Description
These Meatball Smash Tacos are a delicious and quick 30-minute recipe featuring juicy, seasoned meatballs that are pan-cooked and then smashed for a crispy edge. Served on warm tortillas and topped with fresh veggies, cheese, and a tangy sour cream drizzle, they make a perfect crowd-pleasing dinner or party dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Assembly and Toppings
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas (depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional for added heat)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, forming approximately 16 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Smash the Meatballs: After allowing the meatballs to rest for a few minutes, gently smash each meatball flat using a spatula. This step helps them fit better into the tortillas and creates crispy edges.
- Prepare the Tortillas: While the meatballs rest, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or on a griddle for 20-30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place one or two smashed meatballs in the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
- Add Final Touches: Optionally add salsa or hot sauce for heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the Meatball Smash Tacos immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Smashing the meatballs after cooking adds a crispy texture and makes them easier to fit into the tortillas.
- If you prefer, use corn or flour tortillas according to your dietary preference.
- Adjust the amount of salsa or hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
- Fresh cilantro and lime juice add zest and freshness—don’t skip them if available.
