Description
These Meatball Smash Tacos are a delicious and satisfying twist on traditional tacos, featuring juicy, seasoned meatballs that are pan-cooked and then smashed for a crispy edge. Loaded with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, cheese, and a creamy drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt, these tacos are bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
For the Tacos
- 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, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding around 16 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Smash the Meatballs: After the meatballs have rested for a few minutes, use a spatula to gently press each meatball flat. This creates a crispy edge and helps the meatballs fit better into the tortillas.
- 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 onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, and shredded cheese.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Add salsa or hot sauce if desired and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the Meatball Smash Tacos immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a leaner meatball option if preferred.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice herby flavor to the meatballs.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking meatballs to ensure even browning.
- Smashing the meatballs after cooking helps achieve crispy edges for added texture.
- Warm tortillas properly to prevent cracking when folding the tacos.
- Feel free to customize toppings with avocado, jalapeños, or pickled onions for extra flavor.
