If you are craving a delightful twist on classic comfort food, the Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe is going to become your newest obsession. This dish combines the juicy, crispy goodness of a smashed cheeseburger with the fun and convenience of a taco. Every bite bursts with bold flavors and textures—from the perfectly seasoned beef and melted cheddar to the fresh crunch of lettuce and pickles. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want to impress without fussing in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in making the dish flavorful, vibrant, and texturally balanced. From the seasoned ground beef to the fresh veggies and classic condiments, every component shines.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star of the tacos, providing juicy, savory flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps crisp up the beef.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly when seasoned with the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a warm, garlicky depth that’s essential in cheeseburger seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and savory note.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- 4 small flour tortillas: The soft, pliable vessels that hold all the delicious fillings.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the beef, adding creamy sharpness.
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce: Adds crisp freshness and a nice contrast to the rich beef.
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes: Provides bright acidity and juiciness.
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced: Offers a tangy crunch that balances the richness.
- 1/4 cup diced onions: Adds a sharp, zesty bite to every mouthful.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: The classic sweet-tart condiment that ties the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons mustard: Injects a tangy zest reminiscent of your favorite cheeseburger.
How to Make Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Start by warming a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. This ensures your beef will sizzle as soon as it hits the pan, helping create that irresistible crust that defines a smashed burger.
Step 2: Add Olive Oil
Pour in the olive oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of your skillet evenly. The oil prevents sticking and helps build those crispy, caramelized bits on the beef.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Drop the ground beef into the hot skillet. Begin breaking it apart immediately with a spatula or wooden spoon. This keeps the meat loosely packed and helps it cook evenly.
Step 4: Season the Beef
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika directly over the beef. These simple spices transform the savory ground meat into burger perfection with layered, bold flavor.
Step 5: Brown and Crisp
Continue cooking the beef, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until all pinkness disappears. Then, press the beef flat using the back of your spatula, creating thin layers that crisp up beautifully. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes more without stirring to maximize that crispy texture.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
While the beef crisps, heat the flour tortillas in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for about 30-45 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and flexible for easy folding and biting.
Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos
Lay the warmed tortillas on plates, evenly divide the crispy beef among them, and sprinkle 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the meat. Then layer on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and onions for crunch and brightness.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle ketchup and mustard over the fillings, just like your favorite burger sauce. Serve your Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of warm, melty, crispy, and fresh flavors.
How to Serve Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and color, consider adding sliced jalapeños for heat, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for brightness, or a dollop of sour cream to cool things down. These little additions personalize the Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe to your taste buds perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with classic sides like crispy French fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or even a simple mixed green salad. Each of these choices complements the hearty beef while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual dinners, serve the taco ingredients buffet-style so everyone can build their own versions of the Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe. You could also swap flour tortillas for crunchy taco shells for a different texture or use mini slider buns to turn these into fun handheld bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cooked beef in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep your tortillas separate to prevent sogginess, and add fresh veggies just before serving.
Freezing
The cooked beef portion freezes well for up to 2 months. Spread the cooled beef on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to freezer bags. This prevents clumping and makes reheating easier.
Reheating
Reheat the beef gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive its crispiness and flavor. Warm tortillas separately to maintain softness, and add fresh veggies and condiments when assembling again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar melts well and has a familiar flavor, you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little spice, or even American cheese for that classic cheeseburger feel.
Are these tacos suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, you can prepare the seasoned beef ahead of time and store it separately. To keep everything fresh, warm the tortillas and assemble toppings right before eating.
Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are leaner alternatives that work well, though the flavor will be milder. You might want to add a little extra seasoning or umami to compensate.
What’s the best way to get crispy bits on the beef?
Don’t overcrowd the pan and press the beef flat once it’s mostly cooked. Let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to form those delicious caramelized edges.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Certainly! Use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas instead of flour ones. Just be mindful that corn tortillas have a different texture and flavor, which many find delicious with this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe is like inviting a bit of burger magic to taco night, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite fast. With its simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and unbeatable flavor combo, you may find yourself craving these tacos on repeat. So, grab your skillet and start cooking—these tasty, crispy, cheeseburger-inspired tacos are waiting to become your new go-to comfort food.
Print
Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and crispy smashed cheeseburger tacos that combine seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. This quick and easy recipe delivers the classic cheeseburger flavor with a fun taco twist, perfect for a casual meal or game day snack.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Tortillas & Cheese
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
Instructions
- Heat skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the beef.
- Add oil: Add the olive oil to the skillet and swirl it around to evenly coat the bottom.
- Cook beef: Place the ground beef in the skillet when the oil is hot.
- Break apart beef: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break apart the beef as it cooks.
- Season beef: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika evenly over the beef.
- Brown beef: Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Smooth and crisp beef: Press the beef flat into the skillet using the back of the spatula to create thin, crispy bits.
- Cook crispy bits: Let cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp up the beef.
- Warm tortillas: While beef crisps, warm the tortillas in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for 30-45 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
- Remove tortillas: Remove tortillas from heat and set aside.
- Remove skillet from heat: Take the skillet off the burner once beef is crispy.
- Prepare tacos: Place one tortilla on each serving plate.
- Add beef: Distribute the crispy beef evenly onto the center of each tortilla.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the beef on each taco.
- Add lettuce: Top each taco with 2 tablespoons of shredded lettuce.
- Add tomatoes: Add 1 tablespoon of diced tomatoes to each taco.
- Add pickles: Place a few slices of pickles on each taco, spreading them evenly.
- Add onions: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon diced onions onto each taco.
- Add ketchup: Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon ketchup over the taco fillings.
- Add mustard: Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon mustard over the taco fillings.
- Serve: Serve the smashed cheeseburger tacos immediately while beef is warm and crispy.
Notes
- Use fresh ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more or less salt and spices based on preference.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Cheese can be substituted with your favorite melting cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Feel free to add additional toppings such as avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños.
