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Smash Burger Tacos – Viral Dinner Recipe

Crispy smash burger patties wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh toppings and creamy sauce—an easy viral dinner everyone loves.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 tacos
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

Burger Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for pan
  • 8 small tortillas flour or corn
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup diced onions
  • 0.25 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 limes cut into wedges
Smash Sauce
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle juice
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or griddle
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or burger press
  • Small bowl (for sauce)

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Chill in the fridge.
  2. Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions and roll into loose balls. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Add vegetable oil.
  4. Place 2 beef balls at a time on the hot surface. Smash immediately with a spatula or burger press until thin and crispy.
  5. Cook for 2–3 minutes until browned and crispy, then flip and cook 1–2 more minutes.
  6. Add shredded cheese to each patty and cover briefly to melt.
  7. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until flexible.
  8. Assemble tacos: place patty in tortilla, top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, and smash sauce.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

For extra flavor, add pickled jalapeños or crispy bacon. Use corn tortillas for a more authentic taco texture.