30-Minute Smashed Taco Ground Beef Night

Smashed tacos press seasoned ground beef onto hot tortillas until the edges crisp and caramelize. Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika flavor the meat while cheese melts over cool shredded lettuce for a speedy Mexican-style dinner.

Serves 4 · 10 min prep · 20 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 610 cal
• 39g protein
• 36g carbs
• 34g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lb ground beef (90% lean)
• 12 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 lime
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine
• 1 cup pico de gallo or diced tomato
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp neutral oil

Instructions

1. 1In a bowl mix the ground beef with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the juice of half a lime until the seasoning is fully worked in.
2. 2Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
3. 3Place a tortilla in the pan, then immediately press a thin even layer of the seasoned beef onto the entire surface of the tortilla, smashing it flat with a spatula so it adheres.
4. 4Cook beef-side down for 2 to 3 minutes until the meat is deeply browned and crispy at the edges; flip carefully and cook the tortilla side another 30 to 60 seconds.
5. 5Sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the hot beef side so it melts while the tortilla finishes crisping; transfer to a sheet pan and keep warm.
6. 6Repeat with remaining tortillas and beef, working quickly so the whole batch stays hot; wipe the pan if needed between rounds.
7. 7While the last tacos cook, prep the cool toppings: shred the lettuce, warm the pico if desired, and chop the cilantro.
8. 8Arrange three smashed tacos per plate, meat side up.
9. 9Top each with lettuce, pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, cilantro, and a final squeeze of lime.
10. 10Serve immediately so the smashed beef stays shatter-crisp against the cool, fresh toppings.