Description
Bold, crispy, and loaded with flavor — Tyler Smith’s Barbecue Smash Tacos combine sizzling smashed beef, gooey cheese, smoky barbecue sauce, and vibrant toppings all wrapped in a charred tortilla. A street food sensation made easy at home.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef (80/20): 1 pound
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Barbecue Sauce: ½ cup
- Cheddar Cheese (shredded): 1 cup
- Corn or Flour Tortillas: 8 small
- Red Onion (thinly sliced): ½ onion
- Pickled Jalapeños: ¼ cup
- Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped
- Lime Wedges: For serving
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high until hot and slightly smoking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, season ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Divide into 8 equal portions.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place a tortilla on the hot skillet. Top with one portion of ground beef, then immediately smash it flat across the tortilla using a spatula or press.
- Assemble the Dish: Cook for 2–3 minutes, then flip the entire taco so the meat side hits the pan. Press gently and cook another 2 minutes.
- Cook to Perfection: Sprinkle cheese over the beef side and cover briefly to melt. Repeat with remaining tacos.
- Finishing Touches: Top each taco with barbecue sauce, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with extra sauce and napkins on the side.
Notes
- Use high heat to get crispy, caramelized edges.
- Pre-chop toppings for fast assembly.
- Don’t overload with barbecue sauce — balance is key.
- Keep cooked tacos warm in a 200°F oven as you work in batches.