Tex-Mex Smash Burger Tacos on Corn Tortillas
These viral TikTok smash burger tacos are worth the hype! My Tex-Mex take adds vibrant flavor and a spicy kick to the classic.
or read on for step-by-step instructions with photos
TikTok Smash Burger Tacos Get a Tex-Mex Upgrade
Smash burger tacos went viral for a reason—a juicy beef patty smashed onto a flour tortilla, melty cheese, and crispy, golden edges make for one ridiculously tasty taco-burger mashup. Most versions stick with the usual burger toppings, but why stop there?
I gave mine a Tex-Mex upgrade: sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, Tajín-spiked sour cream, onion, tomato, pickled jalapeños, and two types of salsa—all stacked on corn tortillas for extra crunch and authentic flavor. They’re messy in the best way and seriously satisfying.
Ready to build your own? I’ll show you exactly how to make these Tex-Mex smash burger tacos step-by-step so they come out crispy, juicy, and full of flavor.
Let’s get smashin’!
What You’ll Need for This Smash Burger Taco Recipe
Ingredients
For the smash burger tacos:
10 ounces medium ground beef
4 corn tortillas (6-inch, fajita size)
4 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced
salt and pepper
olive oil, for cooking
For the smash burger taco sauce:
1 tablespoon Tajín (see substitutions for alternatives)
3 tablespoons sour cream
Tex-Mex toppings:
4 slices of bacon, diced and cooked until crispy
½ white onion, finely diced
1 plum tomato, diced
Pickled jalapeño slices
Salsa roja
Salsa verde
💡Pro Tip: For authentic flavor, I used Herdez brand for both salsas. It's a brand I trust and use regularly in Mexico, and it's easy to find at most North American grocery stores.
Equipment for Cooking Smash Burger Tacos
Large skillet
Aluminum foil or a lid
Knife & cutting board
Small bowl and spoon
Makes: 4 tacos (2 servings)
Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Step-by-Step with Photos
Step 1: Prep the smash burger taco sauce and toppings
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and Tajín to make the smash burger taco sauce. Give it a quick taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
Next, get your toppings ready. Cook the bacon until crispy, slice the cheddar cheese, dice the tomato and onion, and set out the pickled jalapeños, salsa roja, and salsa verde. Having everything prepped now will make assembly easy later.
Step 2: Smash the beef onto the tortillas
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls, place each ball on top of a corn tortilla, then press it flat. Spread the meat slightly past the edges, since the meat will shrink a bit as it cooks. This method is much easier and more consistent than trying to smash the meat directly onto a hot pan.
Season each patty with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the smash burger tacos
Heat a large skillet over high heat and drizzle in a little olive oil to coat the pan. Place each taco meat-side down in the pan. Press down with a spatula so the beef makes full contact with the skillet—this helps build that caramelized smash burger crust.
Cook for about 2 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip the tacos, add a slice of cheese on each one, then cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil. Let them cook for another minute until the cheese is melted and the tortillas become slightly crispy.
If your pan isn’t big enough to cook them all at once, no worries—just cook them in batches, like I did.
Step 4: Load them up with Tex-Mex toppings
As soon as the cheese is melted, they’re ready to serve. Add a spoonful of the smash burger taco sauce, then pile on any Tex-Mex toppings you like.
My Tips for the Best Smash Burger Tacos
Crank up the heat: A hot skillet is the secret to that crispy, caramelized smash burger crust. Let the pan preheat until it’s almost smoking before adding the burgers.
Use the right skillet: Go with a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan for a deep, even sear. Lightweight non-stick pans just can’t deliver the same results.
Keep the patties thin: They’ll cook faster, crisp up better, and fold more easily into a taco.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if needed. Too many tacos at once drops the heat and causes steaming—not the smash burger sear we’re going for.
Tex-Mex Smash Burger Taco Ingredient Swaps
Meat: Try ground pork or chorizo sausage meat instead of ground beef. Just make sure whatever ground meat you use has about 20% fat, so your smash burger tacos stay juicy.
Seasoning: Spice things up with a sprinkle of paprika, garlic powder, chipotle powder, or taco seasoning.
Tajin: This Mexican chili-lime seasoning gives the smash burger taco sauce its zippy kick. No Tajín? Sub in chili powder with a pinch of lime zest and a splash of lime juice for a similar taste.
Cheese: Swap in any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or classic American.
Salsa: I love using Herdez brand salsa taquera and salsa verde (pictured below, not sponsored) for their authentic Mexican flavor, but any salsa works! Homemade salsa, guacamole, chipotle mayo, or your favorite hot sauce are all great options.
How to Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos
Fridge: Smash burger tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Lightly mist or sprinkle the tacos with water, then warm them tortilla-side down in a covered non-stick skillet. This steams the meat while re-crisping the tortillas—so they taste almost as good as fresh.
Creative Smash Burger Taco Topping Ideas
Want to change things up? Start with the same smash burger taco base and remix the flavor with different sauces, spreads, and toppings:
Southwest Style: Pepper Jack cheese, pickled red onions, corn salsa, and jalapeño garlic aioli.
Caesar Smash Tacos: Finely chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan, and crispy breadcrumbs (optionally substitute ground chicken).
Asian-Inspired: Shredded cabbage, scallions, hoisin sauce, and ginger-sesame dressing.
Greek Style: Crumbled feta, tzatziki (or chunky jajik), diced tomato, and chopped kalamata olives.
Breakfast Smash: Crispy bacon, cheddar, a fried egg, and a drizzle of maple butter hot sauce.
Middle Eastern Flavors: Tahini sauce, spicy zhoug, and a scoop of herby tabbouleh.
Mushroom & Swiss: Sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, French beef gravy, and chives.
Italian-Inspired: Mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Classic Mexican:Guacamole, pinto bean spread, pico de gallo salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Smash Burger Taco FAQs
What are TikTok smash burger tacos?
Smash burger tacos went viral on TikTok in early 2023 for their delicious fusion of a smash burger and a taco. A seasoned ground beef patty gets smashed right onto a tortilla, then seared until golden and crispy. It’s topped with classic burger fixings like cheese, pickles, onions, lettuce, and burger sauce—then folded up and eaten like a taco.
What ingredients are in classic smash burger tacos, and how does the Tex-Mex version differ?
Classic TikTok smash burger tacos usually include:
Ground beef
Flour tortillas
Cheddar cheese
Lettuce
Pickles
Big Mac-style burger sauce
Onions and tomatoes
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
My version swaps flour for corn tortillas and layers on Tex-Mex inspired toppings like Tajín‑spiked sour cream, pickled jalapeños, and red & green salsas.
What kind of ground beef should I use for smash burger tacos?
The best ground beef for smash burgers is an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) for the juiciest, most flavorful patties. Even better? A mix with chuck, brisket, or short rib, if you can find it.
What’s the best cheese for smash burger tacos?
The best cheese for smash burger tacos is anything that melts easily. American cheese is classic, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Swiss all work great depending on your flavor preference.
What tortillas work best for these smash burger tacos?
The best tortillas for my Tex-Mex version are 6-inch corn tortillas (fajita size). They’re the perfect size for smashing a 2–3 ounce patty that still folds like a taco. Plus, corn tortillas get extra crispy and add that authentic, toasty Mexican flavor.
What is Tajin, and do I need it to make smash burger taco sauce?
Tajín is a chili-lime seasoning made with dried chili peppers, citric acid, and salt. It adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick to the taco sauce. If you don’t have Tajín, you can make a quick substitute with chili powder, a pinch of lime zest, and a squeeze of lime juice.
What sides go well with smash burger tacos?
The best sides for smash burger tacos are the kind you'd normally serve with burgers or tacos—think crispy fries, potato wedges, onion rings, or kettle chips. You can also go Tex-Mex with elote corn salad, refried beans, or tortilla chips with guac & salsa.
How do I keep smash burger tacos warm for serving?
To keep smash burger tacos warm and crispy, arrange them on a rack over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking. The rack keeps them from steaming and going soggy. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out—but try not to hold them too long, they’re best enjoyed right away.
Pin This Tex-Mex Smash Burger Taco Recipe for Later!
Tex-Mex Tortilla Smash Burgers Recipe
These viral TikTok smash burger tacos get a flavorful upgrade with Tex-Mex toppings—quick, easy, and crave-worthy!
Makes: 4 tacos (2 servings)
Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, Egg-free, High-protein
Tex-Mex Smash Burger Taco Ingredients
For the smash burger tacos:
10 ounces medium ground beef
4 corn tortillas (6-inch, fajita size)
4 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced
salt and pepper
olive oil, for cooking
For the smash burger taco sauce:
1 tablespoon Tajín (see substitutions for alternatives)
3 tablespoons sour cream
Tex-Mex toppings:
4 slices of bacon, diced and cooked until crispy
½ white onion, finely diced
1 plum tomato, diced
Pickled jalapeño slices
Salsa roja
Salsa verde
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Mix the sauce and prep toppings. Stir together sour cream and Tajín in a small bowl to make the smash burger taco sauce. Cook bacon, slice cheese, dice onion and tomato, and set out jalapeños and both salsas for easy assembly.
Smash the beef onto tortillas. Divide beef into 4 balls. Press each one onto a corn tortilla until the meat spreads just past the edges. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the tacos. Heat a skillet over high heat, coat the pan with a little olive oil. Cook tacos meat-side down for 2 minutes to form a crust. Flip, add cheese, cover with foil or a lid, and cook 1 more minute until cheese melts and tortillas crisp up.
Add toppings and serve. Top with smash burger taco sauce, Tex-Mex fixings, and enjoy!
Top Tips for The Best Smash Burger Tacos
Preheat your pan properly: Use high heat and let the skillet get hot enough (nearly smoking) before adding the burgers for the best crust.
Use the right skillet: Cast-iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel works best for that deep, even sear.
Keep the patties thin: Thin patties cook faster, get crispier, and fold more easily into taco form.
For more, check out my tips, substitutions, how to store, topping ideas, and FAQs!
Did you try this easy Tex-Mex smash burger taco recipe?
I’d love to hear how it turned out—or which toppings you used! Please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @onecreativecook if you share your creation!
More Tex-Mex Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
Chunky beef chili con carne: Packed with tender chunks of braised beef, black beans, smoky chili peppers, and chef-tested secret ingredients—this hearty chili is full of deep flavor that always satisfies.
Easy homemade fajita marinade: This bold, citrusy marinade was made for mushroom and veggie fajitas—but it’s just as tasty with steak, chicken, or shrimp.
Zesty lime guacamole: A bright twist on the classic—this ultra-fresh guac gets a flavor boost from lime zest.
Quick pinto bean spread: Spread the love with this easy pinto bean spread and dip—perfect for sandwiches & snacks, and comes together easily without a blender.
Classic pico de gallo salsa: Crisp, juicy, and full of fresh flavor—this traditional salsa is a must-have topping for all your Tex-Mex favorites.
