A burger, but make it a taco 🍔🌮 I’m OBSESSED with these easy Big Mac smash burger tacos

A burger, but make it a taco 🍔🌮 I’m OBSESSED with these easy Big Mac smash burger tacos is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Dished by Kate on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $12.05 total, $3.01 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean, kept cold until ready to cook)
  • 2 teaspoons Seasoning Blend (Mix 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika)
  • 6 pieces Corn Tortillas (Small (6‑inch) corn tortillas, warmed before filling)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Sharp cheddar, grated for quick melt)
  • 1 cup Lettuce (Shredded iceberg or romaine)
  • 1 medium Tomato (Diced)
  • ¼ cup Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup Pickles (Thinly sliced dill pickles)
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (Full‑fat, room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Pickle Relish
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For pan cooking)

Instructions

  1. Make Burger Sauce

    In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and pickle relish. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Season the Beef

    Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl, sprinkle the seasoning blend over it, and gently fold just until the spices are distributed. Do not over‑mix.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prep Toppings & Tortillas

    Dice the tomato, shred the lettuce, slice the red onion and pickles. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, then set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Heat the Skillet

    Add olive oil to a cast‑iron skillet and heat over medium‑high heat until shimmering.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Smash and Cook the Beef

    Place the seasoned beef into the hot skillet, then immediately press it flat with a spatula or a press until about ¼‑inch thick. Cook 2 minutes without moving, then flip, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, and cook another 1‑2 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges are crispy.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  6. Assemble the Tacos

    Lay a warm tortilla on a plate, place a cheesy smash‑beef patty on top, then add lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and drizzle with the burger sauce.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Serve

    Serve the tacos immediately while the beef is hot and the cheese is melty. Enjoy!

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
12g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Can be made dairy‑free with vegan cheese and mayo

Allergens: Dairy, Egg (mayonnaise), Gluten (if using flour tortillas)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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A burger, but make it a taco 🍔🌮 I’m OBSESSED with these easy Big Mac smash burger tacos

Recipe by Dished by Kate

A quick and tasty fusion of classic American smash burgers and Mexican tacos. Seasoned ground beef is smashed thin, cooked crispy, topped with melted cheese and fresh taco toppings, then drizzled with a creamy burger sauce—all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
22m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.05
Total cost
$3.01
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pressing the beef patty quickly to achieve a crispy edge
  • Ensuring the skillet is hot before adding the beef
  • Adding cheese at the right moment so it melts without overcooking

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety
  • Use a sturdy spatula when smashing the patty to prevent slipping

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Smash Burger Tacos in American cuisine?

A

Smash Burger Tacos are a modern American fusion that blends the fast‑food technique of smashing a thin beef patty for a crispy crust with the handheld convenience of Mexican tacos. The concept reflects the U.S. love for mash‑ups, especially in casual dining and food‑truck culture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of burger‑style tacos in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, you’ll find tacos topped with cheese and a creamy sauce similar to a burger, while in the Midwest some diners serve “burger tacos” using a soft flour tortilla and adding pickles and mustard. Each region tweaks the toppings to match local tastes.

cultural
Q

How is Smash Burger Tacos traditionally served in American street‑food settings?

A

Street vendors typically serve them on warm corn or flour tortillas, topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, pickles, and a drizzle of a mayo‑based sauce, allowing diners to eat them on the go without utensils.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Smash Burger Tacos commonly associated with in the U.S.?

A

They are popular at casual gatherings like backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, and food‑truck festivals where guests want a quick, satisfying bite that combines familiar burger flavors with taco portability.

cultural
Q

What makes Smash Burger Tacos special or unique in American fusion cuisine?

A

The dish’s uniqueness lies in the technique of smashing a thin beef patty to achieve a caramelized crust, then pairing it with classic taco toppings and a burger‑style sauce, creating a textural contrast of crispy meat, melty cheese, and fresh veggies.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Smash Burger Tacos versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include 80% lean ground beef, a simple seasoning blend, cheddar cheese, corn tortillas, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and a mayo‑ketchup‑mustard sauce. Substitutes can be ground turkey, vegan cheese, flour tortillas, or Greek‑yogurt‑based sauce for dietary needs.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Smash Burger Tacos at home?

A

Common errors include using a cold pan (which prevents a crust), over‑mixing the beef (making it tough), pressing the patty too slowly (causing steam instead of sear), and adding cheese too early so it burns.

technical
Q

Why does this Smash Burger Tacos recipe use a tortilla press instead of rolling the tortillas by hand?

A

A tortilla press creates uniformly thin, evenly shaped tortillas quickly, ensuring they stay pliable for folding and can hold the juicy beef without tearing, which is harder to achieve with hand‑rolled dough.

technical
Q

Can I make Smash Burger Tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Prepare the burger sauce and chop the toppings up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Cooked beef patties can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Assemble tacos just before serving to keep tortillas from getting soggy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Dished by Kate specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Dished by Kate specializes in approachable, quick‑prep home cooking videos that blend classic comfort foods with creative twists, often featuring step‑by‑step visual guides and budget‑friendly tips.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Dished by Kate's approach to American fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Dished by Kate focuses on minimal equipment, clear narration, and practical shortcuts like using a tortilla press and smash‑technique, whereas many other channels may rely on more elaborate setups or gourmet ingredients. Her style emphasizes everyday kitchen tools and flavor‑forward simplicity.

channel

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