminess instead of mayo.

How to Make It

Create delicious Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos with these easy steps.

Mix Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, mustard, and relish to make the sauce. This step is totally optional—you can also buy burger sauce or simply use your favorite condiments.

Preheat

Preheat a Blackstone griddle, cast iron skillet, or a regular pan to medium-high heat. Take your time to ensure it’s hot enough for a good sear.

Smash Beef

Separate the raw ground beef into six equal parts and smash the beef down onto your tortillas to create an even thin layer covering the entire surface of the tortillas. Sprinkle the beef with your seasoning of choice.

Grease Cooking Surface

Lightly grease your pan or griddle with oil. The amount of oil needed will depend on the pan you are using as well as the fat content of your beef. We used about 2 tbsp on our Blackstone griddle.

Cook Tacos

Place the tortillas down onto your cooking surface with the beef side down and cook for approximately 2 minutes. Flip and immediately top the beef with shredded cheese. Continue cooking for 1-3 minutes or until the tortillas are crisp and the beef is cooked to your liking. The tortillas can burn easily if your griddle is too hot! Keep a close eye on them as they may be done after only a minute.

Add Toppings

Remove from the heat and add your desired toppings. Fold and eat like a taco while you savor every scrumptious bite.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, best enjoyed fresh.
Reheat: microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.

Tips for Best Results

• Adjust cooking time based on your beef’s fat content for optimal crispiness.
• Keep cooked tacos warm in a low oven if serving a crowd.
• Experiment with different seasonings for unique flavor profiles.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of crispy fries for a hearty meal.
• Serve alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Enjoy with a cold beverage for the ultimate backyard BBQ experience.