Crispy Smash Burger Tacos with Secret Animal Sauce Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To get the crispiest tortillas, use a cast-iron skillet or a griddle and make sure it's hot before adding the tortillas. A hot surface creates steam that crisps the tortillas quickly without making them dry.

Don't flip the tortillas too often—let them sit and develop a golden crust. If you're making a large batch, keep the cooked tortillas warm in a low oven (200°F) on a baking sheet so they stay pliable.

The secret sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It also makes a great spread for burgers, a dip for fries, or a dressing for a crunchy salad.

If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce. For a smokier flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika. The sauce is versatile and forgiving, so feel free to adjust it to your taste.

Variations

• Spicy Smash Tacos: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños to each taco, and stir a teaspoon of hot sauce into the secret sauce for extra heat. Top with fresh cilantro for a bright finish.
• Chicken Smash Tacos: Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. Season with the same spices and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
• Veggie Smash Tacos: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute. Cook until browned and crispy, then top with vegan cheddar and a dairy-free version of the sauce using vegan mayo and vegan sour cream.
• Breakfast Smash Tacos: Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef, and top with a fried egg. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup mixed into the sauce for a sweet-savory twist.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce can be kept separately for up to a week.

Freezer

Freeze cooked beef patties and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet. Tortillas are best fresh.

Reheat

Reheat leftover tacos in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and crisp.

Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the tortillas will lose their crispness. To reheat, place the tacos in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and the tortillas crisp up again. The sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.

You can prepare the secret sauce and caramelize the onions up to 3 days ahead. Shred the lettuce and store it in a sealed bag with a paper towel to keep it crisp. Cook the beef patties and crisp the tortillas just before serving, as they are best fresh.

You can also assemble the tacos completely and refrigerate them, but the texture will suffer. For best results, prep the components and assemble right before eating.

Serving ideas

Serve these smash burger tacos immediately after assembling, while the tortillas are still crispy and the cheese is melted. They're perfect for a fun weeknight dinner, a game-day spread, or a casual gathering with friends.

Pair them with a cold beer, a refreshing limeade, or a simple side of black beans and rice. The tacos are hearty enough to stand alone, but they also shine alongside a crunchy slaw or a bowl of Mexican street corn.

For a complete meal, set out bowls of extra sauce, pickled jalapeños, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their tacos. If you're feeding a crowd, double the recipe and set up a taco bar with all the toppings. These tacos are best enjoyed hot and fresh, so cook them in batches and serve as they come off the griddle. The contrast of crispy, juicy, creamy, and crunchy is what makes them so irresistible.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Smash Burger Tacos with Secret Animal Sauce

Prep 15 minCook 10 minTotal 25 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 cup caramelized onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 corn tortillas (6-inch)
• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 8 slices American cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded crisp iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, sweet pickle relish, finely chopped caramelized onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and silky pink. Set aside.
2. Shred the iceberg lettuce finely and set aside. If you haven't already, caramelize the onions for both the sauce and the topping. Keep the onions warm or at room temperature.
3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and season each with kosher salt. Place the portions on the hot surface and press down firmly with a spatula to form thin patties. Cook until browned and crispy on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of American cheddar on each. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
5. While the beef finishes cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame until pliable. Then, in the same skillet with the beef drippings, crisp the tortillas on both sides until golden and slightly charred.
6. Place a cheese-topped patty on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, a spoonful of caramelized onions, and a generous drizzle of the secret animal sauce. Fold the tortilla in half and press gently.
7. Serve the tacos immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired. The tacos are best eaten fresh while the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, mustard, fish

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

680

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

50 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.