Smash Burger Tacos
▢ 1 pound ground beef 80/20 fat
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 10 cracks fresh black pepper
▢ 6 six-inch flour tortillas (flour works best — they’re more absorbent and the meat sticks better)
▢ 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
▢ Shredded lettuce
▢ Chopped white onion
▢ Dill pickle chips
IN-N-OUT STYLE SAUCE
▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
▢ 2 Tablespoons ketchup
▢ 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
▢ 1 Tablespoon pickle relish
▢ 1 teaspoon white vinegar
▢ 1 Tablespoon finely grated onion
Instructions
SEASON THE BEEF:
In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with kosher salt and cracked pepper. Divide into 6 equal portions and loosely roll into balls.
1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 10 cracks fresh black pepper
SMASH THE TACOS:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla onto the hot surface.
6 six-inch flour tortillas (flour works best — they’re more absorbent and the meat sticks better)
Immediately top with one beef ball and smash it down flat into the tortilla using a firm spatula or press.
COOK:
Let the beef cook for 2–3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy.
Flip the taco so the tortilla side cooks and gets lightly golden (30–60 seconds).
Top the cooked beef with a slice of muenster or provolone cheese and allow it to melt.
6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
MAKE THE IN-N-OUT SAUCE:
Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
½ cup mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 Tablespoon pickle relish, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 Tablespoon finely grated onion
Mix well until smooth and creamy.
ASSEMBLE:
Remove from the pan and top with: shredded lettuce, chopped white onion, dill pickle chips, and a generous drizzle of the In-N-Out sauce.
Shredded lettuce, Chopped white onion, Dill pickle chips
Chill for at least 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Smash Burger Tacos are a creative twist on the traditional taco, merging the juicy, crispy flavor of smashed burgers with the convenience of a hand-held Mexican favorite. When preparing these tacos, the choice of ground beef is crucial; an 80/20 fat ratio ensures the patties remain juicy and flavorful during the cooking process. Seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhances the beef's natural taste without overpowering it. A key tip for perfect tacos is using six-inch flour tortillas. Flour tortillas are preferred over corn due to their softness and better absorption, which helps the meat adhere well, preventing the filling from slipping out. When cooking, smashing the beef balls onto the hot skillet quickly browns the meat, creating a delightful crust while maintaining tenderness inside. The iconic melt of muenster or provolone cheese adds a creamy texture and subtle flavor that complements the savory beef. The addition of shredded lettuce, chopped white onion, and dill pickle chips introduces freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the burger meat and cheese. The In-N-Out style sauce is what truly elevates this dish. It combines mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, and finely grated onion to create a creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet spread reminiscent of the famous burger chain’s secret sauce. Mixing the sauce until smooth and letting it chill for 15 to 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. Serving tips include allowing the tacos to rest briefly after preparation, letting the sauce and other ingredients soak into the tortilla and beef for a more harmonious flavor. This recipe is not only great for a quick weekday meal but also perfect for casual gatherings where guests can customize their tacos with extra toppings such as jalapeños or avocado slices. Overall, Smash Burger Tacos offer a satisfying, flavorful twist for taco lovers and burger fans alike, combining iconic American fast-food elements with familiar Mexican cuisine in an easy-to-make, delicious dish that anyone can enjoy at home.
