You’ve probably heard of them, seen them all over your social media feeds, or even tasted them at the hippest food joints. These delightful handheld treats have been making waves, and for a good reason!

Each smash taco is a unique culinary masterpiece, offering a burst of flavors and a delightful crunch. Whether you’re a traditionalist at heart or an adventurous food explorer, our list has something to tantalize every taste bud. So, grab your apron, warm up the skillet, and prepare for an epic flavor ride.

What is a Smash Taco?

A “smash taco” consists of a burger patty that is cooked directly into a tortilla, which is then loaded with burger toppings and folded like a taco. This dish offers all the flavor of a burger and all the convenience of a taco​.

Classic Smash Taco

We’re starting our smash taco journey with a classic favorite. The Classic Smash Taco is a beautiful blend of simplicity and familiarity. The succulent burger patty, the freshness of the lettuce and tomato, the sharp tang of the pickles, and the creaminess of the cheese – every element plays its part. This is the go-to choice for anyone looking to savor the basics at their very best.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Pickles, sliced
• Condiments of your choice (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)

Instructions:

1. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide it into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of meat on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the patty is fully cooked and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded cheese on top of the hot patty, allowing it to melt.
5. Top with a portion of the lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Add condiments as per your preference.
6. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
7. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your Classic Smash Taco!

Tex-Mex Smash Taco

This recipe is a wonderful choice for spice lovers, offering a tantalizing mix of heat, creaminess, and a touch of tang. The spicy beef patty, hot jalapenos, and zingy salsa are perfectly balanced with the cool, creamy sour cream and the mellow pepper jack cheese. This Smash Taco variant is not just a meal, it’s an adventure for your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
• 1 cup salsa
• Sour cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Season the ground beef with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Divide it into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of meat on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the patty is fully cooked and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded pepper jack cheese on top of the hot patty, allowing it to melt.
5. Top with a portion of the sliced jalapeno and a generous scoop of salsa.
6. Finish with a dollop of sour cream.
7. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
9. Serve immediately, and enjoy your spicy Tex-Mex Smash Taco!

BBQ Bacon Smash Taco

This variant is a delightful celebration of smoky, sweet, and salty flavors that harmoniously come together in every bite. The juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, smoky BBQ sauce, rich cheddar cheese, and sweet caramelized onions combine to create a taste experience that’s reminiscent of a traditional cookout. If you’re a fan of BBQ flavors and love a touch of sweetness in your savory dishes, this Smash Taco is for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 large onion, sliced and caramelized
• 1 cup shredded lettuce

Instructions:

1. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide it into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of meat on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. While the beef is cooking, cook your bacon in a separate pan until it’s crispy, then set it aside. In the same pan, add the sliced onion and cook it over medium heat until it caramelizes, stirring occasionally.
4. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the patty is fully cooked and the tortilla is crispy.
5. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the hot patty, allowing it to melt.
6. Drizzle a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the cheese.
7. Top with a portion of the caramelized onions, a strip of crispy bacon (broken into pieces), and a handful of shredded lettuce.
8. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
9. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
10. Serve immediately, and enjoy your BBQ Bacon Smash Taco!

Mediterranean Lamb Smash Taco

This recipe is a unique spin on the Smash Taco, featuring a seasoned lamb patty enveloped in a tortilla, and adorned with the tangy feta cheese, cool tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables. The result is a beautifully balanced, flavorful taco that carries the refreshing and savory flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. If you’re looking for a Smash Taco with a gourmet touch, this recipe is for you. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Season the ground lamb with chopped oregano, salt, and pepper. Divide it into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of meat on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the patty is fully cooked and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the patty, then sprinkle a quarter of the crumbled feta cheese on top.
5. Top with a portion of the diced cucumber, tomato, and thinly sliced red onion.
6. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
7. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
8. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Mediterranean Lamb Smash Taco!

Buffalo Chicken Smash Taco

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of a buffalo chicken wing and a taco, packing a punch with its spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors. Ground chicken is transformed into a crispy patty, served in a tortilla, and topped with a tangy buffalo sauce, creamy blue cheese, and a refreshing celery slaw. If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken wings and love a spicy kick in your food, this Smash Taco is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 2 cups celery, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

1. Season the ground chicken with salt and pepper. Divide it into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of meat on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the celery slaw by mixing the sliced celery, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until well combined and set aside.
4. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the patty is fully cooked and the tortilla is crispy.
5. Drizzle a generous amount of buffalo sauce over the hot patty, then sprinkle a quarter of the crumbled blue cheese on top.
6. Top with a heaping portion of the prepared celery slaw.
7. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
9. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Smash Taco!

Vegan Black Bean Smash Taco

Vegan food doesn’t have to compromise on flavor or satisfaction. A hearty black bean patty is cooked right into a tortilla, then topped with creamy avocado, vibrant pico de gallo, melty vegan cheese, and a dollop of vegan sour cream. The end result is a Smash Taco that’s bursting with fresh flavors and satisfying textures, making it a great option even for non-vegans. 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound canned black beans, drained and mashed
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 cup pico de gallo
• 1 cup vegan cheese, shredded
• 1 cup vegan sour cream

Instructions:

1. Season the mashed black beans with cumin, salt, and pepper. Divide it into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of mashed beans on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the patty is heated through and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded vegan cheese on top of the hot patty, allowing it to melt.
5. Top with a few slices of ripe avocado and a generous scoop of pico de gallo.
6. Finish with a dollop of vegan sour cream.
7. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
9. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Vegan Black Bean Smash Taco!

Hawaiian Smash Taco

This smash taco combines the sweet and savory combination found in a Hawaiian pizza, and it translates beautifully into a Smash Taco. Whether you opt for a beef or chicken patty, it will be perfectly complemented by the sweetness of grilled pineapple, the smoky flavor of ham, and the tangy glaze of teriyaki sauce. If you’re looking for a Smash Taco that offers a delightful balance of flavors and a touch of tropical whimsy, this recipe is for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 flour tortillas
• 4 pineapple rings, grilled
• 4 slices of ham
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce

Instructions:

1. Season the ground beef or chicken with salt and pepper. Divide it into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of meat on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. In the meantime, grill your pineapple rings and set aside.
4. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the patty is fully cooked and the tortilla is crispy.
5. Layer a slice of ham on top of the hot patty.
6. Top with a grilled pineapple ring.
7. Drizzle a generous amount of teriyaki sauce over the pineapple and ham.
8. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
9. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
10. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Hawaiian Smash Taco!

Breakfast Smash Taco

Let’s bring together all the comforting flavors of a hearty breakfast into a convenient taco. It features a juicy sausage patty cooked directly into a tortilla, fluffy scrambled eggs, melty cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a bit of a kick. If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and satisfying way to start your day, this Smash Taco is the perfect choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
• 4 flour tortillas
• 4 eggs, scrambled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Hot sauce, to taste

Instructions:

1. Divide the ground breakfast sausage into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of sausage on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. While the sausage is cooking, scramble your eggs and set aside.
4. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the patty is fully cooked and the tortilla is crispy.
5. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the hot patty, allowing it to melt.
6. Top with a generous portion of scrambled eggs.
7. Drizzle your desired amount of hot sauce over the eggs.
8. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
9. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
10. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Breakfast Smash Taco!

Seafood Smash Taco

We’re heading to the coast with our Seafood Smash Taco. This recipe offers a lighter, yet incredibly flavorful, take on the traditional Smash Taco. You can opt for a salmon or shrimp patty, cooked right into a tortilla and complemented by a tangy coleslaw, creamy avocado slices, and a spicy mayo that adds just the right amount of heat. If you’re a seafood lover or looking for a lighter option, this Smash Taco is sure to delight.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon fillet or peeled and deveined shrimp
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 flour tortillas
• 2 cups coleslaw mix
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup spicy mayo

Instructions:

1. If using salmon, chop it finely to create a ground consistency. If using shrimp, do the same. Season with salt and pepper. Divide it into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of seafood on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. While the seafood is cooking, prepare the coleslaw by mixing the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until well combined and set aside.
4. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the seafood is fully cooked and the tortilla is crispy.
5. Top with a heaping portion of the prepared coleslaw and a few slices of ripe avocado.
6. Drizzle a generous amount of spicy mayo over the coleslaw and avocado.
7. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
9. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Seafood Smash Taco!

Italian Smash Taco

This recipe is a beautiful fusion of the traditional Smash Taco and a classic Italian dish. Choose from a seasoned beef or pork patty cooked directly into a tortilla, then topped with rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine and looking for a unique twist, this Smash Taco is a perfect choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or pork
• Salt and Italian seasoning to taste
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Season the ground beef or pork with salt and Italian seasoning. Divide it into four equal portions and form each into a loose ball.
2. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a ball of meat on the griddle, then press down with a spatula to flatten it into a patty. Cook the patty directly on the tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy.
3. Flip the tortilla with the patty, so the patty is now on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the patty is fully cooked and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Spread a quarter of the marinara sauce on top of the hot patty.
5. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, allowing it to melt.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Carefully fold the tortilla around the patty and toppings, forming a taco shape.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
9. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Italian Smash Taco!

Ryan