Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Get ready to meet your new obsession: Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos! This viral mashup takes everything you love about a classic Big Mac — tangy sauce, crisp lettuce, melty cheese, pickles, and juicy beef — and tucks it all into a perfectly crisped, griddled taco. Each bite is a flavor-packed explosion of nostalgia and innovation, making it impossible to stop at just one. These tacos are pure fun, crazy delicious, and everything you want when you need fast food vibes without leaving your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos lies in a lineup of basic ingredients that, together, make something uniquely craveable. Each element plays a role, from juicy beef to zingy sauce, so quality counts for big flavor payoff!
- Ground beef (80/20): This ratio keeps the beef juicy and flavorful with just the right amount of sizzle and char.
- Small flour tortillas: These serve as the taco shell, crisping up under the beef for that irresistible crunch.
- Salt: Just a sprinkle brightens and amplifies the beef’s natural savoriness.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick, making every bite a touch more dynamic.
- Shredded iceberg lettuce: Brings a cool, fresh crunch to balance all that richness.
- Diced pickles: Deliver tang and pop, staying true to that iconic Big Mac flavor profile.
- Diced onion: A sharp and slightly sweet element, onion is a classic burger booster.
- American cheese slices: Melts like a dream, giving that nostalgic, unmistakable cheesy layer.
- Vegetable oil (for cooking): A slick of oil helps the tortillas toast up golden and the beef brown just right.
- Big Mac-style sauce: The finishing touch — creamy, tangy, and totally essential for authenticity.
How to Make Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos
Step 1: Prep the Beef and Tortillas
Start by dividing your ground beef into six loose balls, about equal in size. This will guarantee each Big Mac Smash Burger Taco gets that signature crispy, craggy edge once they’re pressed. No need to overwork the meat — keeping things loose makes for juicier, more tender results as it cooks right into the tortilla.
Step 2: Smash the Beef onto Tortillas
Place each ball of beef directly onto a flour tortilla, then use a sturdy spatula or burger press to flatten the beef evenly across most of the surface. Pressing hard is key for maximum beef-to-tortilla contact, which means more golden crust and beefy goodness in every bite. Sprinkle over the salt and pepper now, so it bakes right in as you griddle.
Step 3: Brown and Crisp Up
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with vegetable oil. Working in batches, carefully flip each tortilla beef-side down onto the hot surface. Let it sizzle undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the beef is browned and irresistibly crispy. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Toast the Tortilla
Once the beef is browned, flip the taco so the tortilla side meets the skillet. Let it toast for about 30–60 seconds, just until golden and lightly crisped. This step keeps the tortillas sturdy enough to hold all those luscious toppings without getting soggy.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Build Your Tacos
As soon as you take each taco off the skillet, top the hot beef side with a slice of American cheese. The residual heat will melt it instantly. Now, pile on shredded iceberg lettuce, diced pickles, and onion. Finish with a generous drizzle of homemade Big Mac-style sauce — this is where the Big Mac Smash Burger Taco truly comes alive!
How to Serve Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos
Garnishes
Serve your Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos with extra diced pickles, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a few snips of green onion for a pretty pop of color. You can even add a swirl of extra Big Mac-style sauce on top for maximum indulgence!
Side Dishes
A pile of hot, oven-baked fries or crispy potato wedges on the side amps up the diner experience. Or keep things lighter with a simple slaw, tangy pickled veggies, or some crunchy carrot and celery sticks for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Call in the family for a DIY taco night and lay out all the toppings buffet-style so everyone can build their own Big Mac Smash Burger Taco masterpiece. For parties, slice the tacos into halves or quarters so they’re perfect for sharing (and showing off!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos left (good luck!), wrap them individually in foil or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to two days, though the lettuce and pickles will soften a bit with time.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze un-topped tacos (just the beef and tortilla with cheese) tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm and add your fresh toppings and sauce.
Reheating
To recapture that crispy texture, reheat the tacos on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side, or use an air fryer for extra crunch. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will soften the tortilla and diminish that irresistible crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just be aware that leaner meats like turkey or chicken won’t have quite as much juicy richness, so you might want to add a splash of oil or a little extra seasoning to keep things flavorful.
What kind of pickles work best?
Classic dill pickles bring the signature Big Mac tang, but feel free to experiment with bread-and-butter chips or even spicy pickles for a fun twist — choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
How can I make gluten-free Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos?
Easy! Use gluten-free flour tortillas (found in most grocery stores now), and double-check that all your sauce ingredients are labeled gluten-free to enjoy the same tasty experience without the gluten.
Can I prepare these for a crowd?
Yes! Assemble all your ingredients ahead of time and use a griddle to cook multiple tacos at once. Set up a topping station so guests can dress their own tacos for a hands-on, interactive meal everyone will love.
Is there a shortcut for the Big Mac-style sauce?
You can mix store-bought Thousand Island dressing with a squirt of yellow mustard and a dash of pickle brine — it’s not quite the homemade version, but it’ll get you that signature flavor with almost zero effort.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun twist on taco night or just want to satisfy that fast food craving at home, Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos are an absolute must-try. They capture all the best parts of your favorite burger, served up taco-style for maximum enjoyment. Gather your crew and get smashing — you’re in for something sensational!
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Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos are a fun fusion of classic cheeseburgers and tacos, featuring crispy beef patties, melty cheese, and all the fixings, topped with a savory Big Mac-style sauce.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 6 slices American cheese
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup Big Mac-style sauce (see Notes)
Instructions
- Divide and Form the Beef: Divide the ground beef into 6 portions and form them into balls.
- Cook the Beef: Press each ball onto a tortilla, season, cook until browned, and flip to toast.
- Assemble the Tacos: Top each with cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and Big Mac sauce.
Notes
- To make the Big Mac-style sauce, combine mayonnaise, pickles, mustard, ketchup, vinegar, and paprika.
- Best served hot and fresh. Customize with burger seasoning or grilled onions for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
