The sizzle of golden tortillas and the tantalizing aroma of spiced beef waft through the kitchen, evoking memories of gatherings with friends and family. This recipe for Birria-style Smash Tacos comes together in about 45 minutes, offering a flavorful fusion of crispy textures and rich flavors that will leave everyone craving more. This dish truly shines with its wonderful combination of gooey cheese and tender, spiced beef.
These tacos are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend feast. They bring an authentic Mexican touch to any meal. For optimal flavor, the beef mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The tender, juicy beef is enveloped in crispy, golden tortillas.
- Soaking the dried chiles enhances their rich flavor.
- Each taco is customizable with your favorite toppings.
- It creates a delicious balance of textures in every bite.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create delicious Birria-style Smash Tacos.
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb Certified Angus Beef 75% lean ground beef
- 2-3 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cups shredded cheese, such as Oaxaca or Chihuahua
Tip: Guajillo chiles add authentic flavor; use ancho chiles for a milder taste.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Ground beef: Use turkey or plant-based ground meat.
- Corn tortillas: Flour tortillas or lettuce wraps work as alternatives.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is a great substitute.
- Guajillo chiles: Use chipotle chiles for a smoky flavor.
How to Make It
Here’s how to prepare mouthwatering tacos in just a few steps.
Soak chiles
Soak the guajillo chiles in hot water for about 20 minutes until softened. Blend the chiles with the beef broth, cumin, paprika, and some salt and pepper until smooth.
Brown beef
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Simmer sauce
Once cooked, add in the blended sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Assemble tacos
Heat another skillet over medium-high heat. For each taco, place a tortilla down, add some of the beef mixture, followed by cheese and a sprinkle of onions and cilantro.
Smash tortillas
Fold the tortilla and smash gently with a spatula, cooking until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve
Serve hot with extra toppings like salsa or lime.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the ground beef is fully browned before adding the sauce.
- Use fresh tortillas for the crispiest texture.
- Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of guajillo chiles.
- Let the tacos rest for a minute after smashing for perfect crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a refreshing side of Mexican rice.
- Serve with homemade salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with a classic margarita on the side for a festive touch.
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