Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Smash Burger Tacos
- Small flour tortillas: Street taco-size tortillas work best because they crisp quickly and fold easily.
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for juicy flavor and crispy browned edges.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning keeps the burger flavor classic.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor to the beef without needing extra prep.
- Onion powder: Gives the beef a deeper burger-style taste.
For the Spicy Cheese Layer
- Pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a spicy kick.
- American cheese: Great if you want classic burger melt with a creamy texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds sharper flavor and a golden finish.
- Shredded cheese, optional: Sprinkle a little on the skillet for crispy cheese edges.
For the Jalapeño Toppings
- Pickled jalapeños: Add tangy heat and are easier to control than fresh jalapeños.
- Fresh jalapeños: Add stronger heat and a crunchy bite. Slice thinly for best texture.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds cool crunch to balance the spicy toppings.
- Dill pickles: Add tang and classic burger flavor.
- Diced onions: Add sharp freshness and extra crunch.
For the Spicy Burger Sauce
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy sauce base.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and color.
- Mustard: Adds tangy burger flavor.
- Pickle juice: Makes the sauce brighter and more flavorful.
- Hot sauce: Adds heat without making the sauce too thick.
- Finely chopped jalapeños: Add texture and extra spicy flavor.
Substitution Tips
For a milder taco, use American cheese and pickled jalapeños. For a hotter taco, use pepper jack, fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne in the beef.
You can also make this recipe with ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based ground beef. If using lean meat, add a light drizzle of oil to the skillet so the beef gets crispy instead of dry.
