Mouthwatering Smash Burger Tacos | Healthy Taco Bell-Style Beef Patties Recipe
These flavorful tacos combine the charred beef of a smash burger with taco toppings. Lean ground beef, smoked paprika, and steak seasoning create smoky, umami-rich patties with a crisp crust, served in whole wheat tortillas with zucchini-lime slaw and pickled onions. Ready in 20 minutes, this fusion dish balances bold and fresh flavors for a quick, versatile meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: quick
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American/Mexican Fusion
Ingredients
For the patties:
1 lb lean ground beef (93% fat-free)
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp steak seasoning
3 tbsp water (for browning)
For serving (optional):
8 whole wheat tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup pickled red onions
1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°F. Warm tortillas on a baking sheet while cooking.
In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour a scant 1 tbsp water into the skillet, then pat the beef into 1/2-inch thick rounds (divided into 8 patties).
Press down firmly with a spatula for 90 seconds to form a crust.
Cook 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare or 5-6 minutes for well-done.
Assemble tacos by placing 1-2 patties in each tortilla and adding desired toppings.
Notes
For a vegan version: Substitute 1 cup cooked quinoa + 1/2 cup black beans (mashed) for the beef.
Enhance flavor: Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce when seasoning (ensure it’s alcohol-free if necessary).
Avoid common mistake: Handle meat gently to prevent toughness.
Freeze patties: Stack on parchment paper in an airtight container.
Gluten-free option: Use corn tortillas and certified gluten-free seasonings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg