Tortilla Burgers (Smash Burger Tacos)

Introduction

Tortilla  Burgers—also known as Smash  Burger Tacos—are the ultimate comfort-food mashup. Imagine a thin, juicy smash  burger cooked directly onto a soft flour tortilla, then flipped so the tortilla crisps up in the pan while the beef stays tender and flavorful. Finished with melted cheese and classic burger toppings, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

They cook fast, use simple ingredients, and are perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual family meals. No buns, no grill, no mess—just crispy edges, gooey cheese, and that irresistible smash-burger taste in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines tacos and burgers in one easy dish

• Crispy tortilla with juicy smash-burger beef

• Ready in under 20 minutes

• Perfect for customization

• Kid-friendly and party-approved

Ingredients

For the Burger Tacos

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)

• 6 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar or American cheese

• 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for the pan)

Toppings (Choose Your Favorites)

• Shredded lettuce

• Diced tomatoes

• Pickles

• Sliced onions (raw or caramelized)

Burger Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• 1 tablespoon pickle relish

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

• Total Time: About 20 minutes

• Servings: 6 tortilla burgers

How to Make Tortilla Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, and paprika. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Season the Beef

In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Divide into 6 equal portions.

Flatten each portion into a very thin patty roughly the size of a tortilla.

Step 3: Press Beef onto Tortillas

Press each beef patty directly onto one side of a tortilla, covering most of the surface. Press firmly so it sticks well.

Step 4: Cook the Smash Burger Tacos

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease with oil or butter.

Place tortillas beef-side down in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula to ensure good contact.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef develops a crispy, browned crust.

Flip carefully so the tortilla side is now down. Sprinkle cheese over the beef.

Cook another 1–2 minutes until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Assemble

Remove from the pan. Add burger sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions.

Fold like a taco and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fries, potato wedges, or onion rings

• Pair with coleslaw or a simple salad

• Great with milkshakes or soda for a diner-style meal

Tips for Perfect Smash Burger Tacos

• Use thin tortillas for the best crisp

• Don’t overwork the beef—keep it loose

• Press beef firmly onto the tortilla before cooking

• Cook on high heat for proper browning

• Serve immediately for best texture

Delicious Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos

Add cooked crumbled bacon before the cheese melts.

Spicy Smash Burger Tacos

Add jalapeños and spicy mayo or hot sauce.

BBQ Burger Tacos

Swap burger sauce for BBQ sauce and add crispy onions.

Mushroom Swiss Version

Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:
Best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Calorie Information (Approximate)

Per tortilla burger:

• Calories: 420–450

• Protein: 23 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 26 g

Final Thoughts

Tortilla Smash Burger Tacos are fast, fun, and wildly addictive. With crispy tortillas, juicy beef, and classic burger flavors, they deliver everything you love about a smash burger—without the bun or  grill.