Jalapeño Popper Smash Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground venison (or other ground wild game like elk or moose; beef also works)
• 8 street taco size tortillas (flour or corn)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 jalapeños (diced; seeds removed for less heat)
• 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 2 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
• oil (for the griddle)

Steps

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and crumbled bacon. Mix until well combined to create the jalapeño popper filling.

2. 2

   Divide the ground venison (or meat of choice) into 8 equal-sized balls (about 2 ounces each).

3. 3

   Preheat a large griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil.

4. 4

   Place a meat ball on the griddle and immediately place a tortilla on top of it. Use a heavy press or spatula to smash the tortilla down firmly, spreading the meat into a thin layer that covers the bottom of the tortilla.

5. 5

   Season the top of the tortilla with a pinch of taco seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the meat is browned and crispy.

6. 6

   Flip the taco so the tortilla side is down. Spread a generous spoonful of the jalapeño popper mixture over the meat side.

7. 7

   Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese filling is melted and warm.

8. 8

   Remove from heat and drizzle with honey for a sweet and spicy finish. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Notes

For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. If using very lean wild game, you may need a bit more oil on the griddle to prevent sticking.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• venison
• wild game
• smash tacos
• spicy
• jalapeño popper
• griddle