Irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Zesty Philly Cheesesteak Smash Burger Tacos Recipe for Taco Night

Sizzling meets sensational with this Philly cheesesteak smash burger tacos that blend classic comfort food into an irresistible fusion.

Street food dreams come alive when melted cheese meets crispy beef edges.

Tender slices of steak dance with caramelized onions inside warm tortillas.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of rich, meaty flavors and fresh textures.

Expect a culinary adventure that breaks all the traditional recipe rules.

The combination delivers a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this game-changing recipe that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 3

Philly Cheesesteak Taco Ingredient Breakdown

For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a perfect sear on the meat and vegetables.
  • Garlic: Brings depth and aromatic punch to the overall dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides consistent seasoning and intense flavor throughout the recipe.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
For Protein and Cheese:
  • Ground Sirloin: Lean and flavorful beef that creates a juicy and tender burger base.
  • Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully, offering a creamy and slightly sharp taste to the tacos.
For Wrap and Supporting Ingredients:
  • Flour Tortillas: Soft and flexible base that holds all the delicious ingredients together.
  • Onion: Adds sweet and caramelized notes when cooked, bringing depth to the filling.
  • Red Pepper: Introduces a vibrant color and fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
  • Mayo: Creates a smooth, tangy sauce that complements the rich meat and cheese.

Tools to Build a Smash Taco with Big Flavor

  • Cast iron skillet: heavy-duty pan for perfect searing and crispy edges.
  • Broiler or oven: melts cheese and finishes the tacos with golden top.
  • Cutting board: prep surface for slicing onions and peppers.
  • Chef's knife: sharp blade for precise vegetable chopping.
  • Mixing bowl: combines aioli ingredients smoothly.
  • Grater: creates fine garlic pieces for aioli.
  • Spatula: helps flip tortillas and handle meat during cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: ensures correct seasoning amounts.

Cooking Cheesesteak Smash Burger Tacos at Home

  • Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty garlic sauce that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Blend creamy mayo with fresh garlic, a splash of olive oil, and a pinch of seasoning for a mouthwatering spread.

  • Veggie Magic

Transform ordinary onions and peppers into caramelized gold, bringing deep, sweet flavors that will elevate your entire dish to new heights.

  • Smash Burger Transformation

Press seasoned beef directly onto soft tortillas, creating a crispy, golden crust that merges the best of burgers and tacos in one incredible bite.

  • Cheese and Melt

Layer your caramelized vegetables and melty Provolone on top of the sizzling meat, letting the cheese become a gooey blanket of deliciousness.

  • Final Flourish

Drizzle your amazing garlic sauce over the tacos, fold them with care, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will become an instant favorite.

Tips to Balance Cheese, Onion, and Steak

  • Use freshly grated Provolone for smoother, richer melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Choose 80/20 ground sirloin for perfect juiciness and crispy edges during smash cooking technique.
  • Warm corn tortillas briefly before assembling to prevent cracking and enhance their flexible texture.
  • Experiment with different peppers like poblano or jalapeño for a personalized heat level and flavor profile.
  • Add sliced mushrooms during onion sautéing for extra depth and umami undertones in your Philly Cheesesteak Tacos.

Presenting These Tacos with Serious Style

  • Cheesy Sandwich Sidekick: Serve these tacos alongside crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries for a delightful crunch that complements the burger's rich flavors.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Platter: Create a fun taco bar with extra toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and sliced jalapeños so guests can customize their own tacos.
  • Fresh Flavor Booster: Pair with a zesty coleslaw or quick pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the meat and add a bright, tangy contrast to the dish.
  • Cool Drink Companion: Match these tacos with an ice-cold Mexican beer, a refreshing margarita, or a citrusy craft soda to balance the savory burger flavors.

How to Store Cheesesteak Tacos for Later

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm tacos in a skillet on medium heat for crispy tortillas, or use oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain original texture and flavor.
  • Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep garlic aioli and cooked meat/veggies in separate containers to prevent soggy tortillas and maintain optimal crispness when storing.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Individually wrap unassembled components like seasoned meat and sautéed vegetables in freezer-safe bags, lasting up to 1 month for quick future meal preparation.
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Irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Smash Burger Tacos Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Smash burger tacos merge classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with taco excitement. Melted provolone, caramelized onions, and tender beef create a mouthwatering fusion you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ lb (226 g) ground sirloin
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 flour tortillas
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk together mayonnaise, finely minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a zesty garlic aioli. Set aside for final garnishing.
  2. Vegetable Sautéing: Heat a skillet and caramelize yellow onions and bell peppers, stirring intermittently until they transform into a golden-brown, sweet, and tender mixture.
  3. Meat Preparation: Season ground sirloin with kosher salt and black pepper. Portion the meat evenly onto soft flour tortillas, spreading in a thin, uniform layer across the entire tortilla surface.
  4. Smash and Sear: Position tortillas meat-side down in a preheated cast-iron skillet, cooking for 6-8 minutes to develop a crispy, caramelized exterior. Flip tortillas carefully, then immediately layer with caramelized onions, roasted peppers, and Provolone cheese slices.
  5. Cheese Melting: Create a melting environment by covering the skillet with aluminum foil or broiling for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes gloriously bubbling and fully melted.
  6. Finishing and Serving: Remove from heat, drizzle generously with prepared garlic aioli, fold tortillas into classic taco shape, and serve immediately while piping hot to maximize flavor fusion.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground sirloin with 80/20 fat ratio for maximum juiciness and flavor, ensuring a perfectly crispy smash burger texture.
  • Tortilla Temperature Tip: Use room temperature soft flour tortillas to prevent tearing and achieve an even, crispy base when smashing the meat.
  • Skillet Secrets: Cast-iron skillet provides the best caramelization and heat distribution, creating a restaurant-quality golden-brown crust on the meat.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Cover the skillet briefly to trap heat and create a steam effect, helping the Provolone cheese melt smoothly and evenly across the taco.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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