The Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is a fun, flavorful twist on two fast-food favorites rolled into one unbeatable bite. Juicy smashed beef cooked right on your tortillas, topped with melted American cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, tangy pickles, and a creamy homemade Big Mac sauce all come together to create something truly addictive. Whether you’re craving that classic burger taste or looking for a fresh way to serve tacos at your next gathering, this recipe delivers satisfying layers of texture and flavor that everyone will love. Get ready to treat yourself and your friends to something uniquely delicious that’s simple enough for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe plays an important role in balancing textures and flavors, from juicy beef to that tangy sauce that ties everything together. These staples are easy to find yet essential for capturing the essence of the iconic Big Mac paired with taco night fun.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20): The perfect fat ratio ensures juicy, flavorful burger meat that crisps beautifully when smashed.
- 6 small flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, serving as the perfect taco shell that also crisps slightly when cooked.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning boosts the beef’s natural flavor without overpowering.
- 6 slices American cheese: Classic, melty cheese slices that add a creamy richness to each taco.
- 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to balance the savory meat.
- 1/4 cup diced pickles: Tangy pickle bites provide that unmistakable Big Mac zest.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Sharp bursts of flavor and crunch enhance every mouthful.
- Big Mac Sauce ingredients: Mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika combine for a creamy, tangy sauce that’s the star of the show.
How to Make Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Big Mac Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl. This creamy, tangy sauce makes the Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe stand out and should be refrigerated while you prep the other components so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Shape and Season the Beef
Divide your ground beef into 6 equal balls. Take a tortilla, place it on your work surface, and press a beef ball directly onto one side, flattening it out to cover most of the tortilla. Don’t forget to season lightly with salt and pepper for that savory goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Smash Burgers on Tortillas
Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium-high heat. Place each tortilla beef-side down and press them down gently again if needed to make sure the beef crisps nicely. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the tortilla side for about 1 minute so it gets warm and slightly crisp but maintains softness to hold your fillings.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Once flipped back, add a slice of American cheese to the beef side and allow it to melt perfectly. Melted cheese is the comforting glue that brings all the ingredients of the Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe together.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Remove the cooked tacos from the pan, then top each with crisp shredded lettuce, tangy diced pickles, finely diced onion, and a generous drizzle of that luscious Big Mac sauce you prepared. Fold gently and get ready to dig in.
How to Serve Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates the tacos beautifully. Consider extra shredded lettuce for crunch, a sprinkle of diced onions for sharpness, and more pickle slices to amp up the tang. A drizzle of the flavorful Big Mac sauce on top gives a moist finish that ties everything together deliciously.
Side Dishes
A great crunch like crispy fries or even simple kettle chips pairs perfectly with these tacos. A light coleslaw or corn salad can bring fresh brightness to the plate, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe treats on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra sauce and pickles for dipping and topping. You can also elevate presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a squeeze of lime for a subtle zest that surprises the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap each Big Mac Smash Burger Taco tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent sogginess, and add it fresh upon reheating to keep the tacos as vibrant as when first made.
Freezing
This recipe freezes fairly well if you want to prep in bulk. Freeze assembled tacos in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For best quality, consume within 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat your tacos in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally to warm evenly and re-crisp the tortillas. Avoid microwaves if possible as the crisp detail and flavors don’t reheat as nicely. Add fresh Big Mac sauce after reheating for peak tastiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While American cheese gives you that classic melty texture and flavor, feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda to customize your Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe.
Is ground beef the only option for the patties?
You can definitely swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based beef alternative. Just know that cooking times and fat content may affect crispiness and juiciness.
Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Big Mac sauce actually benefits from resting a few hours or overnight in the fridge as it deepens in flavor, making your Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe even better.
What if I don’t have a griddle or skillet?
A heavy-bottomed frying pan or cast-iron skillet works beautifully for cooking these smash burgers and tortillas. The key is to get the pan hot enough to create that irresistible crust on the beef.
How can I make these healthier?
To lighten up the Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe, use leaner ground beef, whole wheat tortillas, and reduce the amount of cheese and sauce. Adding extra veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers will also boost nutrition and freshness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe enough—this fusion of classic American flavors and fun taco style is one of those dishes that feels both nostalgic and exciting. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Once you taste these, I’m confident they’ll become a go-to favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy, crispy goodness of classic smash burgers with the fun, portable format of tacos. Featuring seasoned ground beef pressed directly onto soft flour tortillas, melted American cheese, and fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and onions, these tacos are finished with a tangy, creamy Big Mac-style sauce for that iconic flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive game day treat, these tacos bring the best of American fast food classics into one delicious handheld meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 6 small flour tortillas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
Big Mac Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use to let the flavors meld.
- Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions and roll each into a ball. This helps achieve an even smash and cook.
- Assemble and Season: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface and press one beef ball directly onto one side of the tortilla, flattening it as much as possible to cover most of the surface. Lightly season with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Cook the Tacos: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place each tortilla beef-side down on the hot surface. Smash further if necessary to ensure even contact. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef is browned and crispy on the bottom.
- Flip and Warm Tortilla: Carefully flip the taco and cook the tortilla side for about 1 minute, warming it and allowing it to lightly crisp for added texture.
- Melt the Cheese: Add a slice of American cheese on top of the cooked beef side and let it melt while still on the heat. Repeat this process with all tacos.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove tacos from the skillet and top each with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, finely diced onion, and a generous drizzle of the prepared Big Mac sauce. Fold gently and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast the tortillas slightly before adding the beef to enhance texture.
- You can use either store-bought or homemade Big Mac sauce; this recipe makes enough sauce for all six tacos with some left over for dipping or spreading on the side.
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy, flavorful burgers with a good fat balance for crisping.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy beef and melted cheese at their best.
