Jump to Recipe Print RecipeI still can’t shake that evening when I stood in my kitchen, craving a satisfying dinner but wanting to break free from the usual routine. Enter Fried Smash Burger Tacos! These adorable creations marry the beloved flavors of a juicy smash burger with the fun, handheld pleasure of a taco. Perfect for any gathering or Taco Tuesday, this recipe delivers crispy comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. Whipping these up is a breeze, and they’re bound to impress your friends and family with their mouthwatering, cheesy goodness. So, are you ready to dive into this culinary adventure that combines two all-time favorites? Let’s get cooking! Why are Fried Smash Burger Tacos irresistible? Crispy Texture: Enjoy a delightful crunch with every bite as these tacos boast a perfectly golden and crispy tortilla shell. Juicy Filling: The smashed beef locks in flavor and moisture, creating a mouthwatering combination with oozy melted cheese. Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them at gatherings, and watch your friends and family rave about this unique twist on traditional tacos! For more taco inspirations, check out my Crockpot Chicken Tacos and Rotisserie Chicken Tacos for more variety! Customizable Fun: Personalize these tacos with your favorite toppings, from jalapeños to pickles, letting everyone create their perfect flavor profile. Fried Smash Burger Tacos Ingredients For the Beef Ground Beef (80/20 or 85/15) – Provides flavor and juiciness; the higher fat content crisps beautifully when fried. Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder) – Enhances the beef’s flavor; feel free to add your favorite spices for a personalized kick. For the Tortilla Flour Tortillas – The perfect holder for all that savory goodness; choose medium or large sizes to maintain a good balance in thickness. For the Cheese Cheese (American, Pepper Jack, Monterrey Jack, or Havarti) – Adds a creamy, flavorful melt that ties all the elements together; avoid hard cheeses for the best texture. For Frying Cooking Oil (for frying) – Essential for a crispy finish; neutral oils like canola or vegetable are best to avoid overpowering the flavors. For Toppings (optional) Classic Burger Toppings (pickles, diced onions, jalapeños, etc.) – Elevates the flavor profile; customize based on your personal preferences or gathering theme. Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s prepare to create these delicious Fried Smash Burger Tacos that are sure to become a family favorite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fried Smash Burger Tacos Step 1: Preheat the Cooking Surface Begin by preheating a griddle or large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add a light drizzle of cooking oil, just enough to coat the surface, and let it heat for about 2–3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly, making it perfect for cooking the Fried Smash Burger Tacos. Step 2: Assemble the Tacos Place a flour tortilla onto the heated griddle. Then, take approximately 3 ounces of ground beef and position it on top of the tortilla in the center. Make sure to spread the beef evenly. This will allow for even cooking and maximum flavor in your Fried Smash Burger Tacos. Step 3: Smash and Sear Using a spatula, press down firmly on the ground beef, smashing it against the tortilla. Cook for around 3–4 minutes until the beef develops a rich, brown crust. Watch the edges of the tortilla; they’ll begin to crisp up, making it a perfect base to hold the tasty fillings of your tacos. Step 4: Add Cheese and Fold Once the beef is beautifully seared, flip the tortilla over so the beef is now on top. Quickly add a generous layer of your favorite cheese on top of the beef. Gently fold the tortilla in half, enclosing the succulent filling. The heat will start melting the cheese, creating that gooey goodness we all crave in Fried Smash Burger Tacos. Step 5: Fry Until Crispy Continue cooking the folded taco for an additional 2–3 minutes on both sides. Use the spatula to press down gently, ensuring each side turns golden brown and crispy. You’ll want to see a satisfying crunch when you lift it up; that’s your cue to enjoy the textures of the Fried Smash Burger Tacos. Step 6: Repeat and Serve Remove the cooked taco from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients, stacking them neatly. Serve your Fried Smash Burger Tacos hot, garnished with any classic toppings like pickles or jalapeños, and get ready to delight your family and friends! Make Ahead Options These Fried Smash Burger Tacos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a fun dinner with less stress. You can prep the ground beef mixture and assemble the tacos up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook the beef with your seasonings, let it cool, and then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Assemble the tacos with tortillas and cheese, and cover them tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, heat your skillet, fry your tacos until crispy, and enjoy them hot with your favorite toppings. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade tacos with minimal effort on busy weeknights! How to Store and Freeze Fried Smash Burger Tacos Fridge: Store leftover Fried Smash Burger Tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, flipping until crispy again. Freezer: For longer storage, place cooked tacos in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet to restore the crunch. Wrapping: If you want to store them without losing crispness, wrap each taco in parchment paper before sealing in a bag or container. Make-Ahead: Prepare the beef and tortillas in advance, storing them separately in the fridge to assemble and cook fresh just before serving. Expert Tips for Fried Smash Burger Tacos • Perfect Smash: Ensure even cooking by smashing the beef firmly yet gently against the tortilla. This technique helps lock in moisture and flavor. • Oil Temperature: Always check that the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, your Fried Smash Burger Tacos may turn out soggy instead of crispy. • Avoid Overfilling: Keep the beef to around 3 ounces per taco. Overstuffing can lead to cracking and messy handling, detracting from the joy of each bite. • Pre-Prep for Ease: For a quick weeknight meal, prep the beef and tortillas ahead of time. Store them covered in the fridge and assemble just before frying. • Explore Variations: Don’t shy away from experimenting! Try adding spices to the ground beef or substituting with shredded chicken or black beans for a unique twist. Fried Smash Burger Tacos Variations Feel free to make these Fried Smash Burger Tacos truly your own with some tasty twists! Turkey Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version that still packs flavor. It’s an excellent alternative for those looking to cut down on calories. Vegetarian Delight: Use black beans or lentils for the filling. Season them with taco spices, and you won’t even miss the meat! Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. This little heat will elevate the flavor and get your taste buds dancing! Cheesy Bliss: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda for an extra layer of flavor. Each cheese brings its own personality to these tacos! Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, simply switch to corn tortillas. They not only enhance the flavor but also provide that rustic, traditional taco feel. Loaded Toppings: Top your tacos with fresh avocado, sliced radishes, or zesty crema. These vibrant additions will add texture and a burst of color to your taco platter. Fusion Flavor: Try adding some kimchi or pickled veggies inside for an unexpected but delightful flavor twist. It’s a great way to mix cultures in your cooking! Savory Seasoning Blend: Enhance the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This aromatic mix can take your regular taco to gourmet status without much effort! With these variations in mind, you’ll always have a delicious new way to enjoy your Fried Smash Burger Tacos! For more unique taco ideas, don’t miss out on trying my Crockpot Chicken Tacos or explore the convenience of Rotisserie Chicken Tacos. Happy cooking! What to Serve with Fried Smash Burger Tacos Great meals deserve great sides, don’t you think? Let’s create a comforting, delicious experience with a few perfect pairings that will leave your guests clamoring for seconds. Crispy French Fries: These classic fries add a satisfying crunch that echoes the crispy taco shell and pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces. Tangy Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw cuts through the richness of the tacos, adding a bright, tangy contrast with each bite. Sweet and creamy or tart and crunchy, it’s a delightful addition. Roasted Corn on the Cob: Juicy, buttery corn brings a sweet, smoky flavor that complements the savory filling of the tacos. Serve with lime and chili seasoning for an extra kick! Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole adds richness, while the chips provide crunch, making it a perfect, shareable starter before enjoying the main event. Spicy Black Bean Soup: A warm bowl of this soup can serve as a hearty counterpart, with its smooth texture enhancing the experience with each spoonful. Chilled Mexican Street Corn Salad: With fresh herbs, lime, and cheese, this salad beautifully reflects the flavors of your tacos while offering a refreshing option that’s hard to resist. Fresh Salsa and Tortilla Chips: Homemade salsa adds a zesty finish that pairs beautifully with the tacos. The fresh crunch of the tortilla chips enhances the flavor explosion with every bite. Margaritas: Enjoy a refreshing margarita with your meal. The citrus notes and slight acidity balance the richness of the fried tacos splendidly, making every sip feel like a fiesta. Chocolate Churros: For a sweet finish, serve crispy churros with chocolate sauce for dipping. Their sweetness beautifully contrasts the savory flavors, leaving everyone with a smile. Fried Smash Burger Tacos Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right ground beef for my Fried Smash Burger Tacos? Absolutely! For the best flavor and juiciness, I recommend using ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 or 85/15. The higher fat content crisps beautifully when fried and ensures your tacos have that juicy, mouthwatering filling. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey is a great substitute, though it may have a different texture. What is the best way to store leftover Fried Smash Burger Tacos? Store any leftover Fried Smash Burger Tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until they’re crispy again. This way, you can enjoy them just as deliciously as the first time! Can I freeze Fried Smash Burger Tacos? Absolutely! For long-term storage, place the cooked tacos in a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them in a skillet over medium heat until they regain their crunch. For maintaining crispness while freezing, wrap each taco in parchment paper before placing them in the bag. What should I do if my tacos seem soggy after frying? A common issue is frying in oil that isn’t hot enough. Make sure you preheat your oil until it shimmers, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If they still turn out soggy, consider modifying the amount of filling you use; keeping it around 3 ounces per taco prevents overstuffing, which can cause them to crack and absorb extra oil. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind with this recipe? Certainly! If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, consider swapping out the cheese for dairy-free options, and choose corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative. Also, if you’re catering to pets, it’s wise to keep them away from the tacos, as some ingredients, like onions, can be harmful to dogs. Always tailor ingredients to suit your dietary needs to make these Fried Smash Burger Tacos enjoyable for everyone! Fried Smash Burger Tacos: Crispy, Cheesy Flavor Sensation Fried Smash Burger Tacos combine the flavors of a juicy smash burger and the fun of a taco, delivering crispy comfort in a delightful handheld dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 tacosCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 or 85/15) Provides flavor and juiciness; the higher fat content crisps beautifully when fried.to taste Salt Enhances the beef's flavor.to taste Pepper Enhances the beef's flavor.to taste Garlic Powder Enhances the beef's flavor.For the Tortilla4 Flour Tortillas Choose medium or large sizes.For the Cheese1 cup Cheese (American, Pepper Jack, Monterrey Jack, or Havarti) Adds a creamy, flavorful melt.For Fryingas needed Cooking Oil Neutral oils like canola or vegetable are best.For Toppings (optional)to taste Classic Burger Toppings (pickles, diced onions, jalapeños, etc.) Customize based on your personal preferences. Equipment GriddlespatulaLarge cast-iron skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat a griddle or large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add a light drizzle of cooking oil and let it heat for 2-3 minutes.Place a flour tortilla onto the heated griddle. Add approximately 3 ounces of ground beef in the center of the tortilla and spread it evenly.Using a spatula, press down firmly on the ground beef, smashing it against the tortilla. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the beef has a rich brown crust.Flip the tortilla over so the beef is now on top. Add a generous layer of your favorite cheese on top, then gently fold the tortilla in half.Continue cooking the folded taco for an additional 2-3 minutes on both sides until golden brown and crispy.Remove the cooked taco from the skillet, place on paper towels, and repeat the process for remaining ingredients. Serve hot with toppings. Nutrition Serving: 1tacoCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesThese tacos combine the joy of a smash burger with the fun of a taco, perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. Customize with your favorite toppings. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
