If you love the classic flavors of a Big Mac but crave something a little more fun and handheld, you are going to adore this Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe! Combining the best parts of a smash burger with the convenience and zest of tacos, this creation is a delicious twist that bursts with that iconic tangy sauce, melty cheese, crunchy pickles, and savory beef all wrapped up in soft flour tortillas. It’s a playful, crowd-pleasing meal that brings a whole new vibe to Big Mac fans and taco lovers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that are both simple and essential. Each component brings something special: juicy beef for the perfect burger flavor, creamy sauce for that signature tang, crisp lettuce and pickles for texture and brightness, and tender tortillas that hold it all beautifully together.
- Ground Beef (80/20), 1 lb: Use the perfect fat ratio to keep your patties juicy and flavorful.
- Flour Tortillas, 4 (6 inch): Soft, pliable tortillas that serve as the perfect taco shell substitute.
- Kosher Salt, 1 teaspoon plus ½ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black Pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds just a subtle spicy note to the beef.
- American Cheese, 4 slices: Classic melty cheese that melts beautifully over your patties.
- Big Mac Sauce, ¼ cup: The star sauce with its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor bomb.
- Shredded Lettuce, ¾ cup: Fresh and crunchy for a crisp texture contrast.
- Minced White Onion, 3 tablespoons: Adds a sharp bite that balances out richness.
- Dill Pickle Slices, 12: Tart and crunchy, just like the original Big Mac pickles.
- Mayonnaise, ½ cup: Creamy base for the signature sauce.
- Dijon or Yellow Mustard, 1 ½ tablespoons: Gives the sauce a slight tang and depth.
- White Vinegar, 1 teaspoon: Brings that essential zing to the sauce.
- Grated White Onion, 2 tablespoons: Blends into the sauce for subtle onion flavor.
- Sweet Pickle Relish, 2 tablespoons: Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- Paprika, ½ teaspoon: For a touch of warmth and color.
- Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon: Adds savory depth to the sauce mix.
- Onion Powder, ½ teaspoon: Complements the fresh onion with a mellow note.
How to Make Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Big Mac Sauce
Start by mixing mayonnaise, mustard, white vinegar, grated onion, sweet pickle relish, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl until smooth. This homemade Big Mac Sauce is the magic behind the taco’s irresistible flavor, so blend it until it’s creamy and perfectly balanced. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Form and Season Your Patties
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and loosely shape each into a ball. On a hot griddle or cast-iron skillet, place each ball and firmly smash it down with a sturdy spatula into a thin 4-inch patty. Season each patty generously with kosher salt and black pepper while cooking. This smashing technique creates those beautifully crispy edges and juicy centers that make smash burgers so beloved.
Step 3: Cook the Patties and Add Cheese
Cook the patties for about 3 minutes on the first side until crispy and caramelized, then flip. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on each patty to melt while the other side cooks for about 2 more minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect blend of melty cheese and seared beef in each taco.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
While the patties finish cooking, warm your flour tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven. Warm tortillas are more flexible and bring out their subtle sweetness, making them ideal holders for your taco fillings.
Step 5: Assemble the Big Mac Tacos
Spread a generous spoonful of Big Mac Sauce on each tortilla, then layer with shredded lettuce, minced white onions, dill pickle slices, and finally top with your cheesy smash burger patty. Fold gently and get ready to enjoy a handheld masterpiece that delivers Big Mac flavors in every bite.
How to Serve Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key! Garnishing your tacos with extra shredded lettuce, finely chopped onions, or additional pickle slices amps up texture and adds a cool crunch that balances the rich beef and sauce perfectly. You can even sprinkle a bit of paprika or black pepper on top for a hint of spice and warmth.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside classic crispy French fries or kettle-cooked potato chips to keep in tune with that burger joint vibe. For a lighter option, pair with a simple cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw that echoes the crunch of the pickles and lettuce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, arranged in a neat row. Add small ramekins of extra Big Mac sauce for dipping. You can also cut the tacos in half to make sharing easier and encourage everyone to dig in together taco-style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the assembled tacos separate if possible, storing patties, sauce, and toppings individually to preserve freshness and prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked beef patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, but it’s best to prepare fresh tortillas and sauce after thawing to maintain quality.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Warm tortillas separately in a dry skillet or microwave. Then reassemble your Big Mac Tacos for that fresh, just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While American cheese is classic for its meltiness and flavor, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss to change things up while keeping that gooey texture.
Is it possible to make Big Mac Tacos vegetarian?
Yes, try substituting the beef with plant-based patties or spiced black bean patties for a vegetarian-friendly option that still captures the Big Mac taco spirit.
Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, giving the flavors time to develop fully.
What’s the best way to get crispy edges on my smash patties?
Use a hot, well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or griddle, and press firmly but quickly with a sturdy spatula. Avoid moving the patties too soon to allow a crispy crust to form.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
You can, but flour tortillas hold up better to the juicy patties and sauce, preventing tearing. If you prefer corn tortillas, warm them thoroughly and handle gently to avoid breakage.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe—it’s a playful, delicious way to enjoy all the flavors you love about a Big Mac in a fun new format. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or your next game day gathering, these tacos bring joy and crave-worthy taste to the table. Go ahead and try making them soon; your taste buds will thank you!
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Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a flavorful twist on a classic with these Big Mac Tacos. Featuring smash burger-style beef patties seasoned to perfection, melted American cheese, and a tangy homemade Big Mac sauce nestled in warm flour tortillas, these tacos combine all the iconic flavors of a Big Mac in a fun, handheld form perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20), divided into 4 (4 oz) patties
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Big Mac Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon Mustard or Yellow Mustard
- 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Grated White Onion
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
Additional Ingredients
- 4 (6 inch) Flour Tortillas
- 4 Slices American Cheese
- ¾ cup Shredded Lettuce
- 3 tablespoons Minced White Onion
- 12 Dill Pickle Slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon or yellow mustard, white vinegar, grated white onion, sweet pickle relish, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the taco components to allow the flavors to meld.
- Shape and Season the Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a loose ball. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and black pepper just before cooking.
- Cook the Beef Patties (Smash Burgers): Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Place the beef balls onto the cooking surface and immediately smash them flat with a heavy spatula or burger press to form thin patties. Cook without disturbing for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: Flip the patties carefully, place a slice of American cheese on each patty, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked through. Remove the patties from heat and set aside.
- Warm the Tortillas: Briefly warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, or wrap in foil and heat in a low oven until pliable and warm.
- Assemble the Big Mac Tacos: Spread about a tablespoon of the Big Mac sauce on each warm tortilla. Layer the shredded lettuce, minced white onion, a cheesy beef patty, and three dill pickle slices on each tortilla. Add additional Big Mac sauce if desired. Fold the tortillas to enclose the filling and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated white onion in the sauce for the best texture and flavor.
- Pressing the beef patties thin ensures a crispy caramelized crust and juicy interior.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option if preferred.
- For extra authenticity, serve with a side of fries or potato chips.
- Make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time to deepen the flavors.
