Looking for a high-protein fakeaway that satisfies those burger cravings? These Smash Burger Tacos deliver bold, cheesy flavour with 38.4g of protein and just 524 calories. The beef gets seared to perfection directly on a tortilla, topped with melted cheese, crunchy lettuce, and burger sauce—it’s everything you love in one crispy taco.
If you’re into high-protein comfort food, you’ll want to try our BBQ Chicken Quesadilla next!
Smash Burger Taco
If you’re after a satisfying, high-protein meal that feels like a proper treat, these Smash Burger Tacos have you sorted. They’re crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavour without throwing your macros off track.
We press seasoned beef mince directly onto mini tortilla wraps, sear them meat-side down for that perfect crust, then flip and top with gooey American cheese. Add shredded lettuce and burger sauce, and you’ve got a taco that tastes like your favourite takeaway but macro-friendly.
Each serving delivers 38.4g of protein and just 524 calories, making it ideal for a post-training meal or a fakeaway dinner that actually supports your goals.
Why We Love this Recipe
- High in Protein: You get a massive 38g of protein in just one serving.
- Crispy and Cheesy: It’s packed with melty cheese, juicy beef and all the best parts of a smash burger.
- Ready in Minutes: From pan to plate in under 15 minutes.
What Is a Smash Taco Burger?
A smash burger is made by pressing seasoned beef mince directly onto a hot pan to flatten it into a thin patty. This helps develop a crispy, caramelised crust known as the Maillard reaction, which locks in flavour and adds depth.
Smash Burger Tacos take this same idea and flip it literally by smashing the beef straight onto a tortilla before cooking. The meat crisps up on the bottom, the tortilla toasts on the pan, and everything gets layered with cheese and toppings. It’s a fun, creative twist that delivers big flavour in every bite.
Smash Burger Nutrition
This high-protein Smash Burger Taco strikes the perfect balance between indulgent flavour and macro-friendly fuel. With crispy beef, melted cheese, and a golden tortilla wrap, it’s a proper treat that supports your goals not sabotages them. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories: 524
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 41g
Fat: 23g
Ingredients
- Lean Beef Mince: high in protein and crisps up beautifully when smashed onto the pan.
- Mini Tortilla Wraps: The perfect size for folding, toasting, and holding all that goodness inside.
- Slices American Cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth classic burger cheese that adds creaminess and that nostalgic fast-food flavour.
- Shredded Lettuce: Fresh crunch to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Burger Sauce: Tangy, creamy, and essential for that true burger-shop taste.
- Seasoning: Classic seasoning trio that elevates the beef with warmth and depth.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Start by seasoning your beef with salt, pepper and paprika. Don’t overmix—just enough to distribute the seasoning.
Split the beef into two portions and press each one directly onto a tortilla, flattening it thinly all the way to the edges.
Heat a non-stick pan on medium-high and place the tortillas meat-side down. Let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes so the beef gets a nice crust.
Flip the tortillas over so the wrap is on the pan. Immediately top each taco with a slice of cheese and cover the pan for 30 seconds to melt it.
Once the cheese is gooey, remove from the pan, top with shredded lettuce and burger sauce, then fold and serve.
Tips
- Smash it thin. The thinner the beef layer, the crispier and more evenly it cooks.
- Use a hot pan: A hot surface ensures proper browning and flavour.
- Cover to melt the cheese: Trapping the heat helps it melt quickly and evenly.
- Serve fresh: These tacos are best eaten straight from the pan for maximum crunch.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Use turkey mince: A leaner option that still works great smashed onto the tortilla.
- Add pickles or onions: Layer on extra toppings like sliced gherkins or crispy shallots.
- Switch up the cheese: Try mozzarella, cheddar or a spicy pepper jack for something different.
Storage
These are best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, use a pan or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture avoid the microwave if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can press the beef onto the tortillas and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just be sure to fry them fresh for the best texture.
Mini wraps work best for crispiness, but you can use larger ones—just adjust the beef amount to match the size.
More High Protein Dinner Recipes
After you try this Smash Burger Taco Recipe, let us know your thoughts! Follow us on Instagram for more high protein, low calorie recipe ideas.
Smash Burger Tacos
Equipment
- 1 Non-stick Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 Mini Tortilla Wraps
- 125 g Lean Beef Mince Lean Ground Mince
- 80 g Shredded Lettuce
- 2 American Cheese Slices
- 2 tbsp Burger Sauce
- Pepper
- Salt
- Paprika
Instructions
- Place the lean beef mince into a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Divide the mince in half. Take each tortilla and press a portion of the mince directly onto one side, spreading it into a thin, even layer to cover the full surface.
- Place the tortillas meat-side down in a hot non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Press gently with a spatula and cook for 2 minutes until the beef crisps up and develops colour.
- Flip the tacos so the tortilla side is now on the pan. Add a slice of cheese on top of the cooked beef and cover the pan for about 30 seconds to allow the cheese to melt.
- Remove from the pan and top with shredded lettuce and burger sauce. Fold and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
- For best results, make sure to press the beef as thinly and evenly as possible onto the tortillas.
- This recipe works well with different sauces and toppings, try pickles, onions, or hot sauce.
