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Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Quick

Category: Wholesome Meals for Every Day

Bursting with savory flavors, these smashed cheeseburger tacos feature thin beef patties pressed onto tortillas, then seared until crisp. Topped with melty cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a tangy sauce, they offer an irresistible fusion of burger and taco. Quick to prepare with everyday ingredients, they make mealtime fun and easy, delighting both kids and adults. Choose your favorite cheese, sauces, or add hearty toppings to make each taco your own. Leftovers reheat beautifully, keeping their texture and taste for a satisfying next-day bite.

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Updated on Sun, 27 Jul 2025 16:15:04 GMT
Three tacos with lettuce and tomatoes on a white plate. Save
Three tacos with lettuce and tomatoes on a white plate. | deliciousbynina.com

Smashed cheeseburger tacos turn your favorite burger night into a fun and easy handheld meal. Combining the juicy smash-burger technique with a soft tortilla base, these are perfect for busy families who crave something satisfying but quick to pull off. This clever twist is kid-approved and fuss-free yet delivers that crave-worthy, indulgent flavor.

I threw these together the first time when we had hungry kids and not much time. Even my most suspicious eater dove in and now they get requested weekly.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Brings the classic juicy burger flavor Look for beef that is at least 80 percent lean for the best balance of flavor without too much grease
  • Taco size flour tortillas: Provide a soft yet sturdy base Choose fresh tortillas that feel pliable and smell slightly sweet
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts quickly and perfectly over the hot beef Try to buy cheese you shred yourself for that smooth melt
  • Seasoning of choice: Adds the savory punch Stick to classic salt and pepper or get creative with a burger seasoning blend
  • Oil for greasing: Ensures a crisp golden edge to your taco Only a thin layer is needed so reach for a neutral high heat oil
  • Optional Big Mac sauce: A zesty blend of mayo ketchup mustard and relish You can also use your favorite store-bought burger sauce for ease
  • Shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles: Fresh contrast and crunch Choose crisp cold lettuce and vine ripened tomatoes for best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Sauce:
Mix mayo ketchup mustard and relish in a small bowl until creamy For extra convenience you can use a favorite burger condiment blend
Prep and Preheat:
Heat your griddle cast iron skillet or fry pan over medium-high until hot About five minutes should do the trick if using cast iron
Shape and Smash:
Divide ground beef into six equal lumps Press and flatten the raw beef evenly onto one side of each tortilla all the way to the edges Sprinkle with seasoning
Cook the Beef Side:
Brush the cooking surface with a bit of oil Lay the tortillas beef side down on the hot surface Let them sizzle for about two minutes to caramelize the beef
Flip and Top With Cheese:
Turn each taco over so the tortilla is now on the heat Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheddar over the beef Cook for one to three more minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy golden Keep an eye so the tortillas do not burn
Finish and Fill:
Transfer tacos off the heat Add your favorite toppings like lettuce tomato pickles and extra sauce Fold gently and eat while hot and melty
Two tacos with lettuce and tomatoes on a white plate. Save
Two tacos with lettuce and tomatoes on a white plate. | deliciousbynina.com

I cannot resist how the cheddar melts into the beef edges It makes every bite taste indulgent and brings me right back to summer cookouts with my family Tacos bring everyone to the kitchen and the laughter that follows is the best part

Storage Tips

These tacos taste best fresh off the pan but if you have leftovers transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to two days They reheat like a dream in an air fryer or toaster oven at high heat for just a few minutes which brings the crisp right back

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the flour tortillas for corn if gluten free just know they are a bit more delicate Ground turkey or a plant based crumble also work well Shredded mozzarella or pepper jack offers a new cheese experience And for sauce try sriracha mayo or smoky barbecue

Serving Suggestions

Pile on shredded lettuce tomatoes sliced pickles extra cheese or crunchy onion strings Serve with a side of baked fries or dunk the tacos in burger sauce for an extra treat They make a great appetizer for casual gatherings too

Fun Cultural Twist

Smashed cheeseburger tacos borrow the all American burger and turn it Tex Mex with the tortilla This mashup feels right at home for summer barbecues or family game night letting everyone stack theirs the way they like

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beef works best?

Use ground beef with at least 80/20 fat content for juicy patties and crispy edges.

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead?

Yes, though flour tortillas hold together better when pressing in the beef. Corn tortillas may break, so handle with care.

→ Which cheese melts best for these tacos?

Shredded cheddar melts quickly and evenly, but any melty cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack works well.

→ How do I keep the tortillas from burning?

Cook over medium-high heat and watch closely—tortillas crisp fast once the beef side is down. Flip as soon as the edges firm up.

→ What toppings go well?

Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and your favorite burger sauce or condiments all compliment these tacos nicely.

→ How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in an air fryer or hot skillet for about 5 minutes to maintain crispness and flavor.

Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos Easy

Juicy beef, cheddar, and toppings wrapped in crisp tortillas for a fun spin on classic burgers—ready in minutes.

Prep Time
10 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
By: Nina

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Serves: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Burger Tacos

01 1 pound ground beef
02 6 taco-size flour tortillas
03 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 Seasoning of choice
05 Oil for greasing the cooking surface

→ Optional Big Mac Sauce

06 1/2 cup mayo
07 1/4 cup ketchup
08 1 tbsp mustard
09 2 tbsp pickle relish

→ Toppings

10 Shredded lettuce
11 Tomato
12 Pickles

Directions

Step 01

In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, mustard, and relish to make the sauce. You may also use store-bought burger sauce or condiments.

Step 02

Preheat a Blackstone griddle, cast iron skillet, or regular pan to medium-high heat.

Step 03

Separate the raw ground beef into six equal parts and smash the beef onto the tortillas to create an even thin layer covering the entire surface. Sprinkle with seasoning.

Step 04

Lightly grease the pan or griddle with oil. Adjust the amount depending on the pan and fat content of your beef. Approximately 2 tbsp of oil was used for a Blackstone griddle.

Step 05

Place the tortillas down onto the cooking surface, beef side down, and cook for approximately 2 minutes.

Step 06

Flip the tortillas and immediately top the beef with shredded cheese. Continue cooking for 1-3 minutes until the tortillas are crisp and the beef is cooked to your liking. Avoid burning by monitoring the heat closely.

Step 07

Remove from heat and add your desired toppings. Fold the tortillas and enjoy your taco.

Notes

  1. Smash the beef to the edge of the tortillas as it shrinks while cooking.
  2. A Blackstone griddle or cast iron skillet works best for crispy smashed burgers.
  3. Corn tortillas can be used but may not hold together as well.
  4. Shredded cheese melts quicker than sliced cheese.
  5. Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer at 390°F for 5 minutes.
  6. This recipe can be adapted with ground sausage, scrambled eggs, and salsa for breakfast tacos.

Required Equipment

  • Blackstone griddle, cast iron skillet, or non-stick pan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula for smashing meat

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for possible allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese)
  • Contains gluten (flour tortillas)
  • Possible allergens in condiments like mustard and pickle relish

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 18 g