Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos

A pound of ground beef doesn’t always have to become burgers, meatloaf, or spaghetti. Smash it onto tortillas, add cheese, and you’ve got these Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos instead.

They’re quick, crispy, and easy to top, making them a great answer when you have ground beef but no dinner plan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes
• Crispy tortilla with juicy smashed beef
• Loaded with classic cheeseburger flavors
• Easy weeknight dinner
• Family-friendly
• Budget-friendly
• Easily customizable

Ingredients

For the Tacos

• 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 6 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
• 6 slices American cheese
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• ½ cup dill pickle slices
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Burger Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Ingredient Notes

Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend creates the juiciest smashed burgers.

American Cheese: Melts beautifully for an authentic cheeseburger flavor.

Flour Tortillas: Small tortillas crisp up perfectly while staying flexible.

Burger Sauce: Creamy, tangy, and the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos

Step 1: Make the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Divide the ground beef into six equal portions. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Press each portion into a thin, even layer directly onto one side of each tortilla.

Step 3: Cook the Tacos

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.

Place the tortillas beef-side down and cook for about 3–4 minutes until the beef develops a deep golden-brown crust.

Flip carefully and cook the tortilla side for another 1–2 minutes until lightly crispy.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Place one slice of American cheese on each burger while still in the skillet.

Cover the pan for about 1 minute until the cheese melts.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Transfer the tacos to serving plates.

Top each with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickle slices, and a generous drizzle of burger sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately while hot with fries, onion rings, potato chips, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips

• Don’t overwork the beef.
• Press the meat into a thin, even layer.
• Use a hot skillet for the best crust.
• Cook in batches if needed.
• Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos

Add crispy bacon pieces before serving.

Spicy Version

Use pepper jack cheese and sliced jalapeños.

BBQ Cheeseburger Tacos

Swap the burger sauce for barbecue sauce.

Double Cheeseburger

Use two slices of cheese for an extra cheesy taco.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftover beef separately for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the beef in a hot skillet and assemble fresh tacos for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas work best because they stay flexible and crisp evenly.

Can I make these ahead?

The burger sauce and toppings can be prepared ahead, but cook the tacos just before serving.

What’s the best cheese?

American cheese gives the classic smash burger flavor, but cheddar or Monterey Jack also work well.

Can I cook these on a Blackstone griddle?

Yes! A flat-top griddle is perfect for making smashed cheeseburger tacos.

Serving Suggestions

• French fries
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Potato wedges
• Sweet potato fries
• Pickle spears
• Milkshakes
• Fresh lemonade