Smashed tacos are a variation of the traditional taco recipe, characterized by the raw seasoned meat that is smashed against a tortilla to create a very thin and crispy taco. Smashed tacos are a culinary trend that is taking over social media; on TikTok and Instagram, smashed taco videos have accumulated millions of views.
Of course, at Drizzle Skinny we made our own version, with lean meat and plenty of vegetables, on a whole-wheat tortilla. These healthy tacos are extremely versatile and come are ready in just 20 minutes!
Why you should try this recipe
There are several reasons why smashed tacos are so popular on social media. First, they are delicious. The seasoned meat and the crispy tortilla create an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Second, they are easy to make. They can be prepared quickly and easily at home, making them perfect for a casual meal or a gathering with friends.
Third, they are versatile. They can be customized with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, and salsas. This makes them perfect for adapting to any taste or dietary preference.
Fourth, they are fun to eat. The thin and crispy shape of smashed tacos makes them perfect for enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
6 WW Points per serving
Ingredients
- 150 g. ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 4 whole-wheat tortillas, 80 g
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 4 slices low-fat mozzarella cheese, 40 g
- Shredded lettuce for serving
- Sliced pickles for serving
- Sliced tomatoes for serving
- Sliced red onion for serving (optional)
Instructions for making Smashed Tacos
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Press a thin layer of beef onto each tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan.
- Place one tortilla with the beef side down in the hot pan. Flatten the beef using a flat surface, such as the bottom of a saucepan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the beef is browned and crispy.
- Flip the tortilla and place one cheese slice on top of the beef. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 30 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the taco from the pan and repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining tortillas and beef. Serve the tacos immediately with shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, sliced tomatoes, and sliced red onion (optional).
Variations and substitutions
Smashed tacos are a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit any taste or dietary preference. Here are some ideas for varying and substituting ingredients:
1. Meat: The traditional version of smashed tacos is made with ground beef, but you can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or lamb. If you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or tofu.
2. Tortilla: Whole wheat tortillas are the best option for smashed tacos, as they add a more complex flavor and texture. However, corn or wheat tortillas can also be used.
3. Vegetables: Smashed tacos can be customized with a variety of vegetables. Some popular ideas include lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños. If you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can add roasted vegetables, such as peppers, squash, or zucchini.
4. Sauce: Sauce is an essential part of tacos. The traditional sauce for smashed tacos is red sauce, but you can also use green sauce, chile con carne sauce, or yogurt sauce. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can use sugar-free tomato sauce or natural yogurt sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Making Smashed Tacos
Smashed tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make them even better.
- Use a meat tenderizer to pound the meat very thin. This will help the meat cook evenly and create a crispy taco shell.
- Cook the tacos covered. This will help the meat cook evenly and prevent the tortillas from burning.
- Use a cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillets heat evenly and will help create a crispy taco shell.
- Add a little bit of water to the skillet. This will help create steam, which will help the meat cook evenly.
- Don't overcook the tacos. The meat should be cooked through, but still slightly pink in the center.
Related Recipes
Smashed Tacos
Ingredients
- 150 g. ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 4 whole-wheat tortillas 80 g
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 4 slices low-fat mozzarella cheese 40 g
- Shredded lettuce for serving
- Sliced pickles for serving
- Sliced tomatoes for serving
- Sliced red onion for serving optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Press a thin layer of beef onto each tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan.
- Place one tortilla with the beef side down in the hot pan. Flatten the beef using a flat surface, such as the bottom of a saucepan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the beef is browned and crispy.
- Flip the tortilla and place one cheese slice on top of the beef. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 30 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the taco from the pan and repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining tortillas and beef. Serve the tacos immediately with shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, sliced tomatoes, and sliced red onion (optional).
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