If you’re craving a taco night that’s quick, crispy, and absolutely packed with flavor, you’ve got to try my Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe. These tacos turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast with a crispy layer of seasoned beef and melty cheese all smashed into a warm tortilla. I promise, once you try this, you’ll be making it over and over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You’ll have these smash tacos on the table in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy, Melty Perfection: The cheese crisps up beautifully against the seasoned beef, creating an unbeatable texture combo.
- Customizable: You can use flour or corn tortillas and top with whatever fresh ingredients you love.
- Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these tacos, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To nail this Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe, you’ll want fresh, flavorful ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Using a blend of Mexican-inspired spices really takes the taste next level.
- Lean ground beef: I like 90/10 for flavor without too much grease.
- Chili powder: Adds warm earthiness—don’t skip it!
- Ground cumin: Brings that classic smoky Mexican flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that complements the beef.
- Garlic powder: Easy way to infuse savory depth.
- Onion powder: Pairs perfectly with the garlic without the texture of fresh onion.
- Dried oregano: This herb adds a hint of brightness and earthiness.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional, but I add a pinch to bring a little kick.
- Kosher salt: Essential to bring all the flavors together.
- Ground black pepper: For a touch of heat and complexity.
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: The melty, gooey secret weapon of this recipe.
- Flour tortillas: I prefer small ones because they crisp nicely when smashed; corn tortillas work too but require a gentle touch.
- Oil for cooking: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola works great.
- Toppings of choice: Think fresh salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, or chopped cilantro.
Variations
What I love most about this Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. You can customize the spice level, switch up the cheese, or even swap ground beef for other proteins to suit dietary needs.
- Variation: I often use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option—just adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid drying it out.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace beef with seasoned black beans or lentils; add extra cheese for richness.
- Spice it up: Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture if you like heat.
- Cheese play: Tried swapping the Mexican blend for sharp cheddar or even pepper jack for a zesty twist.
How to Make Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Seasoned Beef Balls
Start by dividing your ground beef into six loose balls—don’t pack them too tight! This makes them easier to spread and smash later. Next, mix all those amazing spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne—in a small bowl. Having this spice blend ready means you can easily sprinkle it over each taco for consistent seasoning.
Step 2: Assemble Your Tacos
Place a tortilla flat on your surface, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese right in the center, then gently place one of your beef balls on top. Now here’s the fun part: use your fingers to carefully spread the beef into a thin, even layer, pressing it right over the cheese. Doing this ensures the cheese melts perfectly underneath and crisps up on the bottom. Repeat with the rest.
Step 3: Smash and Sear Your Tacos
Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s really hot—this is key for that crispy crust. Drizzle in a bit of oil and stir to coat the pan. Then, carefully place your assembled taco beef-side down in the skillet. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, press down firmly and twist slightly to spread the beef as thin as possible—this is where the “smash” comes in. Let it cook until the meat crisps up and browns, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip your smashed taco over and cook the tortilla side until golden and slightly crisp, usually another 2 minutes. Then, carefully transfer your taco to a plate and get ready to top it with all your favorites.
Pro Tips for Making Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
- Choose the Right Pan: A heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet works wonders for even heat and a great crust—nonstick works if that’s what you have.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: A little oil helps the cheese crisp without sticking; just don’t add too much or your taco can get greasy.
- Be Gentle When Smashing: Press firmly but carefully so your taco holds together and the beef stays on the tortilla.
- Serve Right Away: These are best fresh and crispy, so plan to enjoy immediately for the ultimate taco experience.
How to Serve Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing these tacos, I’m all about fresh textures and bright flavors that cut through the richness. I typically go for chopped cilantro, diced red onions, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream. Sometimes I add sliced avocado or fresh pico de gallo to add layers of creaminess and zest. If you like heat, pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce really elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I love simple sides like Mexican street corn salad, black bean and corn salsa, or even a fresh green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. If you’re feeding a crowd, chips and guacamole or a bowl of seasoned rice work great, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to set up a DIY taco bar with all the toppings in pretty bowls, so everyone can build their own Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese exactly how they want. Another fun idea is layering the smashed tacos as a crispy taco casserole, layering cheese and beef between tortillas in a baking dish and baking until bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I’ve found that smash tacos don’t hold up super well after sitting because the crispy crust softens. If you do have leftovers, wrap each taco individually in parchment or foil and place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep any fresh toppings separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Honestly, I don’t usually freeze smashed tacos because the texture changes too much. But you can freeze the cooked seasoned beef separately in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and freshly assemble your tacos with toasted tortillas and cheese for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to crisp the taco back up—microwaving works in a pinch but won’t maintain that perfect, crispy edge. Just warm until heated through, then add your fresh toppings and enjoy.
FAQs
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Can I use corn tortillas for this Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but be gentle when handling them because they tend to be more fragile than flour tortillas. To help prevent tearing, warm them slightly before assembling, and consider using smaller beef balls so the meat layer is thinner.
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What type of cheese works best?
A shredded Mexican cheese blend is ideal because it melts beautifully and crisps nicely. You can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack if you want a little spice or a different flavor profile.
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How do I get the beef crispy without overcooking?
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the tacos, and don’t move them around once you’ve smashed them down. The high heat will quickly brown the beef, creating that crispy crust in just a couple of minutes.
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Are these Smash Tacos gluten-free?
If you use corn tortillas instead of flour, the recipe can be gluten-free. Just be sure to check your spice blends and cheese labels if you’re cooking for someone with strict gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe quickly became a family favorite here, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s simple, fast, and hits all the right notes—crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and so satisfying. Whether you’re making a casual weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do. Give it a try and let me know which toppings you loved best!
Print
Smash Tacos with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Smash Tacos feature seasoned ground beef cooked to crispy perfection on a thin layer of melted Mexican cheese and wrapped in warm tortillas. They offer a quick, flavorful meal perfect for taco nights, combining bold spices with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 6 small flour tortillas (corn tortillas may fall apart more easily)
- Oil for cooking (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Toppings of choice (such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, diced onions)
Instructions
- Divide the beef: Separate the lean ground beef into 6 loosely packed balls to prepare for shaping the tacos.
- Mix seasoning: Combine chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and optional cayenne pepper in a small bowl to create a bold taco seasoning blend.
- Assemble tacos: Lay out one tortilla on a clean surface, sprinkle a handful of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over it, then place one beef ball in the center. Use your fingers to carefully press and spread the beef evenly over the cheese layer on the tortilla. Repeat this for each taco, and then sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the beef on each tortilla.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Drizzle a small amount of cooking oil and swirl to coat the pan surface evenly.
- Cook and smash: Place the prepared tortilla beef-side down into the hot skillet. Using the back of a sturdy spatula or a burger press, gently but firmly press down on the tortilla, twisting slightly to spread the beef thinly and evenly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned and crisp along with the cheese melting underneath.
- Flip and finish: Carefully flip the taco to cook the other side for about 2 minutes or until the tortilla becomes golden and crisp.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked smash taco to a plate and add your preferred toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Smash tacos are best enjoyed fresh but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
- Reheating: Reheat tacos in a microwave or skillet over medium heat until warm. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best flavor.
- Tortilla choice: Flour tortillas are recommended for better structural integrity, as corn tortillas may break apart when smashed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
