If you're searching for a mouthwatering twist on traditional tacos, look no further than these decadent Brie and Bacon Smash Burger Tacos. This recipe combines the juicy satisfaction of a smash burger with the rich, creamy goodness of Brie cheese, all nestled into a mini tortilla. Crispy bacon and caramelized onions add depth and flavor, making this dish an unforgettable experience.
The combination of creamy Brie, crispy bacon, and sweet caramelized onions, all wrapped up in a crunchy tortilla, make these Smash Burger Tacos a dish that's sure to impress. Perfect for a weekend treat, Taco Tuesday with the family, or a dinner party, these tacos are a delicious way to elevate your taco game.
Try using my Healthy Homemade Mini Tortillas for this recipe for a fresher, crispier bite. If you like this cheesy taco recipe, try out my Hot Honey Halloumi Tacos recipe for another cheese based alternative.
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Ingredients
Beef Mince - The foundation of any great burger is high-quality beef mince. Rich in flavor and just the right amount of fat, it creates a juicy, tender patty that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Opt for a blend that has enough fat to keep the patties moist but not too greasy.
Paprika, Onion Granules, and Thyme - This spice blend is a game-changer, giving the beef patties a smoky, aromatic flavor profile. Paprika adds a subtle heat and vibrant color, while onion granules infuse the meat with savory depth. Thyme brings a hint of earthiness that complements the richness of the Brie and the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
Mini Tortillas - Instead of the usual burger bun, these smash burgers are served on mini tortillas, creating the perfect handheld bite. The tortillas crisp up beautifully when cooked, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender beef and melted cheese.
Brie - Brie provides a creamy, buttery flavor that melts beautifully over the hot burger patties. Its mild yet luxurious taste balances the smoky bacon and seasoned beef, elevating the tacos to a gourmet level.
Bacon - No burger is complete without bacon. Crispy, salty, and full of umami, it adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor to each bite.
Caramelized Onions - Slow-cooked in butter and sugar, caramelized onions bring a sweet and savory complexity to the tacos. The natural sweetness of the onions is enhanced by the sugar, creating a jam-like consistency that pairs well with the creamy Brie and savory beef.
Chives - A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a pop of color and a delicate oniony bite that brightens the rich flavors of the dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch that adds both visual appeal and a subtle flavor contrast.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by preparing the onions. Thinly slice them by cutting off the tops and bottoms, then halving them and slicing thinly from right to left. In a pan, melt some butter and add the onions along with a bit of sugar. Let them cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: While the onions are caramelizing, cook the bacon. Heat a large frying pan with a little oil and cook the bacon rashers until they’re crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, set them aside to cool.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mince with paprika, onion granules, and dried thyme. This spice blend infuses the meat with a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy Brie. Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal balls.
- Step 4: Take each ball of beef and place it on a mini tortilla. Using your fingers, press the beef down until it evenly covers the tortilla. This step ensures that the beef cooks directly into the tortilla, creating a deliciously crispy crust.
5. Step 5: Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Place 1-2 tortillas, beef side down, onto the pan and cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the beef to brown and crisp up
6. Step 6: Turn the heat down to medium and flip the smash burger tacos over with a spatula, taking care to lift and wipe any excess grease from the pan with a paper towel to keep the tortilla from becoming soggy.
7. Step 7: Once flipped, add slices of Brie cheese on top of each smash burger. Pour a little water into the pan and cover it with a lid to steam the Brie for about 2 minutes.
- Remove the smash burger tacos from the skillet and place them on a paper towel or a board to soak up any remaining grease. Top each one with a generous helping of caramelized onions, crispy bacon pieces, and a sprinkle of chopped chives. Optionally serve with some sauce of choice on the side for dipping.
Hint: To keep your smash burger tacos hot while you finish cooking the rest, place the first batch in the oven on the lowest setting after removing them from the skillet. If you're cooking two tortillas at a time and making enough for four people (8 tortillas), this trick ensures each taco stays warm and crispy until you're ready to serve.
Substitutions
Beef Mince - Instead of beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Both are leaner options and will still absorb the flavors of the spices nicely.
Mini Tortillas - If you don’t have mini tortillas, use regular-sized tortillas or even pita bread. Both will hold the toppings well and offer a similar texture.
Paprika - If you're out of paprika, substitute chili powder for a spicier kick.
Onion Granules - Instead of onion granules, you can use garlic powder for a similar savory depth or finely minced fresh onions for a fresher taste.
Thyme - Swap dried thyme with dried oregano or rosemary. Both herbs offer a robust, aromatic flavor that pairs well with beef and Brie.
Olive Oil - If olive oil isn’t available, use avocado oil or vegetable oil. Both have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor that works for cooking bacon and tortillas.
Bacon Rashers - Substitute bacon with pancetta or prosciutto for a similar salty, crispy element, or use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Onions - Red onions can replace yellow onions for a sharper flavor, or shallots can be used for a milder, sweeter taste.
Brie - If you don’t have Brie, try Camembert for a similar creamy texture, or use Gouda for a slightly firmer, buttery alternative.
Butter - Instead of butter, you can use margarine or ghee. Margarine will provide a similar consistency, while ghee adds a richer flavor.
Sugar - Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness in caramelizing the onions.
Chives - If you don’t have chives, use green onions or parsley. Green onions offer a similar mild onion flavor, while parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
Variations
Spicy - add chili paste, chili oil or red pepper flakes to the smash burger patty mix to add an extra spicy kick to the dish, instead of chives top with chopped green chili or jalapeños
Jam - add chili jam to the top of the smash burger tacos to level them up and add a sweet jammy bite
Kid friendly - Use mozzarella or cheddar instead of cheese for a more kid friendly taste to the smash burger tacos, omit the caramelized onions and top with bacon and crispy onions instead
Equipment for Smash Burger Tacos
Paper towels
Spatula
Storage
To store leftover Brie and Bacon Smash Burger Tacos, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tacos individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When reheating, if frozen, thaw the tacos in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For a crispier tortilla, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas soggy.
Top Tip
To keep your smash burger tacos hot while you finish cooking the rest, place the first batch in the oven on the lowest setting after removing them from the skillet. If you're cooking two tortillas at a time and making enough for four people (8 tortillas), this trick ensures each taco stays warm and crispy until you're ready to serve.
FAQ
Smash burgers shrink because the fat in the meat melts during cooking, causing the patties to contract. Overworking the meat can also lead to shrinkage.
Dry smash burgers result from using lean meat, overcooking, or pressing the patties too thin.
Yes, you can cook raw meat on a tortilla in a skillet. The meat will cook as the tortilla crisps, but ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
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Recipe
Brie and Bacon Smash burger Tacos
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 500 g Beef mince
- 8 Mini tortillas
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Onion granules
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 Bacon rashers
- 2 Onions
- 250 g Brie sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives to garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing the onions. Thinly slice them by cutting off the tops and bottoms, then halving them and slicing thinly from right to left.2 Onions
- In a pan, melt some butter and add the onions along with a bit of sugar. Let them cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.1 tablespoon butter, 2 teaspoon sugar
- While the onions are caramelizing, cook the bacon. Heat a large frying pan with a little oil and cook the bacon rashers until they’re crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, set them aside to cool.4 Bacon rashers
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mince with paprika, onion granules, and dried thyme. Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal balls.500 g Beef mince, 1 tablespoon Paprika, 1 teaspoon Onion granules, 1 teaspoon Thyme, Salt and pepper
- Take each ball of beef and place it on a mini tortilla. Using your fingers, press the beef down until it evenly covers the tortilla.8 Mini tortillas
- Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Place 1-2 tortillas, beef side down, onto the pan and cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the beef to brown and crisp up1 tablespoon olive oil
- Turn the heat down to medium and flip the tortillas over with a spatula, taking care to lift and wipe any excess grease from the pan with a paper towel to keep the tortilla from becoming soggy.
- Once flipped, add slices of Brie cheese on top of each smash burger. Pour a little water into the pan and cover it with a lid to steam the Brie for about 2 minutes.250 g Brie
- Remove the smash burger tacos from the skillet and place them on a paper towel or a board to soak up any remaining grease. Top each one with a generous helping of caramelized onions, crispy bacon pieces, and a sprinkle of chopped chives. Optionally serve with some sauce of choice on the side for dipping.1 tablespoon chopped chives
Notes
Pairing
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