Mini Smash Burger Tacos

Featured in: Simple Family Dinners

These mini smash burger tacos combine crispy flour tortillas with juicy smashed beef patties and melted cheese, topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Quick to prepare and great for gatherings or weeknight dinners, they deliver classic burger flavors in a fun handheld form. Cooking involves pressing beef balls onto tortillas in a hot skillet, then finishing with cheese until melty. Customize with sauces like mustard or ketchup and serve immediately.

Updated on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:18:04 GMT
Crispy mini smash burger tacos filled with juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and fresh toppings for a fun party appetizer. Save
Crispy mini smash burger tacos filled with juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and fresh toppings for a fun party appetizer. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Experience the ultimate fusion of two comfort food classics with these Mini Smash Burger Tacos. By smashing seasoned beef directly onto a tortilla, you get those irresistible crispy, caramelized edges while keeping the meat juicy, all tucked into a warm, handheld shell. It's a fun, modern twist on traditional burger flavors that's as exciting to make as it is to eat.

Crispy mini smash burger tacos filled with juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and fresh toppings for a fun party appetizer. Save
Crispy mini smash burger tacos filled with juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and fresh toppings for a fun party appetizer. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the charred flavor of a smash burger but wants the convenience of a taco. Whether you're hosting a game day party or just looking for a fun dinner project with the family, these mini tacos deliver a big punch of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

  • Beef: 450 g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Taco Shells: 8 mini flour tortillas (10–12 cm / 4–5 inches diameter), 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Cheese: 8 slices American cheese or cheddar, quartered
  • Toppings: 1/2 small red onion (finely diced), 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1 ripe tomato (diced), 1/4 cup pickles (chopped)
  • Sauces: 1/3 cup burger sauce or mayonnaise, 2 tbsp yellow mustard (optional), 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)
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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Beef
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls (about 55 g / 2 oz each). Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat Skillet
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Smash the Burger
Place a tortilla on the skillet. Place a beef ball in the center. Using a spatula or burger press, smash the beef ball flat until it nearly covers the tortilla.
Step 4: Sear
Cook for 2–3 minutes, pressing gently, until the beef is browned and crispy on the bottom.
Step 5: Flip and Melt
Flip the tortilla and beef together. Top the beef side with a piece of cheese. Cook for 1 more minute until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden and crisp.
Step 6: Batch Cooking
Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas and beef, adding more oil as needed.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Fill each mini taco with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and desired sauces. Fold and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra crispiness, brush both sides of the tortilla lightly with oil before cooking. This helps achieve a perfectly golden and crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy beef.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; swap American cheese for sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add sliced pickled jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Serviervorschläge

To make this a complete meal, serve your mini smash burger tacos alongside a side of crispy fries or a simple garden salad. They also pair excellently with a cold beverage and extra burger sauce for dipping.

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| meanwhilerecipe.com

With their crispy edges, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, these Mini Smash Burger Tacos are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Simple to prepare and undeniably delicious, they bring the best of both worlds to your dinner table.

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Recipe FAQ

What type of beef is best for smashing?

Use an 80/20 blend of ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor when smashing.

How do I get the tortilla crispy?

Brush both sides of the tortilla lightly with vegetable oil before cooking for extra crispiness.

Can I substitute the cheese?

Yes, American cheese works well, but cheddar or pepper jack can add different flavors.

How do I prevent the patties from sticking?

Use a well-heated nonstick skillet or griddle and sufficient oil to keep patties from sticking.

What toppings complement these tacos best?

Lettuce, diced tomato, finely chopped onion, pickles, and sauces like mustard, ketchup, or burger sauce enhance the flavors.

Mini Smash Burger Tacos

Crispy taco shells layered with smashed beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for a quick savory dish.

Time to Prepare
20 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Complete Time
35 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Simple Family Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations None specified

Ingredient List

Beef

01 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Taco Shells

01 8 mini flour tortillas (4-5 inches diameter)
02 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cheese

01 8 slices American cheese or cheddar, quartered

Toppings

01 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
02 1 cup shredded lettuce
03 1 ripe tomato, diced
04 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
05 1/3 cup burger sauce or mayonnaise
06 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional)
07 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Prepare Beef Portions: Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions of approximately 2 oz each. Season each portion evenly with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Heat Cooking Surface: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 03

Assemble and Smash: Place a mini tortilla on the hot skillet. Position a seasoned beef ball in the center. Using a spatula or burger press, apply firm pressure to flatten the beef until it nearly covers the tortilla surface.

Step 04

Cook First Side: Cook for 2-3 minutes, maintaining gentle pressure with the spatula, until the beef develops a browned, crispy crust on the bottom.

Step 05

Flip and Melt Cheese: Carefully flip the tortilla and beef together as one unit. Immediately top the cooked beef side with a quartered slice of cheese. Cook for 1 additional minute until the cheese melts completely and the tortilla becomes golden and crisp.

Step 06

Remove and Keep Warm: Transfer the completed mini taco to a plate. Keep warm while repeating the process with remaining tortillas and beef portions, adding additional oil to the skillet as needed between batches.

Step 07

Finish and Serve: Fill each mini taco with lettuce, tomato, diced onion, pickles, and desired sauces. Fold and serve immediately while the shells remain crispy.

Tools Needed

  • Large nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula or burger press
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small bowls for topping organization

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains wheat from tortillas
  • Contains milk from cheese and sauce
  • Contains eggs from mayonnaise-based sauces
  • May contain soy depending on cheese and sauce brands

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 270
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 13 g