Tortilla Burgers | Smash Burger Taco Recipe

If you're craving a delicious twist on classic flavors, these Tortilla Burgers should be on your menu! This recipe brings together the juicy satisfaction of a smash burger with the delightful convenience of a taco, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even game day feast, this dish is both fun to make and eat.

Why You'll Love This Bunless Burger

• Quick & Satisfying. Ready in under 20 minutes, these beef tacos are as speedy as they are scrumptious.
• Innovatively Delicious. A unique blend of burger and taco, offering the best of both worlds.
• Customizable. A main course that is easy to adapt with various toppings and sauces.
• Crowd-Pleaser. Sure to delight both taco lovers and burger aficionados alike.

Are Tortilla Burgers Good?

Yes, they are exceptionally delicious! Combining the heartiness of a smash burger with the casual flair of a taco makes for an irresistible dish that's bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 pound ground beef- This is the main protein and forms the burger patties.
• 8 flour taco shells- These act as the “bun" for your tortilla smash burger.
• 8 slices American cheese- Adds creamy, melty richness and helps hold everything together a bit.
• ¼ cup sliced pickles- Brings crunch and tangy, salty bite that cuts through the beef and mayo.
• ¼ cup diced onion- Adds sharpness and extra crunch.
• 1 cup shredded lettuce- Adds fresh crunch and keeps the burgers from feeling heavy.
• ¾ cup mayonnaise- This is the creamy base for the sauce/spread, adding moisture so the tortilla doesn’t feel dry.
• 4 teaspoon mustard- Gives the sauce tang and a little zip.
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar- Brightens and thins the sauce slightly, giving it a “burger sauce” punch.
• 2 teaspoon Swerve- A sugar substitute used to add a touch of sweetness to the sauce (similar to a fast-food style burger sauce).
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika- Adds mild smokiness and warm color to the sauce.

How To Make A Tortilla Burger

Make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, vinegar, and Swerve. Stir until well mixed. Set aside.

Prepare toppings. Chop, slice, and set them aside. These will be used to top your tacos.

Shape the burgers. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions.

Preheat and smash. Heat your stovetop to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the beef quickly. Place a ball of beef on the hot griddle. Smash it flat with a heavy spatula or burger press, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy.

Flip and finish. Flip the burger, immediately top with some shredded cheese, and cook for another minute until the cheese melts.

Warm the tortillas. Briefly heat the tortillas on the griddle, about 30 seconds per side, to make them pliable and slightly toasted.

Assemble the tortilla burgers. Place a cheesy smash burger on each tortilla. Top with onions and pickles. Drizzle with the prepared sauce.

Serve immediately. Enjoy your smash burger tacos hot, complemented by your favorite sides or burger toppings.

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make them perfect every time:

• Preheat Your Pan or Griddle. Get your cooking surface really hot before you start cooking. This helps create that delicious crust on the burgers and keeps the ground beef from sticking to your pan.
• Keep Them Small. Since you're making tacos, smaller burger patties work best. Aim for patties around 2-3 ounces each. This keeps them slightly smaller than your tortilla shells to keep the tortilla to ground beef ratio perfect.
• Use a Smashing Tool. Invest in a good smashing tool like a heavy-duty spatula or a dedicated burger smasher. Using a flimsy spatula prevents you from smashing your ground beef patties super thin. Spatulas that aren't sturdy can even break if you use them to push too hard.

Variations

Here are some variations to spice up your smash burger tacos:

• Mediterranean Marvel- Season the burger patties with oregano, garlic powder, and a touch of lemon zest. Top with tzatziki sauce, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve with a side of Greek salad.
• Buffalo Blast- Season the burger patties with buffalo sauce or a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter. Top with blue cheese dressing, celery slaw (shredded celery and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing), diced celery, and crumbled blue cheese.
• Breakfast Bonanza- Serve smash burger tacos for breakfast by topping the patties with scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Add a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions for extra flavor.

If you're looking for more of our best taco recipes, check out our breakfast tacos, taco casserole, or chicken tinga tacos!

What To Serve With Tortilla Burgers

Tortilla Burgers are flavorful and versatile, making them a fun dish to pair with various sides. Here are some great options to consider serving with it:

• Elote- This grilled corn on the cob is slathered with a creamy, cheesy, lime-sprinkled sauce that complements the spicy and savory flavors of the burger.
• Chips and Guacamole- A classic pairing with any taco-themed meal, freshly made guacamole and crispy tortilla chips are always a hit.
• Cilantro Lime Rice- Light and fluffy rice with a zesty flavor of lime and fresh cilantro can balance the rich flavors of the burger.

If none of these are what you're looking for, check out our list of the best toppings for tacos!

How Long Does It Last?

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh but you can store the cooked patties in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze It?

Freezing is not recommended for assembled tacos as the tortillas and toppings will not hold up well. However, cooked burger patties can be frozen for later use.

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