Cheeseburger Tacos are a fun and delicious fusion of two beloved classics. They combine the juicy, savory flavor of a cheeseburger with the convenient hand-held format of a taco, topped with all your favorite burger fixings wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These tacos are quick to make, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or when you’re craving a burger but want something a little different. The crispy tortilla acts as a flavorful shell that holds all the cheesy, meaty goodness inside.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Small flour tortillas
- American or cheddar cheese slices
- Pickles
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced onions
- Special sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish)
- Optional: salt, pepper, garlic powder for seasoning
Directions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into small balls (about ¼ cup each).
- Place a tortilla in the skillet, top with a ball of beef, and press flat with a spatula to smash the beef into the tortilla.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until beef is browned, then flip.
- Add a slice of cheese on top of the cooked beef side and cook another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and tortilla is golden.
- Remove from heat and top with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and special sauce.
- Fold and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes per batch
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or Swiss.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bacon, or avocado.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or spicy mayo.
storage/reheating
Store leftover cooked beef and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos fresh for best results.
FAQs
What type of tortilla should I use?
Flour tortillas are best for pressing and holding the beef, but corn tortillas can be used if warmed first.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can prep the sauce and toppings ahead, but it’s best to cook and assemble the tacos fresh for crispiness.
How do I make the special sauce?
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and a dash of garlic powder.
Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, but you’ll miss the crispy beef-tortilla combo from smashing it fresh in the skillet.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Kids love the burger flavor in taco form.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based ground meat or a seasoned veggie patty alternative.
Can I bake instead of fry?
The skillet method is best for that signature crispy crust, but baking is possible at 400°F until crispy.
What’s the best cheese for this?
American or cheddar slices melt well and offer that classic burger flavor.
Can I add bacon?
Definitely! Crumbled cooked bacon is a tasty addition.
How do I keep the tortillas from tearing?
Warm them slightly before use and press the beef gently when cooking.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Tacos are a creative, flavorful twist on two favorites that’s easy to make and fun to eat. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, these tacos bring something unexpected and delicious to the table. Try them once, and they just might become your new go-to taco night favorite!
PrintCheeseburger Tacos
Cheeseburger Tacos combine all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger—juicy beef, melted cheese, pickles, and burger sauce—wrapped in a soft taco shell for a fun, handheld twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Shredded lettuce (optional)
- For the burger sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and paprika to make the burger sauce.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- To assemble tacos, place a scoop of cooked beef onto each tortilla.
- Top with shredded cheese, pickles, tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce if using.
- Drizzle with burger sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Swap flour tortillas for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Customize toppings with bacon bits, avocado, or jalapeños.
- Toast tortillas slightly for a crispier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg