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Smash Burger Tacos

Smash burger tacos with an ultra-thin, crispy beef patty that clings to the griddle and forms a cheesy pull in a taco shell. Each taco is folded hot and loaded with lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapeños, sour cream, and hot sauce for taco fusion crunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Calories: 820
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef and tortillas
  • 1.5 lb ground beef 80/20 for best browning and crisp edges.
  • 8 flour or corn tortillas Use small tortillas so they fold neatly.
  • 8 cheddar or American cheese Cut into slices for quick melt on the griddle.
Taco toppings
  • 0.5 cup shredded lettuce
  • 0.5 cup pico de gallo
  • 0.25 cup sliced jalapeños
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • salt and pepper To taste; season the beef balls before smashing.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Portion and prep
  1. Divide the ground beef into 8 portions and roll each into a ball, then season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
Smash and melt
  1. Place tortillas on the griddle and add 1 beef ball to each, then smash as thin as possible with a heavy spatula.
  2. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and lacey, then flip tortilla and beef together.
  3. Immediately add cheese and cook for 1 minute until melted and oozing.
  4. Fold each tortilla like a taco so the crispy beef and melted cheese hold together.
Assemble toppings
  1. Fill each taco with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and sliced jalapeños.
  2. Top with sour cream and finish with hot sauce to taste.

Notes

For the crispiest lacey edges, keep the griddle at high heat and smash fast right after placing the beef ball down. Serve immediately for the best cheese pull and crunch; leftovers keep 2 days in the fridge, but tortillas may soften. Freezing isn’t recommended for best texture. If you want a lighter option, use 90/10 ground beef and consider skipping or reducing sour cream.