Crispy taco shells layered with smashed beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for a quick savory dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Taco Shells
04 - 8 mini flour tortillas (4-5 inches diameter)
05 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Cheese
06 - 8 slices American cheese or cheddar, quartered
→ Toppings
07 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
08 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
09 - 1 ripe tomato, diced
10 - 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
11 - 1/3 cup burger sauce or mayonnaise
12 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional)
13 - 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions of approximately 2 oz each. Season each portion evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.
03 - Place a mini tortilla on the hot skillet. Position a seasoned beef ball in the center. Using a spatula or burger press, apply firm pressure to flatten the beef until it nearly covers the tortilla surface.
04 - Cook for 2-3 minutes, maintaining gentle pressure with the spatula, until the beef develops a browned, crispy crust on the bottom.
05 - Carefully flip the tortilla and beef together as one unit. Immediately top the cooked beef side with a quartered slice of cheese. Cook for 1 additional minute until the cheese melts completely and the tortilla becomes golden and crisp.
06 - Transfer the completed mini taco to a plate. Keep warm while repeating the process with remaining tortillas and beef portions, adding additional oil to the skillet as needed between batches.
07 - Fill each mini taco with lettuce, tomato, diced onion, pickles, and desired sauces. Fold and serve immediately while the shells remain crispy.
