Smash Tacos are fast, delicious, and highly customizable. They combine the rich flavor of a smash burger with the convenience and versatility of tacos. You’ll love the crispy beef edges, gooey melted cheese, and endless topping possibilities. Perfect for a quick dinner, game day, or feeding a crowd—these tacos are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef (80/20 blend preferred) flour or corn tortillas (street taco size) salt and black pepper garlic powder and onion powder (optional) cheddar, American, or pepper jack cheese, shredded or sliced butter or oil for cooking
Toppings (optional but recommended): shredded lettuce diced tomatoes pickled jalapeños diced onions avocado or guacamole sour cream or crema taco sauce or hot sauce chopped cilantro
Directions
Divide ground beef into small balls (about 2–3 oz each). Lightly season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic/onion powder.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with oil or butter.
Place a tortilla on the hot surface. Top it immediately with a ball of ground beef.
Using a spatula or burger press, firmly smash the beef onto the tortilla so it spreads evenly and sticks.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the beef is browned and crispy on the bottom.
Flip the tortilla so the beef side is now on top. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Add cheese to the hot beef and let it melt while the tortilla crisps.
Remove from the pan and repeat with remaining tortillas and beef.
Add your favorite toppings and fold or serve flat.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 smash tacos. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños, spicy cheese, or chipotle mayo.
Breakfast style: Add scrambled eggs, hash browns, or a fried egg on top.
Chicken or turkey: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
Vegan version: Use plant-based ground meat, vegan cheese, and dairy-free toppings.
Loaded style: Pile on refried beans, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
Smash tacos are best served fresh for optimal crispiness. To store, place cooled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side to revive the crisp edges. Avoid microwaving as it softens the tortilla and beef.
FAQs
What are smash tacos?
Smash tacos are a combination of a smash burger and a taco, where ground beef is smashed directly onto a tortilla and cooked until crispy.
What’s the best ground beef for smash tacos?
An 80/20 beef blend is ideal—it gives enough fat for flavor and crispiness without drying out.
Do I need a special press to smash the beef?
No, a sturdy spatula or the bottom of a flat pan works well. Just be sure to press down firmly.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes, though flour tortillas are more flexible and less likely to tear during smashing.
What cheese melts best for smash tacos?
American, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese melt easily and pair well with the beef.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can pre-shape the beef balls and chop the toppings ahead of time. Cook just before serving for best results.
How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Make sure the beef is thin and seared well, and avoid overloading with wet toppings.
What toppings go best with smash tacos?
Lettuce, tomato, sour cream, onions, hot sauce, and pickles are all great options—customize to your taste.
Can I make these in the oven?
They’re best on a skillet or griddle for that crispy sear, but you could use a sheet pan and broiler as an alternative.
Are smash tacos kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the cheesy beef and can customize their own toppings, just like with regular tacos.
Conclusion
Smash Tacos are a fun, flavor-packed twist on two beloved classics. With their crispy beef edges, melty cheese, and endless topping options, they’re an easy and exciting way to upgrade taco night. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, this viral dish is a surefire hit—and once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Smash Tacos combine the crispy, flavorful edges of a smash burger with the ease and fun of tacos. Ground beef is smashed directly onto tortillas, seared until golden, and finished with melty cheese and your favorite toppings for a bold, viral-inspired dish.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
6 small flour or corn tortillas (street taco size)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar, American, or pepper jack cheese
Butter or oil for cooking
Toppings (optional):
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Pickled jalapeños
Diced onions
Avocado or guacamole
Sour cream or Mexican crema
Taco sauce or hot sauce
Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Divide ground beef into 6 equal balls (about 2–3 oz each). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
Place a tortilla on the hot skillet. Immediately place a beef ball on top of the tortilla and smash it flat using a spatula or burger press so the beef adheres to the tortilla.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the beef is browned and crispy on the bottom.
Flip the taco so the beef is on the skillet side. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the tortilla is crispy.
Add cheese on top of the beef and let it melt slightly.
Remove from heat and repeat with remaining tortillas and beef.
Top each smash taco with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, sauce, and more. Serve hot.
Notes
Pre-shape beef balls and prep toppings ahead to streamline cooking.Use flour tortillas for flexibility, or corn for added texture.Don’t overload with wet toppings to keep tacos crispy.Reheat leftovers in a skillet to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving.
