Blackstone Smashburger Tacos combine the best of two comfort food favorites—juicy smash burgers and crispy tacos. Seasoned ground beef is smashed directly onto flour tortillas and cooked on a hot Blackstone griddle until the meat develops a flavorful crust while the tortilla turns perfectly crisp. Finished with melted cheese, fresh toppings, and your favorite burger sauce, these tacos are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
8 small flour tortillas
8 slices American cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if needed)

Burger Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon pickle relish
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika

Toppings

Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Dill pickle slices
Thinly sliced onions
Jalapeño slices (optional)

How To Make Blackstone Smashburger Tacos

1. Preheat the Blackstone

Heat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the surface if necessary.

2. Prepare the Beef

Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and gently roll into loose balls. Avoid packing them tightly for the best smashburger texture.

3. Assemble the Tacos

Place a beef ball onto each tortilla and press it evenly across the surface with your hands, leaving a small border around the edges. Season the meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Cook Meat-Side Down

Place each tortilla meat-side down onto the hot griddle. Press firmly with a burger press or sturdy spatula for a few seconds to maximize browning.

5. Flip the Tacos

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef develops a crispy crust. Flip the tacos so the tortilla side cooks on the griddle.

6. Add Cheese

Immediately place a slice of American cheese on each burger. Cook another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes lightly golden.

7. Add Toppings

Remove the tacos from the griddle. Spread burger sauce over the meat, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and any additional toppings you like.

8. Serve

Serve immediately while the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted.

You Must Know

Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful smashburger tacos.
Flour tortillas hold together better than corn tortillas for this recipe.
Smash the beef only once to create a crispy crust.
Cook over medium-high heat for the best caramelization.
Add cheese immediately after flipping so it melts completely.
Prepare all toppings before cooking since the tacos cook quickly.

Topping Variations

Customize your smashburger tacos with your favorite burger-inspired toppings:

Bacon Crumbles: Add smoky crunch.
Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory.
Sautéed Mushrooms: Rich, earthy flavor.
Avocado Slices: Creamy and fresh.
Jalapeños: Perfect for extra heat.
Pepper Jack Cheese: A spicy alternative to American cheese.
Pickled Red Onions: Bright and tangy.
Shredded Pepper Jack or Cheddar: For extra cheesy goodness.
BBQ Sauce: Adds smoky sweetness.
Crispy Fried Onions: Great texture and flavor.

Make It A Meal

Pair your Blackstone Smashburger Tacos with these delicious sides:

Crispy French fries
Sweet potato fries
Onion rings
Coleslaw
Potato salad
Macaroni salad
Grilled corn on the cob
Pickle spears
Tortilla chips with queso
Fresh fruit salad

For drinks, serve with iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, or your favorite soda.

Pro Tips

Keep the beef cold until you’re ready to cook for easier smashing.
Use a piece of parchment paper between the press and beef to prevent sticking.
Avoid pressing the burgers after they’ve started cooking, as this can squeeze out the juices.
Warm tortillas slightly before adding the beef if they’re stiff.
Don’t overcrowd the griddle—cook in batches if needed.
Let the beef develop a deep crust before flipping.
Toast the tortilla until lightly crisp but still flexible enough to fold.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe FAQs

What are Smashburger tacos?

Smashburger tacos are made by pressing seasoned ground beef directly onto a flour tortilla, cooking the meat until crispy, then flipping it to toast the tortilla before adding cheese and fresh toppings.

Can I use corn tortillas?

You can, but flour tortillas are generally recommended because they’re more flexible and less likely to crack during cooking.

What’s the best ground beef for this recipe?

An 80/20 ground beef blend provides the ideal balance of flavor, juiciness, and crispy edges.

Can I make these ahead of time?

They’re best served fresh, but you can prepare the burger sauce and chop the toppings in advance to save time.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the cooked beef separately from the toppings and tortillas in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What’s the best way to reheat them?

Reheat the beef on a hot skillet or Blackstone griddle, then assemble the tacos with fresh toppings for the best texture.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely. American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar, pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, or provolone are all great alternatives.

Can I make these spicy?

Yes! Add diced jalapeños, pepper Jack cheese, hot sauce, spicy burger sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.