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 Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos
- 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
Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos
Ingredients
- For the Tacos
- 1 pound 450g ground beef (80/20)
- 6 small flour tortillas 6-inch
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 medium tomato diced
- ½ cup dill pickle slices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Burger Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Refrigerate while preparing the tacos.
- Divide the ground beef into six equal portions. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Press each portion into a thin, even layer directly onto one side of each flour tortilla.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the tortillas beef-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes until the beef develops a deep golden-brown crust. Flip carefully and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the tortilla is lightly crispy.
- Place one slice of American cheese on top of each beef patty. Cover the skillet for about 1 minute, or until the cheese is completely melted.
- Transfer the tacos to serving plates. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickle slices, and drizzle generously with the prepared burger sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot with French fries, potato chips, onion rings, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest smash burger flavor.
- Press the beef into a very thin layer for maximum caramelization.
- A cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle gives the best crust.
- Prepare all toppings before cooking so you can assemble quickly.
- Freshly shredded lettuce adds the best crunch.
- American cheese melts the smoothest, but cheddar or Monterey Jack also work well.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest tortillas.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Potassium: 340mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 8% DV
- Vitamin C: 6% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 18% DV
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