Cheesy Smash Tacos (Printer-friendly)
Juicy smashed beef patties and melty cheddar crisped into golden tortillas with tangy sauce and fresh toppings.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
→ Dairy
02 - 8 slices cheddar cheese
03 - 3.5 oz (100 g) sour cream, for serving
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 tomato, diced
06 - 1 small bunch iceberg lettuce, shredded
07 - Pickled jalapeños, to taste
→ Tortillas
08 - 8 small flour tortillas
→ Spices & Condiments
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tsp garlic powder
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
13 - 1 tbsp ketchup
14 - 1 tsp hot sauce
→ Oils
15 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
# How to Make It:
01 - Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and roll into balls. Season each generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
02 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of vegetable oil and allow it to shimmer.
03 - Place 2 seasoned beef balls onto the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, press each ball firmly to flatten into thin, even patties.
04 - Cook the smashed patties for 2 minutes until the edges turn deeply golden and crispy. Lay a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, then place a flour tortilla on top. Press down gently so the melting cheese bonds to the tortilla surface.
05 - After 1 to 2 minutes, carefully flip each patty and tortilla together so the tortilla faces the skillet. Toast for about 1 minute until the tortilla is golden brown and crisped.
06 - Transfer finished tacos to a plate and repeat the smashing, cheese-melting, and toasting process with the remaining beef balls, cheese slices, and tortillas. Add more oil to the skillet between batches as needed.
07 - In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce until smooth and well combined.
08 - Top each cheesy smash taco with thinly sliced red onion, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, pickled jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of the spicy sauce. Fold and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cheese melts directly between the beef and the tortilla, creating a golden crust that holds everything together like a delicious edible glue.
- It takes the satisfying crunch of a smash burger and wraps it into a handheld taco that you can customize endlessly.
02 -
- Press the beef balls flat immediately after they hit the pan, because waiting even ten seconds lets the meat set and you lose that signature crispy crust.
- Use a second spatula or a heavy press to really flatten the patties, since a regular spatula alone sometimes cannot get them thin enough.
03 -
- Cover the spatula with a piece of parchment paper when smashing the beef so the meat does not stick to the metal and tear the patty apart.
- Let the skillet recover its heat between batches, because a pan that is not hot enough will steam the beef instead of searing it.