In-N-Out Style Smashed Burger Tacos
If a classic smash burger and a taco had a baby, this would be it.
These In-N-Out Smash Burger Tacos are everything you love about a burger…crispy beef edges, melty American cheese, tangy special sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles but pressed into a tortilla and cooked until golden and crispy.
The magic happens when the beef is smashed directly onto the tortilla, allowing the meat to sear while the tortilla toasts in the same pan. The result is a taco that tastes like your favorite fast-food burger but with the crispy handheld magic of a taco.
They’re juicy, cheesy, slightly messy in the best way, and honestly one of the most fun weeknight dinners you can make.
Bonus: they take less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Delicious Variations
Animal Style Smash Tacos
Add caramelized onions and extra sauce for an animal-style inspired version.
Spicy Smash Tacos
Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce to the burger sauce.
Double Smash Tacos
Use two thin layers of beef and two slices of cheese.
Bacon Smash Tacos
Add crispy bacon for a burger-bar upgrade.
Low-Carb Version
Use low-carb tortillas
What To Serve With Smash Burger Tacos
These tacos pair perfectly with:
- crispy fries
- sweet potato fries
- pickle spears
- a simple slaw
- milkshakes for the full burger-joint vibe
Favorite Tools & Ingredients
These tools make smash burgers way easier:
- Cast iron skillet or griddle for the best crust
- Burger press for smashing
- Favorite Lightweight cutting board
- Chef’s knife for prepping toppings
Having a good heavy pan is the biggest game changer for getting those crispy burger edges.
Gina
Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
For The Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20
- 4 small flour tortillas
- Salt and black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
Toppings
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Dill pickle chips
- Finely diced onion optional
In-N-Out style sauce
- ½ cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Splash white vinegar
- Pinch sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Make The Sauce
- Whisk everything together and refrigerate while you cook. The flavor gets better as it sits.
Prep The Beef
- Divide the beef into 4 loose balls. Place each ball onto a tortilla and press it thin all the way to the edges. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium high.
- Place the tortilla beef side down. Smash firmly so the meat makes full contact with the pan.
- Cook 2 to 3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy.
- Flip so the tortilla is now on the pan. Immediately add cheese to the beef side.
- Cook another 1 to 2 minutes until the tortilla is golden and the cheese melts.
Assemble
- Top with sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions.
- Fold and devour immediately.
