Print

Quick Cheesy Smash Tacos Recipe with Ground Beef and Chipotle Sauce

quick cheesy smash tacos - featured image
Print Recipe

A fast and satisfying taco recipe featuring smashed ground beef with melty cheddar cheese and a smoky chipotle sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (100 g)
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
  • 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
  • 1 tsp (5 g) cumin
  • 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Fresh cilantro, handful chopped (optional)
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chipotle sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, minced 1-2 chipotle peppers, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  2. Warm the tortillas: Heat them individually in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted. Wrap in a clean towel to keep warm.
  3. Cook the ground beef: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until just browned but still juicy, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Smash and melt cheese: Lower the heat to medium. Press the beef mixture down with the spatula to form a thin, even layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the beef. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and edges get crispy.
  5. Assemble the tacos: Use the spatula to carefully break the cheesy beef into rough chunks. Spoon onto warm tortillas. Add a drizzle of chipotle sauce, fresh cilantro, and diced tomatoes or pico de gallo if using.
  6. Serve immediately: Enjoy the tacos hot, right from the skillet to the plate.

Notes

For crispy edges, use a cast iron skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan. If cheese doesn’t melt fully, cover pan loosely for a minute. To keep beef juicy, do not overcook and smash thinly but gently. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas; for dairy-free, substitute cheddar with plant-based cheese and mayonnaise with vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: tacos, ground beef, chipotle sauce, cheesy tacos, quick dinner, smash tacos, easy recipe

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/quick-cheesy-smash-tacos-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-chipotle-sauce-easy-and-delicious/