Seasoned ground beef smashed and seared on tortillas, topped with fresh cheese, lettuce, and salsa for bold handheld bites.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
→ Tortillas
07 - 8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
→ Cheese & Toppings
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
09 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
10 - 1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded
11 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream
13 - 1/2 cup salsa or hot sauce
→ Oil
14 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
# Directions:
01 - In a bowl, combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until evenly blended.
02 - Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 2 ounces each, shaping into balls.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
04 - Place 2 to 3 tortillas onto the hot surface. Set one beef ball in the center of each tortilla.
05 - Using a spatula or burger press, firmly press each beef ball into a thin layer that covers most of the tortilla surface.
06 - Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until beef is browned and crisp underneath.
07 - Flip each taco so the beef side faces down. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the tortilla crisps and beef cooks through.
08 - Sprinkle shredded cheese onto the hot beef side while still in the pan.
09 - Transfer the cooked tacos beef side up to a plate. Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and beef, adding more oil as necessary.
10 - Garnish tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, sour cream, and salsa. Serve immediately.
