Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Smash Burger Tacos
- Small flour tortillas: Street taco-size tortillas work best because they are easy to smash, flip, and fold.
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for juicy flavor. Leaner beef works too, but it may be less rich.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning keeps the burger flavor classic.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Onion powder: Adds a little burger-style depth to the beef.
- American cheese: Melts quickly and gives the tacos that classic burger taste.
For the Big Mac-Style Sauce
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the sauce.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and color.
- Yellow mustard: Adds tang and classic burger flavor.
- Sweet pickle relish: Gives the sauce that sweet-tangy pickle flavor.
- White vinegar: Brightens the sauce so it does not taste too heavy.
- Paprika: Adds color and mild warmth.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Make the sauce taste more savory and balanced.
For the Toppings
- Shredded iceberg lettuce: Adds cool crunch and classic burger texture.
- Diced white onion: Gives a sharp, fresh bite.
- Dill pickle chips: Add crunch, tang, and that fast-food burger flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Optional, but they make the tacos look like a burger-inspired recipe.
- Extra sauce: Always good for drizzling on top before serving.
Substitution Tips
You can make these tacos with ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based ground beef. If using lean meat, add a tiny drizzle of oil to the skillet so the beef browns nicely.
If you do not have American cheese, use cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or provolone. For a spicy version, add jalapeños, spicy pickles, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
If you want a lower-carb version, use low-carb tortillas. For a bigger dinner, serve the tacos with fries, potato wedges, salad, or a simple pickle slaw.
