When Friday night rolls around, the excitement for a casual dinner creeps in like a sweet memory. Tacos or burgers? The eternal debate! But wait—what if you could have both? Enter the Smash Burger Tacos: a delicious hybrid that lets you dive into smoky, juicy burger goodness wrapped in the comforting embrace of a taco shell. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, holding a special place in my heart and, trust me, your taste buds will thank you too!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Picture this: a crackling skillet alive with sizzling ground beef, enveloped in a tapestry of vibrant taco flavors. Smash Burger Tacos are the epitome of indulgence without sacrificing that beloved taco experience. They’re not just a meal; they’re a full-blown fiesta in your mouth. Imagine each bite bursting with the robust flavor of taco seasoning combined with that iconic burger juiciness! Plus, they are ridiculously easy to whip up, meaning you can treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me; your friends and family will be calling you the culinary genius of the week!
What makes this dish even better? Versatility! You can cater it to any palate—whether you’re a cheese lover or are looking for a fresh veggie option, there’s room for creativity with these tacos. You can crank up the heat with some zesty salsa, or mellow things down with creamy avocado. Talk about a crowd-pleaser!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these beauties sing:
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Ground Beef: Look for 80/20 ground beef for that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Not a beef fan? Ground turkey or chicken works just as well!
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Taco Seasoning: This is the secret to infusing your meat with that quintessential taco flavor. You can go for store-bought or make your own mix with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder for extra flair.
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Burger Buns: Pick soft, fresh buns—think brioche or classic sesame. They should be fluffy enough to soak up those delicious juices without falling apart.
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Shredded Lettuce: Adding a crisp texture and freshness, it’s the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the beef.
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Tomato Slices: Juicy and vibrant, tomatoes add both flavor and color. A burst of freshness can’t hurt, right?
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Cheddar Cheese: Because what’s a burger without cheese? Feel free to mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick or go vegan if that’s your jam.
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Pickles: Tangy, crunchy, and full of flavor—pickles add that unexpected zing!
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Burger Sauce: Think of this as the finishing touch, drizzled on top for that creamy goodness. You can use a ready-made sauce or make a simple blend of mayo, ketchup, and a dash of mustard.
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Taco Shells: Crunchy or soft, that’s your call! Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold all those toppings.
The cooking process explained
Ready to get cooking? Here’s your guide to crafting these delightful Smash Burger Tacos:
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Sizzle the Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it brown nicely. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking—this is where the magic begins!
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Season the Meat: Once browned, sprinkle in your taco seasoning. Give it a good mix so every bit gets coated. Smell that? That’s the flavor explosion you’re after!
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Smash it Down: Here’s where the name comes into play. Use a spatula to smash the beef into flat patties, creating those lovely crispy edges. This is when flavor meets texture!
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Toast the Buns: While the beef cooks, lightly toast your burger buns until golden. This step adds a wonderful crunch and keeps those buns from getting soggy—a game changer, really.
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Assembly Time: Grab those taco shells and start layering. Begin with a sprinkle of shredded lettuce, then lay down the smashed patty, followed by tomato slices, a sprinkle of cheddar, and crunchy pickles.
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The Finishing Touch: Drizzle all that with your sauce. Don’t be shy—this is where flavor really takes a dive into deliciousness. Serve ’em hot!
Best way to enjoy it
The beauty of Smash Burger Tacos is in their flexibility. Serve them on a colorful platter accompanied by a variety of toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, or even pineapple salsa for a tropical twist! Pair your tacos with a side of crunchy tortilla chips and a zesty salsa, or opt for some classic coleslaw to bring in that fresh crunch! And let’s be honest, nothing washes these beauties down better than an ice-cold cerveza or a fizzy drink to really make it a party.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Smash Burger Tacos can be stored easily. Place any uneaten patties and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge. They should stay delicious for about 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, just warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, and feel free to microwave the taco shells for a few seconds to bring back that crunch! If you want to make these in bulk, you can freeze the cooked beef—just remember to use it within 3 months for the best flavor.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few pearls of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way:
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to throw in extra spices or hot sauce when you’re cooking the beef.
- Fresh Ingredients are Key: Seek out the freshest produce for your toppings—they’ll elevate your tacos from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Have Fun: Cooking should be enjoyable! Don’t stress about perfection; embrace those quirky little variations along the way.
Recipe variations
Feeling creative? There are tons of ways to switch up this recipe. Swap out the ground beef for a vegan meat substitute, or use grilled vegetables for a delightful veggie taco. Want to really push the boundaries? Try adding a slaw made from cabbage and tangy lime juice for an extra crunch! And who’s to say you can’t drizzle some spicy sriracha or chipotle mayo for an added kick?
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Burger buns
- Shredded lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Cheddar cheese
- Pickles
- Burger sauce
- Taco shells
Directions to follow
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
- Add taco seasoning and mix well.
- Smash the beef into the skillet to form thin patties.
- Toast the burger buns until lightly browned.
- In the taco shells, layer shredded lettuce, cooked beef patties, tomato slices, cheddar cheese, and pickles.
- Drizzle with burger sauce and serve hot.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time? From start to finish, you’ll be enjoying these tacos in about 30-40 minutes, depending on how fast you chop!
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meat and toppings in advance and assemble them right before serving.
What should I serve with these tacos? Think chips and salsa, or even a light salad to balance out the rich flavors. Or go all Mexican and serve with a side of refried beans!
Can I make these gluten-free? For sure! Just swap the burger buns and taco shells for gluten-free alternatives and you’re set.
How can I spice it up? Add some chopped jalapeños or replace the cheddar cheese with pepper jack to set your taste buds ablaze!
Why don’t you give these Smash Burger Tacos a whirl? Embrace this delightful fusion, play around with your toppings, and make it truly yours! Cooking has a beautiful way of bringing people together, so I can’t wait to hear how your flavorful adventure turns out. Give it a try and let’s celebrate these taco-burger wonders together!
Smash Burger Tacos
Description
Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy goodness of a burger with the fun of tacos. These easy-to-make tacos are packed with flavor and are a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
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Sizzle the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it brown nicely.Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. -
Season the Meat
Once browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well.Ensure every bit gets coated. -
Smash it Down
Use a spatula to smash the beef into flat patties.This creates crispy edges. -
Toast the Buns
Lightly toast the burger buns until golden.This prevents buns from getting soggy. -
Assembly Time
In taco shells, layer shredded lettuce, smashed patties, tomato slices, cheddar cheese, and pickles. -
The Finishing Touch
Drizzle burger sauce over the top and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 1200mg50%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 160 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 250 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 0 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
