Crispy Smash Tacos (Printable)

Ground beef smashed and seared on tortillas, topped with fresh cheese and vegetables for a crisp, flavorful meal.

# 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 salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until evenly incorporated.
02 - Portion the seasoned beef into 8 equal balls, approximately 2 ounces each.
03 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
04 - Place 2 to 3 tortillas on the hot surface. Center a beef ball on each tortilla.
05 - Press each beef ball firmly with a spatula or burger press to form a thin layer almost covering the tortilla.
06 - Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef beneath is browned and crispy.
07 - Turn each taco so the beef side is down; cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until tortillas are crisp and beef is fully cooked.
08 - Sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheese on the hot beef side.
09 - Remove tacos to a plate, beef side up. Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and beef, adding oil as needed.
10 - Garnish tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, sour cream, and salsa. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The beef gets crispy and caramelized in a way that makes you question why you ever made tacos differently.
  • From prep to plate in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights when you want something that tastes impressive.
  • Handheld, customizable, and absolutely foolproof once you understand the smash technique.
02 -
  • The beef must be smashed thin enough to crisp in a few minutes—thick patties will be grey in the middle and won't give you that crucial texture contrast.
  • Don't flip your tacos too early or the beef won't have enough time to develop color and flavor; wait for visible browning on the bottom.
  • Oil your pan between batches if it starts looking dry, but you don't need much—just enough to keep things from sticking.
03 -
  • Press your beef balls to room temperature before smashing—they'll flatten more evenly and cook more predictably than cold beef straight from the fridge.
  • If your first batch sticks, it usually means either your pan wasn't hot enough or you didn't use enough oil. Adjust both for the second batch.
Go Back