Description
Flavorful, lightly smashed ground beef tacos topped with cheese and fresh garnishes for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: diced onion, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, avocado or guacamole
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium‑high. Add oil and swirl to coat.
- Combine beef with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add seasoned beef to skillet, spreading into an even layer. Leave undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until bottom is browned.
- Press beef layer with spatula (“smash”) so it’s thin, let cook another minute.
- Flip the beef scramble and break into crumbles; cook until fully browned and cooked through, about 2 more minutes.
- Warm tortillas in a separate dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble tacos: fill each tortilla with smashed beef, top with cheese (allowing some heat to melt cheese), then add toppings like onion, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, splash a little lime juice into the beef while cooking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- To make crispy tortillas, lightly toast them in a hot skillet before assembly.
- For added crunch, top with shredded cabbage or pickled onions.
- Make it spicy by adding chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg