Smash Burger Tacos (In-N-Out Inspired!)

In-N-Out Smashburger Tacos bring together the juicy, crispy-edged magic of a smashburger with the handheld fun of a taco. It’s the ultimate mash-up for when you’re craving classic burger flavor in a fresh, playful way.

What are In-N-Out Smashburger Tacos?

If you’ve ever wished you could have the best of both worlds—your favorite burger and a taco—this recipe is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. In-N-Out smashburger tacos take the classic smashburger concept, with its thin, crispy-edged patty, and cook it directly onto a tortilla instead of a bun. The result is a savory, juicy layer of beef that clings to the tortilla, giving you all the burger flavor with the hand-held ease of a taco.

The toppings stay true to the signature In-N-Out style—melted cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, chopped onions, and a creamy, zesty sauce that ties it all together. It’s an easy, fun twist on a classic, perfect for weeknights, game-day spreads, or whenever you’re craving comfort food with a playful spin.

Ingredients You Need

Burgers

• Ground Beef (80/20 Fat) – We love using an 80/20 blend because the fat helps keep the patties juicy while creating crispy edges when smashed. The flavor is rich, and the texture is exactly what you want for this style of taco.
• Kosher Salt – This brings out the natural savory flavor of the beef without overpowering it. A coarse-grain salt gives the best flavor release while cooking.
• Fresh Black Pepper – Grinding it fresh gives a more aromatic, slightly spicy kick. It’s worth the extra step for maximum flavor.
• Flour Tortillas – Flour tortillas absorb the beef drippings and crisp up beautifully. They also help the smashed beef stick securely, so every bite stays together.
• Muenster or Provolone Cheese – Both melt into a smooth, creamy layer over the beef. Muenster gives a slightly buttery taste, while provolone adds a mild tang.
• Shredded Lettuce – These greens add a crisp, refreshing bite that balances the rich beef and cheese. We love using iceberg for maximum crunch.
• Chopped White Onion – A sharp onion flavor cuts through the richness, adding brightness and texture. Mince them finely for the best balance.
• Dill Pickle Chips – The tangy, salty bite from pickles complements the sauce and gives the tacos their signature burger feel. Use thick-cut pickles for extra crunch.

In-N-Out Style Sauce

• Mayonnaise – This creates the creamy base of the sauce. It mellows out the tangier ingredients for a perfectly balanced spread.
• Ketchup – Ketchup adds sweetness and a rich tomato flavor that pairs beautifully with beef. It’s key to recreating that classic burger sauce.
• Yellow Mustard – This gives the sauce a zesty, tangy punch that wakes up all the other flavors.
• Pickle Relish – Sweet and tangy relish adds texture and bursts of flavor to the sauce. 
• White Vinegar – Just a splash brightens up the sauce and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
• Finely Grated Onion – Freshly grated onion blends right into the sauce, giving a subtle sharpness and a little extra texture.

How to Make In-N-Out Smashburger Tacos

1. Mix the sauce. Stir together all of the sauce ingredients until smooth, then set aside to that the flavors can come together while you make the tacos.
2. Prepare the beef. Combine the ground beef with salt and pepper, mixing gently so you don’t compact it.
3. Form the portions. Divide the meat into six loose balls—don’t overwork them so that they stay tender.
4. Heat your pan. Place a tortilla on the hot skillet or griddle before placing a beef ball on top of it
5. Smash and sear. Use a sturdy spatula or press to smash the beef against the tortilla so the meat adheres and develops crispy edges.
6. Flip and toast. Turn the taco over so the other side cooks.
7. Add the cheese. Lay a slice of muenster or provolone on the beef and let it melt into a gooey blanket.
8. Put the tacos together. Top with shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, and a drizzle of the In-N-Out style sauce. Serve immediately.

Variations

• Spice – Mix a little chipotle powder or cayenne into the beef for heat. It adds a smoky warmth that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• BBQ – Swap the sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce. The sweet and tangy flavor makes the tacos taste like summer.
• Bacon – Add crispy bacon on top of the cheese for extra savory crunch. Bacon and burgers are a match made in heaven.
• Cheese – Try cheddar, pepper jack, or American cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Veggies – Replace the beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative. It works surprisingly well in this recipe and keeps the texture close to the original.
• Crunch – Add fried onion strings on top for a crispy bite and extra onion flavor.
• Sauces – Mix a spoonful of sriracha or hot honey into the sauce for a fun twist on the classic.

Can I Store Leftovers?

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh — the tortillas can become a little soggy if stored. If you do have leftovers, store the components separately when possible.

Refrigerate the cooked beef and sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Freeze the beef patties (without toppings) for up to 2 months.

Common Questions about In-N-Out Smashburger Tacos

More Taco Recipes

We’ll never turn down a well-made taco, so we have plenty of recipes up our sleeves for the handheld savory goodness!

Baked Chicken Shawarma Tacos

Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

Easy Salmon Tacos

Greek-Inspired Smashed Tacos

In and Out smashed Tacos 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 fat)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 6 (six-inch) flour tortillas (flour works best — they’re more absorbent and the meat sticks better)
• 6 slices muenster or provolone cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped white onion
• Dill pickle chips

🔥 In-N-Out Style Sauce

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard 
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon finely grated onion

Instructions:

1. Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. Chill for at least 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.

👩‍🍳 Taco Instructions

1. Season the Beef:
   In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with kosher salt and cracked pepper. Divide into 6 equal portions and loosely roll into balls.
2. Smash the Tacos:
   Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla onto the hot surface.
   Immediately top with one beef ball and smash it down flat into the tortilla using a firm spatula or press.
3. Cook:
   Let the beef cook for 2–3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy.
   Flip the taco so the tortilla side cooks and gets lightly golden (30–60 seconds).
   Top the cooked beef with a slice of muenster or provolone cheese and allow it to melt.
4. Assemble:
   Remove from the pan and top with:
   • Shredded lettuce
   • Chopped white onion
   • Dill pickle chips
   • A generous drizzle of the In-N-Out sauce