When we were designing our outdoor kitchen, a flat-top griddle was at the very top of my wish list. Why? One word: smashburgers. There’s nothing quite like that crispy, juicy, beefy crust you get from pressing ground beef into a blazing hot surface. The more surface contact, the more flavor.
So when smash burger tacos took off on TikTok, my want for a flat top grill became a full-blown need. The idea is genius: you take a ball of ground beef, place a tortilla on top, then smash it flat so the meat sticks to the tortilla as it cooks. The result is a thin, crispy patty with a golden tortilla that’s just as crunchy.
Add melted cheese, tangy pickles, chopped onions, and a drizzle of burger sauce, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate taco-burger mash-up.
The Best Beef for Smash Burger Tacos
For that signature juicy, crispy texture, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef. The higher fat content delivers maximum flavor and prevents the patty from drying out. I tested with leaner blends like 85/15 and 90/10, but they just don’t hit the same.
Ideal patty size? About 2 1/2 ounces per taco. It’s just the right amount to cover most of the tortilla surface without making the patty too thick to bend or crisp properly.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
You’ll need:
- Ground beef (80/20)
- Kosher salt & black pepper
- 6-inch flour tortillas
- Melty cheese (like muenster or provolone)
- Burger toppings (lettuce, onion, pickles)
- Burger sauce (recipe below!)
- A flat-top griddle (we love the Dometic Delta Heat Teppanyaki Griddle)
- A stiff stainless steel spatula
- A sturdy burger press or heavy smashing tool
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix your seasoning: Combine kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl.
- Portion the beef: Roll ground beef into 2 1/2-ounce balls. Be gentle—over-handling leads to tough patties. Roll each in the seasoning and chill until your griddle is hot.
- Preheat the griddle: Turn the Dometic Delta Heat Flat Top to high. Do not grease the surface—this helps achieve that signature crust.
- Smash: Place each beef ball onto the hot surface. Top with a tortilla and use your burger press to smash it firmly and evenly. After one minute, press again to help fat render and crisp the edges.
- Let it sear: Cook untouched for 2–3 minutes until the meat is browned and crusty. Use a stiff spatula to carefully scrape underneath and flip.
- Crisp the tortilla: Let the tortilla side cook for 2–3 more minutes. Add a slice of cheese while the tortilla crisps and the beef finishes cooking.
- Top and serve: Add burger sauce, lettuce, chopped onions, and pickles. Serve hot and enjoy!
The Secret Sauce: Burger Sauce Recipe
Whisk together the following and refrigerate until ready to use (up to 3 days in advance):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mustard
- 2 tbsp minced bread & butter pickles
- 1 tbsp pickle brine
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 10 cracks of black pepper
Why I Love the Dometic Delta Heat Flat Top Griddle
From sourdough pancakes and crispy potatoes to fried rice and tacos like these, our 32-inch Teppanyaki Griddle gets more use than I ever imagined. It’s become the centerpiece of our outdoor kitchen.
Here’s why I recommend it:
- Sleek stainless steel design that’s both beautiful and durable
- Hot surface ignition and illuminated knobs for easy control
- Even heating and large surface area—ideal for cooking multiple items at once
- Easy-clean grease tray and a protective cover that doubles as a backsplash
If you’re building an outdoor kitchen or want to level up your grilling game, this is a must-have.
Best Toppings for Smash Burger Tacos
- Burger sauce (non-negotiable)
- Melty cheese – muenster or provolone are my favorites
- Dill pickle chips
- Chopped white onion
- Shredded lettuce
- Tomato slices (optional)
Tools That Make It Easier
Smashing tacos takes some leverage. A regular spatula didn’t work for me, and while a cast iron skillet worked, it was awkward and heavy. I now use a Stainless Steel Burger Press and love it.
- Comfortable, heat-resistant handle
- 5.8-inch flat surface for even smashing
- Durable stainless steel – won’t rust or warp
- Dishwasher safe
Final Thoughts
Smash burger tacos are bold, juicy, crisp, and loaded with flavor in every bite. With the help of the Dometic Delta Heat Flat Top, they’re super easy to make right in your backyard. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving the ultimate comfort food, this recipe brings the best of burgers and tacos together in one craveable meal.