Name: Smash Burger Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons pickle relish; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 flour tortillas (6-inch); 1/2 pound lean ground beef; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado); 4 slices American cheese (or any good melting cheese); 1/4 cup diced onion; 12 dill pickle chips; 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

Smash Burger Tacos are the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics: juicy smash burgers and handheld tacos. With a crispy tortilla base, savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, and all the classic burger toppings, this fun and easy recipe delivers big flavor in every bite. I love how quickly it comes together and how customizable it is for any crowd or craving. Smash Burger Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I get to enjoy all the best parts of a juicy burger in a taco that’s crispy, flavorful, and super easy to make. These Smash Burger Tacos cook fast and pack in loads of flavor with a Big Mac–style sauce, crisp lettuce, pickles, and melty cheese. I also love how fun they are to serve—whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend hangout.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Burger Sauce:

Mayonnaise
Pickle relish
Dijon mustard
Sugar
White vinegar
Paprika
Onion powder
Garlic powder

Tacos:

Flour tortillas (6-inch)
Lean ground beef
Salt and pepper
Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
American cheese (or any good melting cheese)
Diced onion
Dill pickle chips
Shredded iceberg lettuce

directions

I start by making the sauce: I mix together mayonnaise, relish, mustard, sugar, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
I divide the ground beef into four equal portions.
On a clean surface, I place a tortilla and press a portion of beef evenly across it, seasoning with salt and pepper.
In a hot skillet with oil, I cook the tortilla meat-side down for 2–3 minutes, pressing it flat until a crust forms.
I flip the tortilla so the tortilla side cooks, top the meat with cheese, and let it cook for another minute or two until the cheese melts.
I remove the taco and repeat with the rest.
To serve, I spread the burger sauce on the cheesy beef side, then top with shredded lettuce, diced onion, and pickles. I fold them like tacos and dig in.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 tacos.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken when I want something lighter.
I like switching up the sauce with spicy mayo or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
American cheese is classic, but I also enjoy these with cheddar or pepper jack for added kick.
When I want more tacos to go around, I use smaller street taco tortillas and just adjust the beef amounts.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I avoid the microwave and use a skillet or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture.

FAQs

What kind of tortillas should I use?

I stick with 6-inch flour tortillas—they crisp up nicely and hold the meat well. Street taco–sized ones also work great if I want to serve smaller portions.

Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. I like making it earlier in the day or even the night before. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How do I keep the tacos from getting soggy?

To keep things crisp, I reheat them in a hot skillet or air fryer. I also try not to overdo the sauce and toppings until just before serving.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, I’ve done this for gatherings and just used a larger skillet or griddle to cook more at once. The sauce can also be made in a big batch ahead of time.

What other toppings can I add?

Sometimes I add tomato slices, jalapeños, or swap in shredded cheese blends. It’s really easy to make these my own depending on what I have on hand.

Conclusion

Smash Burger Tacos are everything I love in a quick, satisfying meal—crispy, cheesy, tangy, and full of bold flavor. Whether I’m craving a burger or a taco, this recipe always hits the spot. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for switching things up at dinner time.