Crispy Beef Blackstone Smash Taco (Printable View)

Smashed beef patties sizzle on a Blackstone griddle, layered with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack atop crispy tortillas.

# What You Need:

→ Beef & Seasonings

01 - 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 fat ratio
02 - 1 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder

→ Cheese

06 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Taco Shells

08 - 8 small flour or corn tortillas

→ Toppings

09 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
10 - 1/2 cup chopped lettuce
11 - 1/4 cup diced red onion
12 - 1/4 cup sour cream
13 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
14 - Fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Cooking Fat

15 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat your Blackstone griddle or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
02 - Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls, approximately 2 oz each, ensuring uniform sizing for even cooking.
03 - Season each beef ball thoroughly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, pressing the spices into the meat.
04 - Place each tortilla on the hot griddle. Immediately top with a generous mound of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend, covering the tortilla center.
05 - Place a seasoned beef ball directly on top of the cheese mound. Using a sturdy metal spatula or burger press, firmly smash the beef ball to spread it thinly across the melted cheese and tortilla.
06 - Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef develops crispy edges and the cheese turns golden and bubbly underneath.
07 - Quickly flip the entire taco assembly so the tortilla side contacts the griddle. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the tortilla becomes crisp and golden.
08 - Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately top each taco with lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
09 - Serve the tacos hot while the cheese remains melty and the tortilla stays crispy for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy beef edges paired with gooey melted cheese create texture in every single bite
  • Cooking everything on the griddle means less cleanup and more time eating
  • Each person can customize their own toppings, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous eaters alike
02 -
  • Do not skip smashing the beef firmly and quickly because hesitation leads to steaming instead of crisping
  • Letting the tacos rest for just 30 seconds off the griddle before topping helps the cheese set slightly so toppings stay put
  • Work in batches if your griddle is crowded rather than overcrowding, which steams the beef and kills the crunch
03 -
  • Press your beef balls between two pieces of parchment paper before cooking for perfectly uniform thin patties every time
  • Mix a little shredded cheese directly into your ground beef before forming balls for extra cheesiness inside the meat layer

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