Crispy Beef Smash Tacos

Tacos are something I feel like everybody can get behind! Doesn’t matter how they’re done, what protein is used, I mean literally – everybody loves them! These Crispy Beef Smash Tacos totally came in clutch because not only were they BOMB, but I was able to cook the filling in my crockpot while I got some stuff done during the day! I finished them off on the stove with some oil, smashed them down, and oh – that crisp on the beef?! It was just unreal! These felt like something I would get from a taco truck as a late-night snack; they were so flavorful! They were packed with onion, cilantro, limey deliciousness, and my homemade hot sauce!

This post may contain affiliate links

So, what is a smash taco anyway?

A smash taco is created when you press beef down with a spatula and literally “smash it” onto a hot, oily pan! This creates a crispy crust but still leaves the meat juicy and delicious! They went viral between 2022 and 2023 thanks to TikTok foodies!

The idea of course comes from smash burgers which is a much older invention! And in the early 1900’s in New Mexico, Taco Burgers and Tortilla Burgers were regularly being served at a restaurant called “Bob’s Burgers!” Yes, there really is a Bob’s Burgers restaurant! Isn’t that fun?! So, this fusion of dishes was already sort of in the works long before social media even existed!

Did you know?

Ground chuck is the JUCIEST meat for burgers, tacos, chili, and meatballs! I feel like it doesn’t get enough love! Because of the connective tissue and fat content, it naturally forms a better, crispier crust! It’s also more forgiving than some other cuts because it doesn’t dry out easily!

What ingredients do I need to make these Crispy Beef Smash Tacos?

For the beef:

Ground Chuck
Garlic
Yellow Onion
Beef Broth
Salt
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Dried Oregano
Paprika
Cumin
Black Pepper

For the smash tacos:

Corn Tortillas
Cilantro
Red Onion
Lime
Cotija Cheese
Olive Oil
Hot Sauce – store-bought or try my recipe for homemade hot sauce!

What equipment do I need?

• Crockpot
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Slotted Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef Knife
• Spatula
• Large Skillet

How do I make them?

To make the beef:

To get started on these smash tacos, first you’ll want to dice your yellow onion, then peel and crush the garlic cloves. Add the ground chuck right into the crockpot and sprinkle all the seasonings for the beef on top. Break the meat up using a spatula or masher. Add the garlic and onion on top, then pour in the broth.

Cook on low for an hour or two until beef is no longer pink.

When the beef is done cooking, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef, onion, and garlic to a bowl and set aside until ready to use. I highly recommend reserving some of those flavorful crockpot juices too. Just splash some of it into the bowl with the beef!

Next, let’s get our mise en place going right away! Wash the lime and cut into wedges. Then wash the cilantro and mince. Mince the red onion and set everything aside.

To make the smash tacos:

In a large skillet on medium-high, heat some olive oil. Scoop some of the beef filling out and add it to the HOT skillet.

Let it sizzle for a few moments, then press down with your spatula to flatten. Let it cook a minute to create a nice crust. Next grab a tortilla, place it over the meat and press down with the spatula again.

This helps the tortilla stick to the beef and creates that smash taco effect! Cook another minute or so, then carefully flip the tortilla over and cook another minute until tortilla is starting to get golden and crispy. Top with cotija cheese and remove taco to a plate.

Repeat with remaining beef, tortillas, oil, and cheese.

Once all of the smash tacos have been made, serve with fresh lime wedges, cilantro, red onion, and homemade hot sauce! Enjoy!

Tips:

• I would recommend cooking these Crispy Beef Smash Tacos one at a time, which isn’t awesome, but it really is the best way! And since we got to take a break earlier with the crockpot, I welcome the hands-on cooking for this! This way we get the best quality control! The crust is crispy, and nothing is getting burned!
• Feel free to use whatever toppings you’d like if you’re not into the Mexican style type of taco!
• The taco filling will keep for 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. So, don’t feel like you have to make all of the smash tacos right away! It’s better to make them as you want them since fresh will always taste best and they take only a few minutes to make anyway!
• You can totally cook the whole recipe on the skillet if you want as well – but for me this was really hands off and it worked out GREAT because I had a busy day planned! If you want to make my homemade hot sauce, the crockpot cooking time is a great time to do that! If making in a skillet, just add the oil to the hot pan, place the tortilla inside, roll the raw beef into a ball about the size of a golf ball and place it in the middle of the tortilla. Sprinkle seasonings on, smash, and cook a minute or so. Flip with the beef side down, smash, and cook 2-3 minutes more!

Looking for more recipes with that authentic Mexican vibe? Check these out!

• Pulled Pork Carnitas
• Chili Verde
• Chorizo Hash