Viral Cheeseburger Tacos

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This dish blends juicy seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar within crispy folded tortillas, topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and tangy burger sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for casual dinners or gatherings. The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and crunchy veggies creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes that bring burger favorites into a handheld form.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:41:00 GMT
Golden-brown Viral Cheeseburger Tacos filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh toppings, ready to enjoy. Pin it
Golden-brown Viral Cheeseburger Tacos filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh toppings, ready to enjoy. | smartyskitchen.com

A fun, budget-friendly twist on the classic cheeseburger, these tacos combine all your favorite burger flavors in a crispy tortilla shell. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

I first served this recipe to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how easy and flavorful it was.

Ingredients

  • For the Beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended), 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • For the Tacos: 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch), 8 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese), 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Toppings: 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce, 1 large tomato, diced, ¼ cup dill pickles, sliced, ¼ cup diced red onion, ¼ cup burger sauce (store-bought or homemade, see Notes)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2:
Once the beef is browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes), stir in ketchup and mustard. Cook for 1–2 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3:
Wipe the skillet clean. Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Step 4:
Place a tortilla in the skillet, top with a slice of cheese, and add a heaping spoonful of the seasoned beef.
Step 5:
Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal. Cook for 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, and beef.
Step 6:
Fill each taco with shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onion. Drizzle with burger sauce.
Step 7:
Serve hot and enjoy!
Crispy flour tortillas hold the savory flavors of classic cheeseburgers in these homemade Viral Cheeseburger Tacos. Pin it
Crispy flour tortillas hold the savory flavors of classic cheeseburgers in these homemade Viral Cheeseburger Tacos. | smartyskitchen.com

This recipe always brings the family together; we love making it a weekend tradition.

Notes

For a homemade burger sauce, mix ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp pickle juice, and a pinch of paprika. Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

Required Tools

Large skillet, spatula, knife and cutting board, measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (flour tortillas), Milk (cheese, sauce), Egg (in some burger sauces). May contain Soy (in some store-bought sauces). Always check ingredient labels for allergens if uncertain.

Up-close view of a plate with assembled Viral Cheeseburger Tacos; a delicious, family-friendly American meal. Pin it
Up-close view of a plate with assembled Viral Cheeseburger Tacos; a delicious, family-friendly American meal. | smartyskitchen.com

Try these tacos for an easy dinner that's packed with flavor and sure to please everyone at your table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar or American cheese slices melt well inside the tortillas, delivering classic cheeseburger flavor.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas make a great gluten-free alternative and add a slightly different texture and flavor.

How do I make the filling flavorful?

Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic, onion powders, ketchup, and mustard to mimic classic burger tastes.

What toppings enhance the dish?

Fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced pickles, and red onion add crunch and brightness to each fold.

Is it possible to add a spicy kick?

Using pepper jack cheese or adding sautéed mushrooms can introduce additional flavor layers and heat.

Viral Cheeseburger Tacos

A fun twist combining cheeseburger flavors in crispy tortillas, ideal for easy weeknight meals.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details None specified

What You'll Need

Beef

01 1 pound ground beef (80/20 ratio)
02 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 1 tablespoon ketchup
07 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Tacos

01 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch diameter)
02 8 slices cheddar cheese
03 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for frying

Toppings

01 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
02 1 large tomato, diced
03 1/4 cup dill pickles, sliced
04 1/4 cup diced red onion
05 1/4 cup burger sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

Step 01

Cook and Season Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 02

Combine Beef with Condiments: Stir ketchup and yellow mustard into the cooked beef. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until well incorporated. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Prepare Skillet for Frying Tacos: Wipe the skillet clean. Add vegetable oil and heat over medium heat, ensuring a thin layer coats the surface.

Step 04

Assemble and Cook Tacos: Place one flour tortilla onto the skillet. Immediately top with one slice of cheddar cheese and a heaping spoonful of the seasoned beef. Fold the tortilla in half, gently pressing to seal edges. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Repeat for remaining tortillas.

Step 05

Add Toppings and Serve: Fill each taco with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomato, sliced pickles, and diced red onion. Drizzle with burger sauce. Serve immediately while hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat from flour tortillas
  • Contains milk in cheese and sauce
  • May contain egg in some burger sauces
  • May contain soy in certain store-bought sauces

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 480
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 25 g