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Smashed Tacos

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Created by Nick
Updated Apr 7, 2026
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When you want an easy, fast dinner, you can’t go wrong with this Smashed Tacos recipe! Inspired by the popularity of smash burgers, a smashed taco creates a crispy, flavorful filling that sticks to the tortilla for minimal mess. Add your toppings of choice to make a customizable twist on taco night. Whether you’re making dinner for two or for a crowd, this Smashed Tacos recipe is a great, easy choice! 

Recipe Ingredients

This recipe’s ingredients could not be easier to find or to use! In fact, there are only 3 required for this delicious family meal.

Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix: This taco seasoning blend is perfectly balanced with all the Mexican-inspired flavors you love. No need to use or buy multiple spices; this packet has it all ready for you. Plus, the mild, approachable heat makes it great for family-friendly flavor.

Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas for Soft Tacos and Fajitas: Soft, pliable, and perfectly portioned, these tortillas are the simplest way to make Smashed Tacos with ease!

Ground Beef: Ground beef makes the perfect crispy Smashed Tacos. The fat helps the meat to seal to the tortilla while frying and soaks up flavor from the seasoning. This recipe works with varying percentages of lean beef; we recommend at least 80% lean.

That’s all you need to get started on these delicious, homemade tacos!

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How to Make Smashed Tacos

This recipe comes together in a few quick steps, making it an awesome choice for an easy weeknight dinner.

1. Prep the Pan and Beef

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and taco seasoning.

2. Assemble the Tacos

Spread 1/8 pound of the beef into a thin layer onto one side of each tortilla.

3. Fry the Tacos

Working in batches, cook each taco, beef side down for 5 to 8 minutes or until the beef is golden brown and cooked through. Then, flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds to warm the tortilla.

4. Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish the tacos with optional taco toppings as desired. 

How to Store (and Reheat) Smashed Tacos

Leftover Smashed Tacos make a great lunch or dinner the next day! Store any leftovers within two hours of finishing preparation, so you can enjoy them later.

Refrigerator Storage

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 1 minute or until warmed through (165°F).

Smashed Tacos

  • Prep Time 10 min
  • Total 45 min
  • Ingredients 8
  • Servings 4
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (at least 80% lean)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 8 tortillas from 1 package (8.2 oz) Old El Paso™ Flour Tortillas for Soft Tacos and Fajitas (10 Count)

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded iceberg lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Shredded Mexican blend cheese
Make With
Old El Paso

Instructions

  • Step 
    1

    Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and taco seasoning. Spread 1/8 lb of the beef into a thin layer onto one side of each tortilla. 

  • Step 
    2

    Working in batches, cook each taco, beef side down, for 5 to 8 minutes or until the beef is golden brown and cooked through. 

  • Step 
    3

    Flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds to warm the tortilla. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish the tacos with the optional toppings as desired.

Nutrition

No nutrition information available for this recipe

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