Get ready to elevate your taco night with a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite! This Big Mac Taco recipe is a brilliant fusion of smash burgers, tacos, and the iconic Big Mac flavors, all packed into one irresistible bite. This viral sensation is as fun to make as it is to eat, promising a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more.
I love making these Big Mac Tacos because they are the perfect blend of two favorite comfort foods: tacos and Big Macs. This viral recipe definitely lives up to the hype.
What's not to love about combining the juicy, savory goodness of a smash burger with the fun, handheld appeal of a taco? This recipe has been a big hit in our house, not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s a breeze to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
This fun concept opens up endless possibilities for creative variations—imagine experimenting with different cheeses, sauces, or toppings to make it your own. It’s a fun, versatile recipe that keeps everyone coming back for more!
What is a Big Mac Taco?
Big Mac smash tacos, also called smashedburger tacos, combine elements of a Big Mac burger (beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions) with the format of a taco. The key ingredient is the Big Mac sauce, which is spread over the taco to replicate the iconic flavor of the classic burger. I love a good homemade version of the Big Mac sauce.
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Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – Choose a full-fat, high-quality mayonnaise for the best creamy texture and flavor. You can use light or reduced-fat versions but they may not provide the same richness.
- Dill Pickle Relish – Avoid sweet pickle relish if you want to stick to the traditional Big Mac flavor.
- Mustard – Go for classic yellow mustard for that familiar Big Mac taste. Dijon or spicy mustard can be used if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
- White Vinegar – Select a plain white vinegar. It adds a tang to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Seasonings – Paprika, onion powder and garlic powder bring the signature flavor to the sauce.
- Ground Beef – Purchase ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) for juicy, flavorful patties. Lean beef can result in drier tacos.
- Salt and Pepper – Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are ideal for seasoning the beef.
- Small Flour Tortillas – We chose tortillas around 6 inches in diameter. You can substitute corn tortillas if preferred.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Opt for a sharp cheddar cheese that melts well. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded block cheese melts better.
- Cooking Oil – Select your favorite light, neutral-flavored cooking oil.
- Dill Pickle Slices – Thin dill pickle slices are a must with these burger tacos.
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce – Look for a fresh, crisp head of iceberg lettuce with tight, firm leaves. Shred it just before using to maintain its crunch.
- Chopped Onions – Chop a fresh white or yellow onion into a small dice.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: Season the ground beef and divide into 8 equal portions. Press one portion into each of the tortillas.
- Step 3: Place the tortilla beef side down in a skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, flip and cook on the other side.
- Step 4: Assemble the tacos by sprinkling onions, lettuce pickles and sauce over the burger meat. Fold the tortilla in half and serve immediately.
Hint: Heat your skillet or griddle before adding the tortillas with the beef. A hot cooking surface ensures a nice sear on the meat, creating a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Cheese - Instead of cheddar cheese, use American, pepper jack or your favorite cheese.
- Tortillas – We used flour tortillas, but you can also prepare these with lettuce wraps if you are cutting down on the carbs. There are also plenty of lower carb wraps in grocery stores that can be used.
- Sauce - If you prefer a quick shortcut, use storebought Thousand Island dressing instead of the homemade Big Mac dressing. You can make this Easy Chipotle Mayonnaise for a spicy twist.
- Toppings – Substitute or add your favorite burger toppings. A few to try include Crispy Fried Onions, Pickled Jalapenos, or Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions.
Equipment
You can cook these smashed burger tacos in a skillet but may need to cook them in batches. Using a large griddle pan can allow you to cook several tacos at a time.
Storage
These burgers are best enjoyed right after preparation. If you have leftovers, store the burgers and the toppings separately. Reheat the burger in a skillet and top as desired before serving.
Top Cooking Tips
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper before cooking.
- When pressing the ground beef onto the tortillas, aim for an even thickness to ensure the meat cooks uniformly. This will also help prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy in spots.
- After flipping the tortilla, sprinkle the cheese over the beef and cover the skillet with a lid. This traps the heat, allowing the cheese to melt quickly and evenly.
- Don't overfill the tacos or they can become messy or difficult to eat.
- You can prepare the Big Mac sauce and chop the toppings ahead of time to make assembly faster when cooking.
- If you are making a big batch, keep the cooked ones on a sheetpan in a warm oven before adding toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Big Mac Tacos can pair with your favorite sides for a full meal. For a classic fast-food vibe, serve them with crispy French fries made in the air fryer or these sweet and crispy air fryer sweet potato fries.
For a lighter option, consider crispy oven-fried zucchini, which adds a satisfying crunch without the extra calories. To balance the richness of the tacos, a fresh side salad is always a good choice. A classic house salad is always a winner or you could go for a more colorful and hearty option like this mini heirloom tomato and chickpea salad.
FAQ
Ground beef will yield the juiciest burger, but you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a combination of meats.
You can prepare the Big Mac sauce up to several days in advance and store it in the fridge.
To add some heat, mix a little sriracha or hot sauce into the Big Mac sauce, or top the tacos with sliced jalapeños. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick.
More Taco Recipes
Looking for other taco recipes? Try these:
If you like this Smashed Burger Big Mac Taco recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Big Mac Tacos - AKA Smashburger Tacos
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill pickle relish
- 2 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Burgers
- 1 lbs. ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking oil for frying
Toppings
- ¾ cup dill pickle slices
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup chopped onions
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully blended. Set the sauce aside.
- Seasoning the ground beef with salt and pepper then divide it into 8 equal portions and shape into balls. Press each meatball down on a tortilla and flatten out to cover the enter of the tortilla. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add about a tablespoon of oil to the pan.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet with the meat side facing down. Use a spatula or another flat tool to press the beef down so it gets a nice sear. Cook the burger on one side for about 2 minutes or until the beef is browned. Flip the tortilla and burger over then sprinkle the top of the meat with cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the burger is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the smash burger from the skillet and set it aside. Repeat this process with all 8 tacos. Assemble the tacos by sprinkling onions, lettuce pickles and sauce over the burger meat. Fold the tortilla in half, creating a taco and serve immmediately.
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