Summary
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Smash Tacos combine the smoky, juicy flavor of a grilled cheeseburger with the crispy texture and fun format of a taco. Think crispy tortilla shells, smashed beef patties, gooey cheddar, crispy bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and classic burger fixings—all wrapped into one handheld flavor bomb. It’s a viral dinner idea that lives up to the hype and makes weeknights exciting again.
History of Recipe
Smash burgers became wildly popular due to their crispy edges and juicy interiors. Taco-style smash burgers took off on social media when home cooks started pressing beef directly onto tortillas instead of buns—creating a fusion of burger and taco in one. Adding BBQ sauce and bacon gives this trendy dish a smoky, indulgent twist that’s perfect for fans of bold, comforting flavors.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two favorites in one: Tacos + burgers = genius.
- Crispy and juicy: Smash method ensures crispy beef with juicy centers.
- Bold BBQ flavor: Sweet, tangy, smoky goodness.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings!
- Perfect for parties or casual dinners.
🕒 Quick Info
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American / Fusion
🍳 Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or griddle
- Spatula (preferably metal)
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 8 small flour tortillas (street taco size)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- Shredded lettuce or pickles (optional)
- Cooking oil or butter (for skillet)
👨🍳 How to Make
Step 1: Prep the Toppings
Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop. Slice onion and tomato. Set aside toppings for assembly.
Step 2: Portion and Season Beef
Divide ground beef into 8 equal balls. Season each with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Smash & Sear
Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil. Place one ball of beef onto a tortilla, then place tortilla beef-side down in the skillet. Smash the beef firmly with a spatula until it spreads to the tortilla’s edge. Cook 2–3 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook 1 more minute.
Step 4: Melt Cheese
Add a slice of cheddar on top of the cooked beef side. Let melt slightly.
Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Remove from heat. Drizzle BBQ sauce, add chopped bacon, sliced tomato, onions, and any extra toppings like lettuce or pickles.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Sweet potato fries or curly fries
- Classic coleslaw
- Pickle spears
- Baked beans
- Iced tea or lemonade
📦 Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled tacos (wrapped) for 1–2 days, or keep components separate for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended for fully assembled tacos.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet to crisp the tortilla again.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Smash Tacos
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or griddle
- Spatula (preferably metal)
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
- 8 small flour tortillas street taco size
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 small tomato sliced
- Shredded lettuce or pickles optional
- Cooking oil or butter for skillet
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Toppings
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop. Slice onion and tomato. Set aside toppings for assembly.
- Step 2: Portion and Season Beef
- Divide ground beef into 8 equal balls. Season each with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Smash & Sear
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil. Place one ball of beef onto a tortilla, then place tortilla beef-side down in the skillet. Smash the beef firmly with a spatula until it spreads to the tortilla’s edge. Cook 2–3 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook 1 more minute.
- Step 4: Melt Cheese
- Add a slice of cheddar on top of the cooked beef side. Let melt slightly.
- Step 5: Assemble Tacos
- Remove from heat. Drizzle BBQ sauce, add chopped bacon, sliced tomato, onions, and any extra toppings like lettuce or pickles.
Notes
🔍 Nutrition Information (Estimated per taco)
- Calories: ~350
- Carbs: ~20g
- Fat: ~22g
- Protein: ~18g
- Sodium: ~620mg
💡 Tips for Success
- Smash quickly to get those signature crispy edges.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook 1–2 at a time.
- Use fresh tortillas—they crisp better.
- Let cheese melt fully for gooey texture.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or spicy BBQ sauce.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add avocado, salsa, or chipotle mayo.
- Low-Carb: Serve smashed patties over lettuce leaves.
- Kid-Friendly: Skip onions and add ketchup and mustard.
🔍 Nutrition Information (Estimated per taco)
- Calories: ~350
- Carbs: ~20g
- Fat: ~22g
- Protein: ~18g
- Sodium: ~620mg
❓ FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas are best for smashing and holding together—corn may crack.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce pairs perfectly, but you can try spicy or honey-based versions too.
Can I make these ahead?
Cook the beef and store toppings separately. Reheat and assemble just before serving.
✅ Final Thoughts
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Smash Tacos are everything you love about cookout season in a crispy, cheesy, handheld taco form. Perfect for sharing, customizing, or devouring solo, they’re bound to be a family favorite. Make them once, and they’ll be on repeat all summer long.
