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Cheeseburger taco folded over on tray.
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Cheeseburger Tacos (Smashed Burger Style!)

These Cheeseburger Tacos are the best of both worlds! Made with juicy, crispy-edged smashed burgers cooked right onto a tortilla and finished with all your favorite cheeseburger toppings. They’re quick, fun to make, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something the whole family will love.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword cheeseburger tacos
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12 tacos
Calories 509kcal
Author Tawnie Graham of Kroll's Korner

Ingredients

Burger Tacos

  • 2 lbs. 80/20 ground beef
  • 12 small flour tortillas street size or taco size
  • 1½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • Pinch smoked paprika
  • 12 slices American cheese melts the best

Grilled Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Splash of water, white wine, beef broth to deglaze the pan

Burger Sauce

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. finely diced dill pickles or pickle relish
  • 1 Tbsp. pickle juice
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika smoked or regular
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Caramelize the onions (DO THIS FIRST)

  • Heat pan: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large stainless-steel saute pan over medium-low heat.
    2 Tbsp. butter, 1 Tbsp. olive oil
    Butter and olive oil added to cast-iron skillet.
  • Add onions: Add the onions and a pinch of salt.
    2 large yellow onions, Pinch of salt
    Thinly sliced onions added to cast-iron skillet.
  • Cook: Cook for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the pan dries, add 1 Tbsp water at a time to deglaze.
    Splash of water, white wine, beef broth
    Side-by-side image of occasionally stirring the onions while the cook.
  • Set aside: You will know when they are done when the onions look deep golden, jammy, and taste sweet. Set this yummy golden jam deliciousness aside.
    Side-by-side image of the cooked caramelized onions in a cast-iron skillet then set aside on a plate.
  • Make the burger sauce: Stir everything together in a bowl and place in the fridge while you make the burgers.
    3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 Tbsp. yellow mustard or Dijon mustard, 2 Tbsp. finely diced dill pickles or pickle relish, 1 Tbsp. pickle juice, 1 Tbsp. sugar, 1/2 tsp. paprika, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1/4 tsp. black pepper
    Side-by-side image of mixing the ingredients together for the burger sauce in a small bowl.

Make the smash tacos

  • Prep the beef: Divide the beef into 12 loose balls (don’t overwork)
    2 lbs. 80/20 ground beef
  • Smash onto tortilla: Place one ball on each tortilla. Smash one ball evenly over each tortilla, going to the edges (meat will shrink as it cooks). Season generously with salt, pepper, and a little paprika.
    12 small flour tortillas, 1½ tsp. kosher salt, Pinch smoked paprika, 1 tsp. black pepper
    Side-by-side image of adding a ball of ground beef to the tortilla and spreading out evenly.
  • Smash & cook (the magic): Heat a large cast-iron or griddle over medium-high. I like to do more on high to get a nice crispy taco).
  • Add taco and cook: Place the tacos beef-side down, and press firmly with a spatula or smashing tool. Cook for just 2-3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy. Since it’s a thin layer of beef, it cooks pretty quickly.
    Pressing the tortilla and burger down on a cast-iron skillet to cook the beef.
  • Flip and add cheese: Flip with a spatula and add a slice of cheese immediately. Cover with a lid to allow the cheese to get nice and melty. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until the tortilla is golden and the cheese melts
    12 slices American cheese
    Three images showing how to add the cheese to the burger taco once it's flipped on the cast iron skillet.
  • Assemble: Top each taco with caramelized onions (can chop them if needed), a drizzle of burger sauce, and any add-ons you love! Some of my favorites are shredded iceberg lettuce, pickle, sesame seeds, jalapeños, and chopped tomatoes!
    Cheeseburger tacos cooked and topped with favorite burger toppings.
  • Serve: Fold and devour! Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1taco | Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 1085mg | Potassium: 333mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 3mg