Ultimate Guide to Making Blackstone Smash Burger Tacos at Home
If you’re craving the juicy goodness of a smash burger but also love the handheld convenience of a taco, then you’re in for a treat. The Blackstone Smash Burger Taco is a viral fusion recipe that combines two fan favorites—smash burgers and tacos—into one crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed experience. Whether you’ve seen it on TikTok, Instagram, or just heard the buzz from foodies, this trend has quickly become a must-try on backyard griddles, especially the Blackstone griddle.
This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe has all the makings of a smash-hit meal. It’s fun to prepare, fast to cook, and bursting with bold, beefy, and melty flavors. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make smash burger tacos on a Blackstone griddle, tips to get the perfect smash every time, and how to customize it for your tastes.
Why Blackstone Griddles Are Perfect for Smash Burger Tacos
Blackstone griddles have become a staple for outdoor cooking lovers, and it’s no wonder why. With a wide, flat cooking surface and high, even heat, they’re the ideal tool for recipes like smash burgers where surface contact equals flavor. When you press the beef onto the tortilla, the Blackstone helps create a crispy, caramelized edge that’s irresistible.
The griddle surface also allows you to cook multiple smash taco patties at once, making it perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week. Plus, the grease management system helps reduce mess, making cleanup easier than using a traditional stovetop skillet.
What Makes Smash Burger Tacos So Popular?
The viral success of smash burger tacos lies in their unbeatable texture and flavor. Imagine this:
- A crispy beef patty cooked directly onto a tortilla
- Melted cheese oozing over the edges
- Topped with lettuce, pickles, onions, and that famous smash sauce
- All folded taco-style and served hot off the griddle
It’s all the comfort of a fast food burger, with a street taco twist. The first bite is crispy, juicy, cheesy, and saucy—everything you want in a bite of comfort food.
The Ingredients That Make It Work
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You’re using just a few fresh, everyday ingredients that come together to create something restaurant-worthy. The ground beef should be 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Flour tortillas are the base for the taco, and they crisp beautifully on the Blackstone.
The toppings are flexible, but the classic combo includes shredded lettuce, pickles, finely chopped onions, American cheese, and a homemade or store-bought smash sauce. The beauty of this meal is in its adaptability. Want it spicy? Add jalapeños or spicy mayo. Prefer it extra cheesy? Layer on some pepper jack or cheddar.
The Smash Technique: Tips for Success
The smash technique is what sets this recipe apart. You’re not just placing ground beef on a tortilla—you’re pressing it hard onto the griddle to create a crusty, flavorful exterior. This is where flavor magic happens.
Pro Tips:
- Use parchment paper between the spatula and beef to prevent sticking when smashing.
- Don’t move the meat once you’ve pressed it down. Let it cook and caramelize.
- Medium-high heat on the Blackstone is perfect—hot enough to crisp the edges, but not so hot that the tortilla burns.
Assembling the Ultimate Smash Taco
Once the tortilla-beef combo is crisped up, add your slice of cheese, and let it melt while still on the griddle. Then move the taco to a plate and load it up with your toppings. The contrast between the hot, crispy bottom and the cool, crunchy toppings makes every bite sing.
Want to go the extra mile? Warm your pickles slightly, or toast your tortillas before adding the beef for even more flavor. The options are endless once you master the base technique.
What to Serve With Smash Burger Tacos
This meal is satisfying enough to stand on its own, but you can easily turn it into a full spread. Some great sides include:
- Crispy crinkle fries
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Coleslaw or creamy potato salad
- Pickle spears or jalapeño chips
Pair it with a cold soda, lemonade, or your favorite backyard BBQ drink.
Healthier Modifications
Want a lighter version? Here are a few ideas:
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey
- Swap flour tortillas for low-carb wraps or lettuce leaves
- Go easy on the cheese or use reduced-fat cheese
- Try a homemade yogurt-based burger sauce instead of mayo
Even with these changes, the flavor is still top-tier.
Tips & Tricks for Blackstone Smash Burger Tacos
- Use fresh ground beef — Pre-shaped patties don’t work as well for smashing.
- Keep your griddle clean between batches to avoid burning bits.
- Make the sauce in advance — It gets better as it sits.
- Serve immediately — These taste best hot and fresh.
- Double the batch — They go fast, especially at parties.
Smash Burger Taco Recipe (Quick Format)
Description:
A viral twist on classic burgers, these smash burger tacos combine juicy beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas cooked to perfection on a Blackstone griddle. The ultimate handheld comfort food.
Total Duration:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 6 slices American cheese
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup sliced pickles
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (for griddle)
- Smash Sauce (optional but recommended):
- ½ cup mayo
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
- Roll ground beef into six equal balls (about 2.5 oz each).
- Place one tortilla on the griddle, then put one beef ball directly on top.
- Use parchment paper and a spatula to smash the beef flat onto the tortilla.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until beef is browned and edges are crisp.
- Flip tortilla carefully to cook the other side for 1–2 minutes.
- Add a slice of cheese on top and let it melt.
- Remove from griddle and top with lettuce, onions, pickles, and smash sauce.
- Fold like a taco and serve hot.