Description
This recipe for Smash Tacos delivers crispy, flavorful tacos made with seasoned ground beef and simple toppings. In just 35 minutes, you’ll enjoy a comforting, crispy taco experience that’s easy to make and perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- Water (according to seasoning packet instructions, approx. 1/4 cup)
Tortillas and Toppings
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, add water as directed on the seasoning packet (usually about 1/4 cup), and stir well. Simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens and beef is fully coated, about 3-5 minutes.
- Warm the Tortillas: In a separate skillet, heat the corn tortillas over medium heat, warming each until soft and pliable, about 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble and Smash: Place a scoop of the beef mixture onto each warmed tortilla. Using a spatula, gently press down to flatten the tortilla and beef mixture together, then carefully flip to cook the other side.
- Crisp the Tacos: Continue cooking each side of the smashed taco until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, adjusting heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Add Toppings: Transfer the crispy tacos to plates and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for fresh flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor, but flour tortillas can be substituted.
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush the tortillas with oil before smashing.
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Leftover taco meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.
