Smash Tacos with Crispy Beef
Ground beef smashed flat in a hot skillet until edges char and crisp, then layered into warm tortillas with melted cheese and fresh toppings. Restaurant-quality texture in under 20 minutes.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 32g
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 count corn tortillas
- ½ cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- ¼ count white onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 count lime (cut into wedges)
- 1 to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over high heat until surface is smoking hot, ~2 minutes.
- 2
Form beef into two tight patties. Place in skillet without moving for 90 seconds.
- 3
Smash patties flat with a sturdy spatula, pressing hard for 10 seconds. Leave flat.
- 4
Cook without moving for 90 seconds until bottom is dark brown and crispy.
- 5
Flip carefully and cook the other side for 60 seconds until set.
- 6
Sprinkle salt and pepper over beef. Break into bite-sized pieces with spatula.
- 7
Divide beef between two piles. Top each pile with cheese and cook 30 seconds until melty.
- 8
Warm tortillas in the skillet by laying them directly on the remaining oil, 15 seconds per side.
- 9
Transfer beef and cheese to tortillas. Top with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Tools you’ll need
- 10-inch cast iron skillet or heavy stainless steel pan
- sturdy metal spatula
- knife and cutting board
- box grater or microplane
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
CookSnap is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.
