The Ultimate Dubai Smash Tacos: Crispy, Cheesy & Irresistibly Delicious!

Ingredients

• 2.5 lb Grass-Fed Ground Beef (from Costco, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 16 oz Onion (chopped, about 1 large onion)
• 1 piece Bell Pepper (any color, chopped)
• 4 clove Garlic (3 cloves for meat, 1 clove for sauce, minced)
• 1 tsp Baking Soda (raises pH for tender meat)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise (Duke's or preferred brand)
• 0.25 cup Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1.5 tsp Cumin
• 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 0.5 tsp Liquid Smoke (divided, adjust to taste)
• 1 pinch Salt
• 2 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or cheese of choice)
• 8 piece Small Flour Tortillas (6‑inch diameter, soft)
• 4 piece Lime Wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Combine Meat Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, add the grass‑fed ground beef, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Gently fold everything together until just combined.

   Time: PT5M

2. Rest the Meat Mixture

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 15‑20 minutes to let the baking soda tenderize the meat and to cool the mixture.

   Time: PT20M

3. Prepare the Creamy Spicy Sauce

   In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, one minced garlic clove, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, liquid smoke, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

4. Chill the Sauce

   Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally 2‑3 hours) to let the flavors meld.

   Time: PT60M

5. Form Meatballs

   Divide the rested meat mixture into 4‑ounce portions (about ½ cup each). Roll each portion into a tight ball and place them on a sheet pan.

   Time: PT10M

6. Cook the Tacos

   Heat a skillet over medium‑high heat. Place a tortilla in the pan, add a meatball on top, and immediately press it down with a spatula to smash it thin. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, let it melt, then fold the tortilla in half. Cook 1‑2 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and the meat is cooked through.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

7. Plate and Serve

   Transfer the cooked tacos to a serving plate, drizzle with the chilled sauce, and garnish with a lime wedge.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

460

Protein

26g

Carbohydrates

32g

Fat

22g

Fiber

2g