Learn how to make one of the best tacos ever with our recipe for homemade Smash Tacos! It’s easy, cheesy, and completely gluten-free. We’ll show you how to create these mouthwatering tacos using fresh veggies and simple ingredients. So get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and fancy taco version!
Just imagine: a crisp low-carb tortilla followed by perfectly cooked and seasoned beef, melty cheddar cheese, fresh veggies, and drizzled with an incredibly delicious sauce that brings all the flavors together in a perfect bite.
- What Are Smash Tacos?
- Why You Should Try Our Smash Tacos
- Ingredients Needed
- For The Spicy Mayo Sauce
- How To Make Smash Tacos
- Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Step 2: Season and Prepare the Meat
- Step 3: Cook the Meat
- Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Tips For Making The Best Smash Tacos
- Can Smash Tacos Be Made In A Vegetarian Or Vegan Version For Meatless Monday?
- What Cut Of Beef Is Best For Smash Tacos?
- Storing Ideas
- Best Smash Tacos
I can’t believe I waited this long to try making these tacos, but now that I have, I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner! The mix of crispy tortillas, tasty beef, melted cheese, and fresh veggies is just amazing. Seriously, you have to give these Smash Tacos a shot!
These Smash Tacos are quick, juicy, and perfect for the whole family, since they are loaded with flavors that will keep them coming back for more. So get ready to add these to your summer dinner list – just fire up the grill, and let’s start cooking!
If you love this recipe, then you should also try our juicy burger, chicken shawarma, and gyro meat. They taste just like the real ones and will make you feel like you’re eating out. They’re easy to make and super tasty. Give them a try and enjoy a great meal at home!
What Are Smash Tacos?
Smash Tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos where the filling is cooked and smashed on a hot griddle, creating a flavorful sear and caramelization. The ingredients typically include seasoned ground beef or other protein options, cheese, and toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and salsa. The term “smash” refers to the technique of pressing down on the taco filling while it cooks, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. These tacos are known for their bold flavors, quick preparation, and versatility, making them a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.
Why You Should Try Our Smash Tacos
- Flavor Explosion. These Smash Tacos give a symphony of flavors in every bite.
- Quick and Easy. Making these Smash Tacos is a breeze. With just a few simple ingredients and a hot grill, you can create a batch quickly. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Customizable Recipe. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, or vegetarian options, Smash Tacos are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite fillings and toppings.
- Family-Friendly. Smash Tacos are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a game day party, or just craving a tasty meal, our Smash Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Needed
You will need only a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry to make these easy smash tacos. Here is a list of everything you will need:
- Low-Carb Tortillas – I used Mission tortillas, but you can use any low-carb tortillas made with ingredients like almond flour or coconut flour for a healthier alternative.
- Ground Beef – Choose lean beef for a healthier option with less fat content. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives or black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Taco Seasoning – I use my homemade taco seasoning, but you can also use store-bought packets or substitute a blend of individual spices.
- Onion – You can use your favorite type of onion; just make sure to chop it finely.
- Cheddar Cheese – Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor that stands out in the tacos.
- Olive Oil – You can also use avocado oil or any other vegetable oil.
- Lettuce Leaves – Use fresh and crisp lettuce leaves, such as romaine or iceberg, for a refreshing crunch.
- Tomatoes – Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Parsley – Cilantro can be used as an alternative herb, or skip it if desired.
For The Spicy Mayo Sauce
- Ketchup – Choose a quality sugar-free ketchup with natural ingredients.
- Mayo – Use full-fat mayonnaise for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Sriracha – Tabasco sauce, chili paste, or hot sauce can be used as substitutes for sriracha.
- Onion – Choose fresh onions and finely chop them for a subtle flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Pickles – Use dill pickles for a classic tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
How To Make Smash Tacos
Once you see how easy it is to prepare this smash tacos recipe, you will want to make them anytime you want something quick and impressive to prepare. So here is everything you have to do:
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of mayo, 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion, and 2 tablespoons of diced pickles.
- Stir the ingredients together until well mixed, ensuring the onion and pickles are evenly distributed.
- Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Season and Prepare the Meat
- Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 2 tsp of taco seasoning, and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion in a mixing bowl.
- Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients together until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Set the seasoned meat aside while you heat up the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
- Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Take one low-carb tortilla and place a portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture (about 1/4 cup) on one half of the tortilla.
- Press the meat down evenly onto the tortilla to ensure it adheres well.
- Place the tortilla (meat side down) in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is crispy and golden brown.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip the taco and cook for 2 minutes until the other side is also crispy and browned.
- Repeat the process for the remaining tacos, adding more olive oil to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Once all the tacos are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle-grated sharp cheddar cheese over the hot tacos so it melts slightly and covers the meat.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce over each taco, spreading it evenly.
- Top each taco with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness and color.
Serve the Best Smash Tacos immediately while they’re hot and crispy, allowing your guests to customize their tacos with additional toppings or sauce as desired.
Tips For Making The Best Smash Tacos
- Use Quality Ingredients. Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Choose lean ground beef, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and your favorite cheese.
- Prep Your Toppings. Chop your toppings ahead of time so they’re ready to go when assembling the tacos. This includes lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and any other toppings you enjoy.
- Preheat Your Skillet. Ensure your skillet or griddle is nice and hot before cooking the tacos. This will help achieve that crispy, golden brown exterior on the tortillas.
- Press Down Firmly. When cooking the tacos, press down firmly on the tortillas with a spatula. This helps ensure they get nice and crispy and helps the filling adhere to the tortilla.
- Don’t Overfill. Be careful not to overfill your tacos, making them difficult to flip and eat.
- Experiment with Toppings. Get creative with your toppings! Try different combinations of cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or hot sauce to customize your tacos to your taste preferences.
Can Smash Tacos Be Made In A Vegetarian Or Vegan Version For Meatless Monday?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based protein options like tofu, tempeh, or black beans for a vegetarian or vegan version of Smash Tacos instead of meat. Load up your tacos with plenty of veggies and vegan cheese for a delicious and satisfying Meatless Monday meal.
What Cut Of Beef Is Best For Smash Tacos?
The best cut of beef for smash burgers is typically ground chuck with a high-fat content, usually around 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This ratio ensures the tacos stay juicy and flavorful when smashed on the griddle. Chuck provides a good balance of meat and fat, resulting in a smash tacos with a rich beefy flavor and a nice caramelized crust. It’s also important to use freshly ground beef for the best texture and flavor.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: If you have leftover Smash Tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separate any toppings or sauces from the tacos to prevent them from becoming soggy. Leftover Smash Tacos can typically be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: You can also freeze Smash Tacos for longer-term storage. Place the tacos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or container, separating each taco with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen Smash Tacos can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in a skillet or oven until heated.
Best Smash Tacos
Description
Ingredients
- 10 low-carb tortillas small
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tsp homemade taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup lettuce leaves sliced
- 1 cup tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce. Combine ketchup, mayo, sriracha, finely chopped onion, and pickles in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Season and Prepare the Meat. Combine ground beef, taco seasoning, and finely chopped onion in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Cook the Meat. Take one tortilla and place a portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture(about 1/4 cup) on it. Press the meat down evenly onto the tortilla.
- Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the assembled taco (meat side down) in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is crispy and golden brown.
- Carefully flip the taco using a spatula and cook for 2 minutes until the other side is also crispy and browned.
- Repeat the process for the remaining tacos, adding more olive oil to the skillet as needed.
- Assemble The Tacos. Once all the tacos are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle-grated sharp cheddar cheese over the hot tacos so it melts slightly. Then, continue with 2 tbsp of sauce, chopped lettuce, and tomatoes, and sprinkle some chopped parsley.
- Enjoy! Serve these Best Smash Tacos immediately while they’re hot and crispy.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
