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
Scale
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
