These EPIC Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos, oh my gosh! If you love both tacos and Philly cheesesteaks, you’re in for a treat with this easy 30 minute recipe.

Imagine taking the juicy, savory flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak and combining them with the delightful crunch of a taco. Introducing Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos—a mouthwatering fusion that brings together two of America’s most beloved comfort foods.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe, give you some tips and tricks for perfecting the dish, and explore the origins of both the Philly cheesesteak and the smash taco trend. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into this irresistible culinary experience!

What Are Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos?

Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos combine the core components of a Philly cheesesteak—juicy beef, sautéed onions, and melty cheese—with the crispy texture of a taco shell. In this dish, we add a unique twist by smashing the beef into a taco-sized patty and using soft mini tortillas to hold everything together. The result is a hand-held, cheesy, and flavorful taco that’s perfect for taco night, game day, or whenever you’re craving something new and exciting.

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos:

To make these tacos, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that bring big flavor to the table:

  • White onion – I did sweet white onion
  • Red bell pepper and green bell pepper 
  • Ground beef – if beef isn’t your vibe, you could do turkey or chicken too
  • Provolone cheese – I buy slices to make it perfectly sized
  • Mini tortillas – no corn tortillas!! They get soggy and it is a mess!

This combination is reminiscent of a classic cheesesteak but served taco-style, making it easy to prepare and eat. You’ll love how the flavors meld together, creating a fusion dish that hits all the right notes!

How to make these Smash Tacos:

Let’s get cooking! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos.

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preparing your vegetables. Thinly slice the white onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. The thin slices allow for quicker cooking and ensure that the veggies get that perfect caramelized texture.

2. Sauté the Onions and Peppers

In a large skillet or large griddle, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers, seasoning with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the vegetables until they are soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally—about 10-12 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. These sautéed vegetables are going to add a burst of flavor and color to your tacos.

3. Cook the Ground Beef

Using the same skillet or griddle, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, seasoning it generously with sea salt and black pepper. As the beef cooks, add tortilla on top and use a spatula to press it down into the skillet, smashing it into smaller, flattened pieces. This technique helps create those crispy edges, which are key to the smash taco experience. Cook the beef for about 3-4 minutes, then flip.

Pro tip: Make sure not to overcook the beef! You want it to be crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside.

4. Smash and Assemble

Next, place desired amount of peppers and onions and a slice of provolone cheese on top of the smashed beef, letting it melt over the meat. The provolone adds that perfect creamy texture, reminiscent of an authentic Philly cheesesteak.

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little more sea salt and black pepper over the assembled tacos, or add a favorite hot sauce or salsa if you’re feeling adventurous!

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once assembled, serve your Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos immediately. They’re best enjoyed hot, with the cheese still melted and the tortillas slightly crisp from the smashed beef.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos:

  • Use smaller tortillas: Smaller tortillas make these tacos perfect for a quick bite. You can use either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. Flour tortillas tend to be softer, while corn tortillas add a bit more texture and flavor.

  • Get the right cheese: Provolone cheese is the classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, but if you prefer, you can swap it for American cheese, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different twist.

  • Smash the beef: The key to getting that crispy, caramelized edge on the beef is smashing it down as it cooks. This technique helps replicate the texture of a Philly cheesesteak in taco form.

  • Customize your toppings: While onions and bell peppers are the traditional veggies for a cheesesteak, feel free to customize. Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an extra kick.

Why Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos Work:

The magic of Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos comes from combining two well-loved dishes—tacos and cheesesteaks. Philly cheesesteaks are iconic for their rich, beefy flavor, cheesy goodness, and sautéed veggies. Smash tacos, on the other hand, are all about creating texture by pressing the meat into the taco, which adds an element of crunch and maximizes the savory flavor.

By bringing these two worlds together, you get the best of both: the juicy, flavorful beef from the cheesesteak and the handheld convenience and crispy edge of a taco. It’s a perfect marriage of textures and flavors that makes for an unforgettable meal.

The Smash Taco Craze:

Smash tacos are part of a more recent food trend that involves pressing ground meat (usually beef) onto a tortilla as it cooks, creating a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. This method adds an irresistible texture that’s perfect for bite-sized tacos. It’s a technique that elevates tacos to a new level, transforming a simple meal into a culinary experience.

Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos are the ultimate fusion dish, combining the best elements of two beloved comfort foods. The savory ground beef, melty provolone, and sautéed veggies make this recipe a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, celebrating game day, or just looking for a new twist on your favorite dishes, Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos are sure to satisfy.

A few other delicious taco-ish recipes to try:

Viral Smash Burger Tacos

EASY Crispy Cheesy Bean Tacos

Delicious Big Mac Tacos (gluten-free)

Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (gluten-free)

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EPIC Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos

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These EPIC Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos, oh my gosh! If you love both tacos and Philly cheesesteaks, you’re in for a treat with this easy 30 minute recipe.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins

Yield: 5 tacos 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 white onion, sliced thin
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 lb ground beef, divided into 5 equal portions
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • Mini tortillas (flour tortillas like 6-inches, no corn tortillas! they will get soggy)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing your vegetables. Thinly slice the white onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. The thin slices allow for quicker cooking and ensure that the veggies get that perfect caramelized texture.
  2. In a large skillet or large griddle, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers, seasoning with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the vegetables until they are soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally—about 10-12 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. These sautéed vegetables are going to add a burst of flavor and color to your tacos.
  3. Using the same skillet or griddle, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, seasoning it generously with sea salt and black pepper. As the beef cooks, add tortilla on top and use a spatula to press it down into the skillet, smashing it into smaller, flattened pieces. This technique helps create those crispy edges, which are key to the smash taco experience. Cook the beef for about 3-4 minutes, then flip.
  4. Next, place desired amount of peppers and onions and a slice of provolone cheese on top of the smashed beef, letting it melt over the meat. The provolone adds that perfect creamy texture, reminiscent of an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
  5. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little more sea salt and black pepper over the assembled tacos, or add a favorite hot sauce or salsa if you’re feeling adventurous!
  6. Once assembled, serve your Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos immediately. They’re best enjoyed hot, with the cheese still melted and the tortillas slightly crisp from the smashed beef.

Notes

*Store leftovers in fridge for 2 days – reheat over griddle or skillet!

  • Author: Rachel