| Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) |
The internet has delivered countless food trends, but few have been as fast, easy, and delicious as the Cheesy Burger Tacos. This recipe, which combines the crispy edges of a smash burger with the handheld portability of a taco, has taken over social media for a very good reason: it’s the ultimate 15-minute weeknight dinner hack.
Forget forming thick patties and grilling them separately. Here, we smash thin layers of ground beef directly onto corn or flour tortillas and griddle them until they are perfectly caramelized and crispy. Topped with melty American cheese, a secret special sauce, and classic burger toppings, this recipe delivers that nostalgic drive-thru flavor with the fun of taco Tuesday—all in one budget-friendly pan. This is simply the best viral smash burger tacos recipe you need to add to your rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Burger Tacos
- Unbelievable Speed: Active cooking time is around 10 minutes. The fastest path to a satisfying dinner.
- Crispy Edges: By smashing the meat directly onto the tortilla, you get irresistible crispy, caramelized edges on the beef.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef and tortillas to feed a family cheaply.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It takes two beloved foods—burgers and tacos—and merges them into one delicious, kid-friendly meal.
What It Tastes Like
It tastes like a classic cheeseburger but with better texture. The rich, savory ground beef is seasoned simply but perfectly, and the melted American cheese adds that signature gooey richness. The crunchy, griddled tortilla replaces the soft bun, and the tangy, creamy special sauce—a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish—provides the classic burger condiment experience. Pickles and onions provide necessary sharp and fresh contrasts.
Ingredients & Quantities
This recipe makes 8 tacos, which is 4 servings (2 tacos per person).
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio recommended for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 8 count Small Corn or Flour Tortillas (Taco or street taco size)
- 8 slices American Cheese (or sharp cheddar, optional)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced (for topping)
- 1/2 cup Dill Pickle Slices (for topping)
For the Special Burger Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish (or finely chopped dill pickles)
- 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Divide the 1 pound of ground beef into eight equal portions (about 2 ounces each) and roll them into small balls. Set aside.
- Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon pickle relish, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Set the sauce aside.
- Griddle the Tacos (Crucial Step): Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one beef ball onto a tortilla and immediately place the tortilla beef-side down on the hot griddle. Use a metal spatula or the bottom of a flat dish to SMASH the beef ball very thin, pressing it flat to the edges of the tortilla.
- Cook & Flip: Sprinkle the exposed meat with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the meat is browned and crispy on the edges. Flip the taco (tortilla side down) and immediately place 1 slice of American cheese on top of the cooked meat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is lightly crisped.
- Repeat & Serve: Remove the finished taco to a plate. Continue cooking the remaining tacos. You can often fit 3-4 tacos on the griddle at a time.
- Assemble: Stack two cheesy burger tacos together. Drizzle generously with the Special Burger Sauce and top with thin slices of red onion and several dill pickle slices. Serve immediately.
Storage & Substitutions
- Best Eaten Fresh: These are best eaten immediately while the beef is hot and the tortilla is crispy.
- Leftovers: Store leftover cooked burger meat and tortillas separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the meat and tortillas separately in a skillet before serving. Store the special sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Cheese Substitution: While American cheese is highly recommended for its melt, you can use thin slices of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my tortilla stick to the griddle? If the meat-side of the tortilla is sticking, it means the griddle wasn’t hot enough, or you flipped it too soon. The beef needs time to caramelize and form a crust to naturally release from the surface. Ensure the griddle is medium-high.
Can I make these with turkey or chicken? Yes, you can use ground turkey, but you should add a tablespoon of oil to the pan since turkey is much leaner and may stick. You will lose some of the signature beefy flavor, but the technique still works!
Can I pre-make the beef balls? Absolutely. You can roll all the beef portions ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to cook. This makes the 15-minute cooking process even faster.
Conclusion
Congratulations on reaching 100 Pins! And what a way to celebrate with this Cheesy Burger Tacos Recipe—it’s fast, viral, incredibly satisfying, and the ultimate quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy the flavor, the speed, and the fact that you’ve just created a winning dish for your audience!
