I Flew 8,000 Miles to Learn this BBQ Recipe
I Flew 8,000 Miles to Learn this BBQ Recipe is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 820 calories per serving. Recipe by Mad Scientist BBQ on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 37 min
Cost: $18.74 total, $4.68 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 kg Ground Beef (65% lean (35% fat) ground beef; can use ground brisket trim for extra flavor)
- 500 g White Onion (Finely diced)
- 2 pieces Green Chili (Jalapeño) (Seeded and finely diced; adjust for heat)
- 1 piece Bell Pepper (Diced; any color works)
- 2 tsp Smoked Paprika (Adds smoky depth)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder (Helps create a tender crust)
- 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder (Provides umami; beef bouillon can be used instead)
- 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp Ground Cardamom
- 1 tsp Instant Coffee (Adds depth; regular coffee grounds can be used)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Beef Tallow (For cooking; can substitute with vegetable oil or clarified butter)
- 4 pieces Flour Tortillas (Medium size; keto low‑carb tortillas work as well)
- 4 slices White American Cheese (Can use cheddar, Swiss, or any meltable cheese)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (Base for the spicy sauce)
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tsp Fresh Chili (Finely chopped; choose your heat level)
Instructions
Dice Vegetables
Finely dice the white onion, seed and finely dice the green chilies, and dice the bell pepper. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Combine Dry Spices
In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, baking powder, chicken bouillon powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, instant coffee, and black pepper.
Time: PT2M
Season the Beef
Place the 1 kg ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Add the diced vegetables and the spice mixture. Using your hands, gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Form Meat Balls
Weigh out 110 g portions (about 4 oz) and roll each into a smooth ball. You should have roughly four balls.
Time: PT3M
Preheat the Griddle
Place the carbon steel griddle over high heat and preheat to about 400°F (200°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Add Cooking Fat
Add 1 tbsp beef tallow to the hot griddle and let it melt, spreading it thinly.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 400°F
Press Beef onto Tortilla
Place a tortilla on the griddle, then set a meat ball on top. Cover with a second tortilla (optional) and immediately press down with the griddle press so the beef flattens to the shape of the tortilla.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 400°F
Flip and Crisp
Using a spatula, flip the taco so the other side of the tortilla crisps. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tortilla is golden and the beef is cooked through.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 400°F
Melt the Cheese
Open the taco slightly, sprinkle a slice of white American cheese (or your cheese of choice) inside, then close and let it melt for about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Prepare the Spicy Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and the finely chopped fresh chili. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Assemble and Serve
Drizzle the spicy sauce inside the taco, fold it over, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Time: PT1M
Clean Up
Wash all used bowls, utensils, and the griddle while it’s still warm. Wipe down the stovetop.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 820
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 45 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Can be made keto with low‑carb tortillas, Not suitable for vegetarians
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Last updated: April 15, 2026








