Crispy Smash Tacos (Printable)

Juicy seasoned beef smashed on tortillas and crisped, topped with fresh garnishes for a flavorful handheld experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder

→ Tortillas

07 - 8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas

→ Cheese & Toppings

08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
09 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
10 - 1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded
11 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream
13 - 1/2 cup salsa or hot sauce

→ Oil

14 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a bowl, combine ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until evenly incorporated.
02 - Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 2 ounces each, and shape into balls.
03 - Warm 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
04 - Place 2 to 3 tortillas on the hot surface. Center one beef ball on each tortilla. Using a spatula or burger press, firmly press the beef into a thin patty covering most of the tortilla.
05 - Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned and crisp on the underside.
06 - Turn each taco so the beef side faces down. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the tortilla crisps and beef is fully cooked.
07 - Sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheese on top of the beef side while still hot.
08 - Transfer tacos to a plate, beef side up. Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and beef, adding more oil as necessary. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, sour cream, and salsa before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The beef gets incredibly crispy where it touches the hot surface, giving you texture that's impossible to achieve any other way.
  • Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that tastes a little fancy without the fuss.
02 -
  • Don't mix the beef too much before cooking, or it'll be tough and won't get as crispy when seared.
  • The oil has to be genuinely hot—if you're hesitant about the temperature, it's not hot enough yet.
03 -
  • Use an 80/20 beef blend; leaner cuts won't brown as well and will taste dry no matter how hot your skillet is.
  • If your tortillas tear when you flip, they weren't hot enough before you added the beef—next batch, let them warm a bit longer first.
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