Description
These Meatball Smash Tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos, featuring flattened meatballs cooked inside tortillas, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. A delicious fusion of Italian flavors in a handheld form!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Assembly:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (warmed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Form into 8 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatball Tacos: Flatten a meatball inside a tortilla in a hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the beef is cooked through and the tortilla is crisp.
- Assemble: Top each taco with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
- To enhance the flavor, toast the tortillas with garlic butter.
- Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
