Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Blackstone Tacos are a backyard staple that combines bold flavors with simplicity. Grilling your tacos on the Blackstone brings out rich, smoky flavors and makes meal prep a breeze. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your family’s taste, whether that’s beef, chicken, or even a veggie option. Plus, the flat-top surface allows you to cook everything in one go, from the tortillas to the fillings, cutting down on both cooking time and cleanup. Whether for weeknights or weekend gatherings, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients in Blackstone Tacos
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For Blackstone Tacos, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent the taco seasoning from sticking to the griddle. Opt for 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef, which provides a good balance of fat and flavor for browning. A 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning adds the essential spice; you can adjust the heat with your favorite brand or add 2 tablespoons of dry ranch for an extra kick. You’ll also need 12 crunchy taco shells, although soft tortillas can be used if preferred. For toppings, prepare 1 1/2 cups of Mexican blend cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce, and 3 firm Roma tomatoes (or substitute with salsa or pico de gallo). Finish with 3/4 cup of sour cream for a creamy, refreshing touch.
Cook the beef
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Preheat the Blackstone griddle and drizzle with oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with a metal spatula. Cook for 7-10 minutes, until fully browned and no pink remains.
Season the beef
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Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Use the spatula to fold the seasoning into the meat, and scrape away any accumulated beef fat.
Prepare the taco shells
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Scoop the seasoned meat into a bowl and set aside. Scrape the griddle to remove any leftover seasoning or meat bits. Place the taco shells on the griddle in an even layer and cook for 30-60 seconds per side until lightly browned to your preference.
Assemble and serve
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Build your tacos by layering meat and cheese in each shell, then add your preferred toppings. Serve warm.
Variations and Substitutions
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Swap the Beef: Try using chicken, shrimp, or steak as alternatives to beef. Slice chicken or steak into strips or small cubes for even cooking, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. For chicken, you might want to check out these Blackstone chicken fajitas for a cooking guide.
Switch Up the Tortillas: Blackstone beef tacos are versatile with both flour and corn tortillas. Low-carb tortillas also work well on the griddle if you’re watching your carbs.
Customize the Toppings: Tailor your tacos to your taste by adding a variety of toppings like salsa, hot sauce, beans, jalapeños, onions, or guacamole. This allows you to create a flavor-packed, satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks for Making Blackstone Tacos
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Start it Low: If you’re new to cooking on a Blackstone griddle, begin with medium-low heat. The griddle can cook meat quickly and unevenly if it’s too hot, which might result in tough meat crumbles. Starting on a lower heat allows the meat to cook more evenly and absorb the spices better. Increase the heat gradually if needed.
Making a Batch for the Week: Store leftover taco meat in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s versatile for other dishes like taco salad, taco bowls, or taco pasta.
To Freeze Taco Meat: If you’re batch cooking, you can double or triple your recipe and freeze the extra meat. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Flatten the bag before freezing to make thawing quicker and easier.
To Thaw: Submerge the freezer bag in cool water for 10-15 minutes until thawed. Then, reheat the meat in a skillet until it’s heated through.
