If you've ever had trouble choosing between a juicy Philly cheesesteak and a crisp, flavor-packed taco, this recipe is your new best friend. Philly Cheesesteak Inspired Smash Tacos blend the best of both worlds — thinly shaved ribeye steak or ground beef sizzled to perfection, gooey melted cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and all of it smashed into crispy tortillas for a taco that feels like a steak sandwich and a taco night mash-up. Think of it as a lovechild between homemade smash burgers and your favorite Mexican street tacos — easy to make, wildly satisfying, and definitely crowd-pleasing.
Philly Cheesesteak Inspired Smash Tacos
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 tacos (serves 2 hungry adults or 4 snack-sized portions)
Griddle or flat-top A blackstone is ideal if you’ve got one. These smash burgers with tortillas on griddle get that unbeatable crispy edge. A large cast-iron skillet works beautifully too.
Spatula Preferably a heavy-duty one. It’s essential for the “smash” part of the taco.
Mixing bowls For tossing and seasoning your filling and toppings.
Knife and Cutting Board For slicing peppers, onions, and prepping toppings.
For the Filling
- 1 lb shaved ribeye steak or sub with 1 lb ground beef for a cheese burger tacos ground beef option
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices provolone cheese or try white American cheese for a classic Philly flavor
For the Tortilla Smash
- 6 small flour tortillas or swap for corn tortillas to go full-on smash burger tacos with corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Smash burger taco sauce see homemade version below
- Smash Burger Taco Sauce Optional but recommended:
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeño slices
- Pickles trust us!
- Crumbled tortilla chips hello, taco nachos vibes!
- Hot sauce or chipotle crema
Make the Smash Burger Taco Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and pickle juice. Stir until smooth. This adds the creamy, zesty tang that mimics both burger sauce and chipotle tacos-style crema.
Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 7-8 minutes. Set aside.
Cook the Steak (or Ground Beef)
If using shaved ribeye, heat your griddle or skillet over medium-high. Spread the meat on the hot surface and let it sear. Chop and stir with your spatula to get a nice browned texture. Season with salt and pepper. If using ground beef, form into small, loose mounds and smash flat with your spatula to get that crispy smash burger edge. Cook until browned.
Assemble the Smash Tacos
Lay a tortilla flat on the griddle. Add a mound of cooked steak or beef in the center, top with provolone, then smash down slightly with your spatula. Cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla crisps up, about 2-3 minutes. You’re going for that classic smash burger taco look — crispy tortilla base, juicy cheesy filling.
Flip carefully to let the other side toast lightly, about 1 more minute.
Add Toppings
Transfer to a plate and load up your favorite taco toppings. Spoon over some smash burger taco sauce, layer on pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños. Feeling indulgent? Crumble some tortilla chips on top for a taco nachos crunch.
Pairings in Detail
These Philly Cheesesteak Inspired Smash Tacos are bold, meaty, and cheesy — so pairing them with the right sides and drinks enhances the whole experience:
Sides
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Sweet, creamy, and smoky. A perfect partner.
- Seasoned Waffle Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Because you’re basically in burger-taco fusion land.
- Cilantro-lime Rice or Spanish Rice: Adds a balance and makes it more filling.
- Simple guacamole and chips: Crunch meets creamy — it works.
Drinks
- Mexican Cola or Jarritos Pineapple Soda
- Cerveza (try Modelo, Pacifico, or Negra Modelo)
- Spicy Margarita or a smoky Mezcal Paloma if you're going for cocktail hour
FAQs
1. What kind of steak works best for these tacos?
Thinly sliced ribeye is the gold standard for anything Philly cheesesteak. But if you're budget-conscious or prefer ground meat, a good quality 80/20 ground beef makes great smash burgers or cheese burger tacos ground beef style.
2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely. In fact, smash burger tacos with corn tortillas are crispier and more street taco authentic. Just be sure to warm them slightly so they don’t crack during the smash.
3. What if I don’t have a griddle?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan will do the job just fine. Just make sure it’s hot enough to sear the meat and toast the tortillas.
4. Is this recipe similar to those viral smash burger tacos?
Yes! In fact, this is a Philly cheesesteak twist on the trending smash burger tacos — and even shares some DNA with big mac smashburger tacos and big mac tostadas, minus the sesame seeds.
5. Can I prep this ahead?
You can slice your onions and peppers, make the sauce, and pre-cook the beef or steak. Then just reheat and smash on tortillas when ready to serve. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that feels restaurant-quality but takes minimal effort.
6. How spicy is this?
It’s customizable! Keep it mellow with provolone and mild toppings, or turn up the heat with jalapeños, hot sauce, or a chipotle crema riff.
7. Can I use this filling for something other than tacos?
Absolutely — try making a Philly cheesesteak quesadilla, burrito, or even load up a nacho tray for a fusion taco nachos dish. You can also use it in easy street tacos or layered into easy tacos recipe builds with beans and rice.
