In-N-Out Smash Burger Tacos: The Ultimate Fusion of Burger and Taco Heaven
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the crave-worthy juiciness of an In-N-Out burger and the satisfying crunch of a taco, you’re not alone. The culinary gods have spoken, and now there’s no need to choose. Introducing the In-N-Out Smash Burger Tacos — a game-changing fusion food that brings together everything you love about both worlds in one handheld masterpiece.
In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from crafting the signature In-N-Out sauce to smashing the perfect patty onto a mini taco shell. You’ll also get expert tips, customization ideas, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your taco night turns legendary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the technique, make sure you have everything ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need for both the tacos and the signature sauce.
For the Smash Burger Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 8–10 mini taco shells (flour tortillas work best)
- 10 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped iceberg lettuce
- Salt to taste
- Caramelized onions (optional, for topping)
For the In-N-Out Style Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 3 tablespoons sweet relish
- 3 tablespoons caramelized onions
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make In-N-Out Smash Burger Tacos
Now that your ingredients are prepped and ready, let’s break down the process of bringing this mouthwatering recipe to life.
Make the Signature In-N-Out Sauce
This tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet sauce is the heart of what gives these tacos their iconic flavor.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sweet relish, caramelized onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully combined and creamy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The sauce also works great as a dipping sauce for fries or veggies.
Smash the Beef Onto the Tacos
This is the magic step — instead of smashing your beef onto a grill or skillet, you’re pressing it right onto the tortillas.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease it. Take around 2–3 tablespoons of ground beef and form a loose ball. Place a taco shell (or mini tortilla) on a flat surface and press the beef ball in the center. Flatten the meat gently into an even layer using your fingers or a spoon. Place the tortilla meat-side down into the hot skillet. Press lightly with a spatula. Cook for 4–5 minutes or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Flip and cook the tortilla side for another 1–2 minutes until slightly crispy.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd your pan. Work in batches to maintain consistent heat and crispiness.
Assemble the Tacos
Once the beef is cooked and the tortillas are golden brown, it’s time to build your masterpiece.
Place a slice of cheddar cheese directly on the cooked beef (while still hot so it melts). Top with a handful of chopped lettuce. Add caramelized onions if you love that extra layer of flavor. Drizzle generously with the homemade In-N-Out sauce. Serve immediately while warm and melty!
Pro Tips for Perfect Smash Burger Tacos
Want to take your tacos from delicious to legendary? Here are some bonus tips to elevate your cooking game:
Use Freshly Ground Beef
Pre-packaged ground beef is convenient, but for next-level flavor, try freshly grinding or asking your butcher for a custom grind with an 80/20 fat ratio.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time for Sauce
Letting your sauce rest in the fridge allows the flavors to marry and results in a deeper, more balanced flavor.
Cheese Options
While cheddar is classic, feel free to switch it up with:
- American cheese (meltier and closer to fast-food flavor)
- Pepper Jack (for a spicy twist)
- Swiss (for a nuttier depth)
Make It Spicy
Add pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to give your tacos a kick.
Gluten-Free Options
Use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas if needed. Just be careful when smashing — they can be more delicate.
Serving Suggestions
These tacos are great as a main course, but you can turn the entire meal into a party with a few tasty additions.
Pair With:
- Crispy French fries or tater tots
- Grilled corn on the cob with lime and cotija
- Milkshakes for a true In-N-Out-style experience
- Iced tea, soda, or a cold craft beer
Presentation Tips
Serve your tacos in a taco holder or lined basket with a side of extra sauce for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for that final chef’s touch.
Variations of Smash Burger Tacos
Once you’ve nailed the original version, have fun experimenting with variations. Here are some popular ideas:
Double Smash Taco
Add a second layer of smashed beef for an even more indulgent bite.
Bacon Smash Taco
Crisp up some bacon and layer it over the cheese for added smoky goodness.
Spicy Sriracha Smash Taco
Mix Sriracha into your sauce or drizzle it directly onto the taco for some serious heat.
Pickle Lovers Smash Taco
Add sliced dill pickles or even relish directly on top of the lettuce for that crunch and tang.
Veggie Smash Taco
Use a plant-based meat substitute and dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Smash Burger Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store and reheat them if needed:
Storing
Wrap assembled tacos in foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate in a jar or small container.
Reheating
Place tacos in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch, but it may soften the tortillas.
Pro tip: Add fresh lettuce and a drizzle of sauce after reheating to restore that fresh texture.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Smash Burger Tacos
The appeal of these tacos goes far beyond their viral food status. They represent a creative blend of comfort foods, satisfying both your burger and taco cravings in one bite. They’re:
- Easy to make
- Fun for parties or family dinners
- Customizable for picky eaters
- Packed with flavor in every layer
Whether you’re serving these at a game night, a backyard BBQ, or just for yourself on a Friday night, In-N-Out Smash Burger Tacos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can! Just note that corn tortillas are more delicate and may break more easily when smashing and flipping.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and toppings ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the beef and assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain crispiness and freshness.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or even a mix of both as a quick fix. It won’t be identical but will still add depth.
Can I make this recipe low-carb?
Absolutely. Swap the tortillas for lettuce wraps or low-carb alternatives like cheese taco shells.
Can I freeze these tacos?
It’s not recommended to freeze assembled tacos, but you can freeze cooked beef patties and thaw them as needed. The sauce can also be refrigerated for up to a week.