Crispy Beef Blackstone Smash Taco (Printer-friendly)
Juicy smashed beef patties with melted cheese on crispy tortillas, cooked to perfection on a griddle.
# What You Need:
→ Beef Patties
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 fat ratio recommended)
02 - 1 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
→ Cheese Blend
06 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Taco Shells
08 - 8 small flour or corn tortillas
→ Fresh Toppings
09 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
10 - 1/2 cup chopped lettuce
11 - 1/4 cup diced red onion
12 - 1/4 cup sour cream
13 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
14 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Cooking Fat
15 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat your Blackstone griddle or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
02 - Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 2 oz each. Roll into tight balls.
03 - Generously season each beef ball with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder on all sides.
04 - Place tortillas on the hot griddle. Top each with a mound of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend covering the center.
05 - Place a seasoned beef ball directly on the cheese mound. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, firmly smash down to spread the beef thinly over the melted cheese and tortilla.
06 - Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef develops crispy edges and the cheese turns golden and bubbly underneath.
07 - Quickly flip the entire assembly so the tortilla side contacts the griddle. Cook for 1-2 minutes until tortilla is crispy.
08 - Remove tacos from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Work quickly to maintain optimal temperature.
09 - Immediately top each taco with lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
10 - Serve hot while cheese remains melted and tortilla stays crispy for optimal texture contrast.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of crispy beef edges and oozy melted cheese creates something way better than regular tacos ever could be
- Everything cooks together on one surface, meaning less cleanup and more time actually eating
02 -
- Don't try to flip too early or you'll end up with a mess, so wait until that cheese has created a solid bond between beef and tortilla
- The beef will shrink as it cooks, so smash it thinner than you think you need to for better coverage
03 -
- A heavy-duty metal spatula is non-negotiable here, as anything flimsy will bend when you try to smash and flip
- Let the tacos rest for about 60 seconds after cooking so the cheese sets up slightly and doesn't slide everywhere when you bite in