Mini Smash Burger Tacos

Featured in: Pan & Skillet Recipes

These mini smash beef tacos offer a fun and flavorful twist by combining crispy taco shells with thin, juicy smashed patties and melted cheese. Prepared quickly, they are topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and classic burger sauces for a satisfying meal. The cooking process involves pressing the beef balls onto warm tortillas to create a crispy base, then layering cheese so it melts perfectly. Ideal for gatherings or a weeknight treat, these tacos provide a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Updated on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:56:33 GMT
Mini smash burger tacos with crispy tortillas, juicy beef, and melted cheese, topped with fresh lettuce and tomato. Save
Mini smash burger tacos with crispy tortillas, juicy beef, and melted cheese, topped with fresh lettuce and tomato. | tastykhubz.com

Experience the ultimate fusion of comfort foods with these Mini Smash Burger Tacos. Combining the crispy texture of a golden tortilla with the juicy, savory flavor of a classic smashed beef patty, these handheld delights are perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner.

Mini smash burger tacos with crispy tortillas, juicy beef, and melted cheese, topped with fresh lettuce and tomato. Save
Mini smash burger tacos with crispy tortillas, juicy beef, and melted cheese, topped with fresh lettuce and tomato. | tastykhubz.com

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The beauty of this recipe lies in the cooking technique. By smashing the beef directly onto the tortilla in a hot skillet, you create a perfect sear and a flavorful crust that bonds the meat to the base, ensuring every bite is packed with classic burger goodness.

Ingredients

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  • 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)

Instructions

Step 1: Portion 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
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: Repeat
Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas and beef, adding more oil as needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
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 ensures the entire tortilla achieves a perfect golden crunch while the beef sears.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily swap American cheese for sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding sliced pickled jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the toppings.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these mini tacos with a side of crispy french fries, tater tots, or a simple garden salad. They are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is melty and the tortillas are warm.

Crispy mini tacos filled with smashed beef patties, melty American cheese, and classic burger toppings for a fun dinner. Save
Crispy mini tacos filled with smashed beef patties, melty American cheese, and classic burger toppings for a fun dinner. | tastykhubz.com

These Mini Smash Burger Tacos are a fun, interactive meal that everyone will love. With their crispy edges and juicy centers, they bring a gourmet burger experience to a simple taco format.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of beef is best for smashing in these tacos?

Using an 80/20 ground beef blend is recommended for juicy and flavorful smashed patties that crisp up nicely.

How do I get the taco shells extra crispy?

Brush both sides of the tortillas lightly with vegetable oil before cooking to enhance crispness when pressed on the skillet.

Can I substitute the cheese used in these tacos?

Yes, American cheese works well, but cheddar or pepper jack can be used for a different flavor profile.

How long should I cook the smashed beef patties?

Cook the pressed patties for 2-3 minutes on the first side until browned and crispy, then flip and cook another minute with cheese to melt.

What toppings complement these mini smash tacos best?

Classic burger toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomato, pickles, and a mix of burger sauce, mustard, and ketchup enhance the flavor.

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Mini Smash Burger Tacos

Crispy taco shells with juicy smashed beef and melty cheese for quick, flavorful bites.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Carter Mullins


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Beef

01 1 pound 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

How to Cook

Step 01

Portion and Season Beef: Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions of approximately 2 ounces each. Season each portion evenly with salt and freshly ground 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 Patty: Place a tortilla on the hot skillet. Position a beef portion in the center. Using a spatula or burger press, firmly smash the beef ball flat until it nearly covers the tortilla surface.

Step 04

Cook Beef Side: Cook for 2-3 minutes, maintaining gentle pressure with the spatula, until the beef develops a deeply browned, crispy bottom surface.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Rest and Repeat: Transfer the finished mini taco to a warm plate. Repeat the cooking process with remaining tortillas and beef portions, adding additional oil to the skillet as needed to maintain consistent heat.

Step 07

Assemble and Serve: Fill each warm mini taco with lettuce, diced tomato, red onion, pickles, and desired sauce selections. Fold gently and serve immediately while still warm.

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Gear You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient to spot any allergens, and speak with a healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains wheat from tortillas
  • Contains milk from cheese, sauce, and mayonnaise
  • Contains eggs from mayonnaise-based sauces
  • May contain soy depending on cheese and sauce brand formulations

Nutritional Details (for each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. For health matters, consult a specialist.
  • Energy (Calories): 270
  • Fats: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 17 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams

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