Meatball Smash Tacos

If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful twist on taco night, these Meatball Smash Tacos are about to become your new obsession. Imagine perfectly seasoned meatballs, packed with juicy flavor, smushed and nestled in a soft, warm tortilla. Then, topped with all your favorite taco fixings, these little bites are a fiesta in every bite! Each one is bursting with flavor, texture, and the kind of satisfaction that makes you want to devour a whole plate of them.

This dish is simple yet totally elevated—it’s comfort food meets tacos, with a bit of an unexpected surprise. And trust me, once you try these, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made them sooner. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just any ol’ night when you need something quick and delicious, these Meatball Smash Tacos are the way to go.

Why You’ll Love Meatball Smash Tacos

Fun to Make & Eat

Not only are these tacos super easy to whip up, but they’re also fun to assemble. Smashing those meatballs into the tortillas adds a little playful touch to your dinner—especially when the kids (or adults!) get involved!

Flavor Explosion

The combination of juicy meatballs, seasoned just right, with taco toppings like creamy guacamole, zesty salsa, and cool sour cream? Pure magic. These tacos are a flavor explosion in every bite.

Quick & Simple

No complicated steps here! In just a few simple steps, you’ve got yourself a complete and flavorful meal. You can even make the meatballs ahead of time to make it even quicker!

Customizable

The beauty of these tacos is how adaptable they are. You can use any kind of meat you prefer, from beef to chicken to turkey. You can even go meatless with veggie meatballs! And the toppings? Totally up to you—add spicy salsa, fresh veggies, or even a drizzle of cheese.

Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love this dish! The mix of tender meatballs with the familiar taco fillings makes this a universal crowd-pleaser that’ll be on repeat in your house.

Ingredients

For these Meatball Smash Tacos, here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef (or your preferred protein): The base for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
• Egg: Binds everything together for the perfect meatball texture.
• Garlic: For that fragrant, savory depth of flavor in the meatballs.
• Onion: A classic addition to any taco, adding a bit of sweetness and crunch.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds the bold, zesty flavor you know and love in tacos.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste—seasoning is key!
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the meatballs to perfection.
• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas work best for these tacos.
• Toppings: This is where the magic happens. Consider shredded lettuce, tomato, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to create these mouthwatering Meatball Smash Tacos:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, and taco seasoning. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined—be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches (so they don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Smash the Meatballs

Using the back of a spatula, carefully smash each meatball into a flat patty. This step gives the meatballs their “smash” effect and makes them fit perfectly into the tacos.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

In the same skillet, quickly warm the tortillas for about 10-15 seconds on each side, or until soft and lightly toasted. This step makes them extra pliable and flavorful.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Place one smashed meatball in each tortilla and top with your favorite toppings. A little shredded lettuce, some tomato, a spoonful of guacamole, a drizzle of sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro will elevate these tacos to the next level!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy these Meatball Smash Tacos while they’re hot! You’ll want to savor every juicy bite, so don’t rush—it’s that good!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 55mg
  Sodium: 600mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 3g
  Protein: 25g
  Vitamin A: 6%
  Vitamin C: 10%
  Calcium: 8%
  Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Meatball Smash Tacos

With a Side of Chips and Salsa

What’s a taco without chips? Serve your Meatball Smash Tacos with a side of crispy tortilla chips and a fresh salsa for the ultimate taco experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

For a lighter touch, serve your tacos with a fresh avocado salad or corn salad on the side. The freshness of the salad pairs perfectly with the richness of the meatballs.

Add Extra Cheese

If you love cheese (who doesn’t?), sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco on top of your tacos for an extra creamy bite.

For a Bold Kick

For some heat, drizzle your tacos with a bit of hot sauce or sprinkle some jalapeños on top. Add a squeeze of lime for that perfect citrus zing.

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy

If you love spice, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture or add chipotle chili powder to the taco seasoning for a smoky, spicy kick.

Customize Your Toppings

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some pickled onions, sliced radishes, or even a little pineapple salsa could bring in new flavors.

Prep Ahead

You can prep the meatballs ahead of time! Shape and cook them, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later. When you’re ready, simply warm them up and smash!

Make Them Mini

For a fun twist, make these tacos smaller by forming mini meatballs. They’re perfect for serving at parties or enjoying as bite-sized snacks.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey will work just as well for these tacos. You may need to add a little extra seasoning since turkey is milder than beef.

Q2: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage. Just heat them up when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
A3: Definitely! Bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. This is a healthier option!

Q4: Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
A4: Yes! Use vegetarian meatballs or make your own with ingredients like lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein. Just follow the same instructions for assembling the tacos.

Q5: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A5: Yes! Once cooked, let the meatballs cool and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and smash.

Q6: How can I add more flavor to the meatballs?
A6: You can add some Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or cumin to the meatball mixture for a bit more depth. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley also add a great touch.

Q7: What tortillas work best for these tacos?
A7: Soft flour tortillas work best for these tacos, but you can also use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just be sure to warm them up to make them pliable.

Q8: How do I make these tacos gluten-free?
A8: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and corn tortillas for the tacos. This way, you can still enjoy the flavors without the gluten.

Q9: How can I add more veggies to these tacos?
A9: You can add fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, sliced bell peppers, onions, or corn for an extra crunch and flavor boost.

Q10: Can I make these tacos spicy?
A10: Absolutely! Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture or as a topping to kick up the heat.

Conclusion

These Meatball Smash Tacos are everything you’ve been craving—tender, juicy meatballs smashed into soft tortillas and topped with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a fun taco night with friends, these tacos are sure to be a hit. So grab your tortillas, get smashing, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Print