They've Gone Viral // Smash Burger Tacos!! Step by Step ️
They've Gone Viral // Smash Burger Tacos!! Step by Step ❤️ is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 440 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachel's Step by Step on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $15.14 total, $2.52 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (regular mayo, room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Ketchup (regular tomato ketchup)
- 2 tablespoons Dill Relish (heaping, dill pickle relish)
- 1 tablespoon Mustard (yellow mustard or favorite variety)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for flavor without excess grease)
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika)
- 6 pieces Flour Tortillas (6‑inch small tortillas; can substitute gluten‑free or low‑carb tortillas)
- 6 ounces Kraft Jack Cheese (freshly grated; can use cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
- 4 slices Bacon (cooked crisp, optional)
- 1 cup Lettuce (shredded, any crisp lettuce)
- 1 medium Tomato (diced)
- 1 large Avocado (sliced)
- 1 small Onion (diced; optional)
Instructions
Make the Dressing
Combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 heaping tablespoons dill relish, and 1 tablespoon mustard in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Chill the Dressing
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Season and Form Beef Balls
Divide 1 lb ground beef into six equal portions. Sprinkle each ball generously with the all‑purpose seasoning and gently massage to coat evenly.
Time: PT5M
Preheat the Griddle
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium‑high heat until hot but not smoking.
Time: PT5M
Place Tortillas and Smash Beef
Lay three tortillas on the hot griddle, place one seasoned beef ball on each, and immediately press down with a spatula or patty press until the meat is thin and spreads across the tortilla.
Time: PT2M
Cook First Side
Let the smashed burgers cook for 1½–2 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned.
Time: PT2M
Flip and Add Cheese
Flip each taco, sprinkle freshly grated K‑B‑Y Jack cheese on top, and cover the griddle (or use a lid) for another 1½ minutes to melt the cheese.
Time: PT2M
Fold and Set Aside
Remove the tacos from the griddle, fold each tortilla in half to form a taco shape, and place on a serving plate.
Time: PT1M
Repeat with Remaining Tortillas
Repeat steps 5‑8 with the remaining three tortillas (regular or gluten‑free).
Time: PT5M
Add Toppings
Drizzle a little of the prepared dressing over each taco, then top with shredded lettuce, crisp bacon, diced tomato, sliced avocado, and optional onion.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Serve the smash burger tacos immediately while hot and enjoy!
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 440
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 29 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free option with gluten‑free tortillas, Keto‑friendly with low‑carb tortillas, High‑Protein, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Egg, Milk, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, vegan mayo
- Instead of Ketchup: tomato sauce, BBQ sauce
- Instead of Dill Relish: sweet pickle relish, chopped pickles
- Instead of Mustard: Dijon mustard, spicy mustard
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of All-Purpose Seasoning: taco seasoning, steak seasoning
- Instead of Flour Tortillas: gluten‑free tortillas, low‑carb tortillas
- Instead of Kraft Jack Cheese: cheddar cheese, mozzarella, pepper jack
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon, omit for vegetarian
- Instead of Lettuce: cabbage slaw
- Instead of Tomato: cherry tomatoes, halved
- Instead of Avocado: guacamole
- Instead of Onion: green onions, omit
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Griddle or Large Skillet
- Patty Press (optional)
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Tongs (optional)
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make the dressing
- Season and form beef balls
- Smash the meat onto the tortilla on a hot griddle
- Melt the cheese quickly
- Assemble toppings
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Press the meat quickly and firmly; a thin patty cooks faster and stays juicy.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre‑shredded varieties.
- If you like extra crunch, toast the tortillas for a few seconds before adding the meat.
Troubleshooting
Meat sticks to the tortilla and doesn’t spread.
Make sure the griddle is fully pre‑heated and press the meat immediately after placing it on the tortilla.
Tortillas become soggy.
Do not over‑cook the meat; keep cooking time to 1½–2 minutes per side and serve immediately.
Cheese does not melt fully.
Cover the griddle with a lid or a foil tent for the last minute to trap steam.
Tortilla burns before the meat is cooked.
Adjust the heat to medium‑high rather than full high; a slightly lower temperature gives the meat time to cook without scorching the tortilla.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate.
Freezer: Not recommended for assembled tacos; you can freeze cooked beef patties and tortillas separately for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled tacos at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the mayo‑ketchup dressing a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated.
- Dice tomatoes, avocado, and onion, and store them in separate containers.
- Cook the bacon in advance and crumble it for quick topping.
- Form the beef balls and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Smash Burger Tacos in American cuisine?
Smash Burger Tacos are a modern American fusion that combines the fast‑food appeal of the smash burger with the handheld convenience of a taco. They reflect the U.S. trend of blending classic comfort foods into creative, quick‑serve dishes popular at weekend gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Smash Burger Tacos in the United States?
While there is no historic regional version, cooks often adapt the taco base—using flour tortillas in the South, corn tortillas in the Southwest, or low‑carb tortillas for keto‑friendly twists. Toppings also vary, with some adding pickles, jalapeños, or chipotle mayo for a regional kick.
How is Smash Burger Tacos traditionally served in American households?
They are usually served hot straight from the griddle, topped with a drizzle of creamy dressing, shredded lettuce, cheese, bacon, tomato, avocado, and sometimes onion. They are often enjoyed with a side of chips, salsa, or a cold beverage like lemonade.
What occasions or celebrations are Smash Burger Tacos traditionally associated with in American culture?
These tacos are popular for casual weekend meals, game‑day snacks, backyard barbecues, and family movie nights because they are quick to assemble and satisfy both burger and taco lovers.
What makes Smash Burger Tacos special or unique in American fusion cuisine?
The dish uniquely merges the crispy, caramelized edges of a smash burger with the soft, flexible tortilla, creating a handheld bite that delivers both beefy richness and taco freshness in one.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Smash Burger Tacos?
Common errors include using too lean ground beef (which can dry out), not pre‑heating the griddle enough, over‑cooking the meat, and letting the tortilla sit too long before serving, which makes it soggy.
Why does this Smash Burger Tacos recipe use a hot griddle and a quick smash technique instead of a traditional burger patty?
The hot griddle creates a rapid Maillard reaction, giving the meat a flavorful crust while keeping the interior juicy. Smashing the patty thin ensures it cooks evenly and adheres to the tortilla, which is essential for the taco format.
Can I make Smash Burger Tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop toppings ahead. Cooked meat can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days, and assembled tacos are best eaten fresh, but you can store them loosely wrapped in the fridge and reheat briefly on a skillet before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step focuses on clear, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that emphasize easy, family‑friendly recipes and practical kitchen tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Rachel's Step by Step emphasizes minimal equipment, quick prep, and adaptable variations (like gluten‑free or keto options), whereas many other channels may use more elaborate techniques or specialized tools.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
