Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best)
- 8 Small flour tortillas (street taco size)
- 1 tablespoon Taco seasoning (or a mix of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 8 Slices American or Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup Finely diced white onions
- 1/4 cup Sliced pickles or jalapeños
- Burger sauce or spicy mayo for drizzling
Instructions
- Step 1: Season and Portion the Beef
Place your ground beef in a medium bowl. Add the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the spices into the meat without overworking it. Divide the beef into 8 equal portions, rolling them into small balls roughly the size of a golf ball.
- Step 2: The Smash Technique
Preheat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat. Place one beef ball in the center of a flour tortilla. Use your palm or a heavy spatula to press the beef down until it covers the entire surface of the tortilla in a very thin, even layer. The beef should go right to the edges because it will shrink slightly as it cooks.
- Step 3: Searing the Meat
Place the tortilla meat-side down onto the hot skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula to ensure good contact between the meat and the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is fully browned and has a nice crust. Flip the taco over so the tortilla side is now on the heat.
- Step 4: Melting and Finishing
Immediately place a slice of cheese over the cooked beef. Cover the pan with a lid for about 30 seconds to help the cheese melt perfectly. Once the cheese is gooey and the bottom of the tortilla is golden brown, remove the taco from the pan.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and a generous drizzle of your favorite sauce. Fold the taco in half and serve immediately while the beef is hot and the tortilla is crispy.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes