Smashburger Tacos Recipe with Bacon Jam! The Best Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe
Smashburger Tacos Recipe with Bacon Jam! The Best Cheeseburger Tacos Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 700 calories per serving. Recipe by Postal Barbecue on YouTube.
Prep: 32 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 22 min
Cost: $32.25 total, $8.06 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Flour Tortillas (small street‑style tortillas, about 6‑inch diameter)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean / 20% fat for juicy smash burgers)
- 8 ounces Bacon (cut into ~¼‑inch strips, then coarsely chopped)
- 2 pieces Medium Onion (thinly sliced then diced fine for the jam)
- 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar (helps caramelize the onions)
- 0.5 cup Water (added gradually to achieve jam consistency)
- 1.5 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar (adds acidity to the bacon jam)
- 1 tablespoon Mad Cow Beef Rub (seasoning blend for the jam and burger)
- 4 slices American Cheese (creates the crispy cheese skirt)
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheese (melts on top of the patty to glue tortilla)
- 0.33 cup Mayonnaise (base for the burger sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Barbecue Sauce (adds smoky sweetness to the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (umami boost for the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Pickle Juice (thins the sauce and adds tang)
Instructions
Prep Bacon and Onions
Slice the bacon into ~¼‑inch strips, then coarsely chop. Thinly slice the onions and dice them finely.
Time: PT10M
Render Bacon
Place a cold cast‑iron skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook slowly until the fat renders and the bacon begins to foam, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Caramelize Onions
Remove the rendered bacon and set aside. In the same skillet add the diced onions, 3 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/3 cup water, 1.5 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 Tbsp Mad Cow beef rub. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, browned, and fragrant, about 15 minutes. Add a splash more water if the mixture looks dry.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium
Finish Bacon Jam
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, stir to combine, and add a little more water if needed. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a jam‑like consistency, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Light the Grill and Heat Plancha
Using a chimney starter, light charcoal and fill the kettle about three‑quarters full. Arrange coals in a horseshoe shape, place the plancha on the grill, and let it preheat until very hot (≈400°F).
Time: PT15M
Temperature: high
Form Burger Balls
Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions (≈4 oz each) and roll each into a loose ball. Lightly season the outside of each ball with Mad Cow beef rub.
Time: PT5M
Smash and Cook Burgers
Place a beef ball on the hot plancha, immediately smash it flat with a metal spatula until very thin. Cook 1 minute, then flip. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheese on the cooked side, place a tortilla on top, and press gently to glue the tortilla to the patty.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high
Create the Cheese Skirt
On the plancha, melt an American cheese slice until just bubbly. Lay a tortilla on the melted cheese, press lightly, then flip the tortilla so the cheese‑coated side contacts the grill. Close the grill lid for a few seconds to crisp the cheese crust.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: high
Mix Burger Sauce
In a small bowl combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp barbecue sauce, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 Tbsp pickle juice. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Tacos
Spread a generous drizzle of the burger sauce onto each cheese‑skirted tortilla, place the smashed burger with melted cheese on top, then spoon warm bacon jam over the patty. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 700
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 40 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, High protein, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Flour Tortillas: corn tortillas, low‑carb tortillas
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground chuck, ground sirloin
- Instead of Bacon: pancetta, turkey bacon
- Instead of Medium Onion: shallots, red onion
- Instead of Brown Sugar: white granulated sugar, honey
- Instead of Balsamic Vinegar: apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar
- Instead of Mad Cow Beef Rub: steak seasoning, simple salt & pepper
- Instead of American Cheese: processed cheese, cheddar slice
- Instead of Shredded Cheese: shredded cheddar, Mexican blend cheese
- Instead of Mayonnaise: vegan mayo
- Instead of Barbecue Sauce: ketchup, sweet chili sauce
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: soy sauce, fish sauce
- Instead of Pickle Juice: apple cider vinegar, lemon juice
Equipment Needed
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Plancha (Flat Griddle)
- Charcoal Grill with Kettle
- Chimney Starter
- Metal Spatula
- Chef Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl (for sauce)
- Tongs
- Wooden Spoon (optional)
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Rendering the bacon until fat foams
- Caramelizing the onions to develop sweet depth
- Achieving a jam‑like consistency for the bacon jam
- Smashing the burger thin and cooking both sides for a crisp crust
- Creating the cheese skirt without burning
- Assembling with the burger sauce to bind flavors
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a heavy metal spatula with a flat edge for the best smash.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the bacon jam for an extra smoky note.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the tortilla edges on the plancha before adding the cheese.
Troubleshooting
Bacon jam is too watery.
Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until excess liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens to a spreadable jam consistency.
Cheese skirt burns before the tortilla crisps.
Reduce the grill heat slightly or flip the tortilla sooner; keep a close eye as cheese can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Burger patty falls apart when smashed.
Handle the meat gently and avoid over‑mixing. Keep the ball loose and only press firmly once on the hot surface.
Storage
Refrigerator: Bacon jam and burger sauce keep up to 5 days; cooked burgers up to 2 days.
Freezer: Bacon jam freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw before use.
Room temperature: Assembled tacos are best served immediately; can sit up to 1 hour but may lose crispness.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the bacon jam a day ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Mix the burger sauce up to 3 days in advance.
- Form the beef balls, cover, and refrigerate; they can be smashed directly from the fridge.
- Tortillas can be warmed briefly on the grill just before assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Smash Burger tacos in American barbecue cuisine?
Smash Burger tacos are a modern twist that blends the classic American smash‑burger technique—pressing a beef ball thin for a caramelized crust—with the handheld convenience of tacos. They emerged from social‑media food trends and have become a staple at backyard barbecues, celebrating the love of bold, crunchy textures and juicy beef.
What are the traditional regional variations of smash‑burger tacos in the United States?
While the basic concept is nationwide, some regions add local flair: the Southwest may include chipotle mayo and corn tortillas, the Midwest often uses cheddar cheese and a sweeter onion jam, and the West Coast might incorporate avocado or a spicy sriracha glaze. The version from Postal Barbecue adds a cheese skirt and bacon jam for extra richness.
How is a smash‑burger taco traditionally served in American barbecue culture?
Traditionally, the taco is served hot off the grill, with the cheese‑skirted tortilla providing a crisp shell, the smashed patty inside, and toppings like bacon jam, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of tangy burger sauce. It’s often enjoyed with a side of pickles or a cold beer.
What occasions or celebrations are smash‑burger tacos associated with in American barbecue culture?
Smash‑burger tacos are popular at casual gatherings such as backyard cookouts, tailgate parties, and summer festivals. Their handheld nature makes them perfect for informal celebrations where guests can eat while socializing.
What other American barbecue dishes pair well with smash‑burger tacos?
They pair beautifully with classic sides like grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, or a crisp green salad. A cold lager or a smoky bourbon cocktail complements the rich flavors of the bacon jam and cheese skirt.
What makes the cheese‑skirted smash‑burger taco special in American barbecue cuisine?
The cheese skirt adds a crunchy, buttery layer that locks in moisture and gives a smoky, caramelized flavor not found in regular tacos. Combined with the sweet‑savory bacon jam, it creates a multi‑dimensional taste experience that elevates the simple smash‑burger concept.
How has the smash‑burger taco evolved over time in American food trends?
Originally a viral TikTok and Instagram trend, the smash‑burger taco has evolved from plain beef and basic toppings to more gourmet versions featuring specialty cheeses, infused jams, and creative sauces, as seen on YouTube channels like Postal Barbecue that push the flavor envelope.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cheese‑skirted smash‑burger tacos?
Common errors include over‑cooking the patty (which dries it out), burning the cheese skirt, and making the bacon jam too watery. Follow the critical steps for proper rendering, caramelization, and timing to ensure each component retains its intended texture.
Why does this Postal Barbecue recipe use a double‑sided smash instead of a single‑sided smash for the burger?
Smashing both sides creates a caramelized crust on the entire patty, delivering the signature “my‑yard” flavor on each bite. It also prevents the burger from sliding off the tortilla, ensuring a stable taco base.
What does the YouTube channel Postal Barbecue specialize in?
The YouTube channel Postal Barbecue specializes in outdoor grilling tutorials, barbecue recipes, and creative twists on classic American comfort foods, often featuring in‑depth technique explanations and flavor‑forward variations.
How does the YouTube channel Postal Barbecue's approach to American barbecue differ from other barbecue cooking channels?
Postal Barbecue focuses on elevating everyday barbecue dishes with gourmet techniques—like cheese skirts and jam toppings—while maintaining a down‑to‑earth, backyard‑grill vibe. Unlike some channels that stick to traditional recipes, Postal Barbecue frequently experiments with viral trends and fusion flavors.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
