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Amazing 8 Crispy Smash Beef Tacos with Salsa

Crispy Smash Beef Tacos with Salsa

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Make incredibly flavorful and satisfying Crispy Smash Beef Tacos. This recipe balances deep, comforting beef flavor with fresh salsa for an easy dinner you will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup salsa (your favorite)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form into 8 equal-sized balls.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Place a beef ball onto the hot skillet. Immediately use a sturdy spatula to firmly smash the ball into a thin patty, about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom.
  5. Flip the beef patties and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  6. Wipe out any excess grease from the skillet if needed. Heat the skillet again over medium heat.
  7. Place a corn tortilla in the dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until softened and slightly pliable. You want them warm, not crispy yet.
  8. To assemble, place one smashed beef patty onto a warm tortilla. Top generously with your salsa, cilantro, and cotija cheese, if using.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, place the assembled tacos back in a dry, hot skillet for 1 minute per side until the tortilla edges crisp up slightly.
  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and smashable texture.
  • The key to the ‘smash’ is pressing down hard immediately after placing the meat in the hot pan.

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