Introduction
Big Mac Smash Tacos are a creative and delicious fusion of the iconic McDonald’s Big Mac and the popular smash burger trend, all served up in taco form. With crispy seared beef smashed onto tortillas, melty cheese, tangy special sauce, and classic toppings, this recipe brings the best of burgers and tacos into one handheld delight. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or just when you want to switch things up!
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
- 6 small flour tortillas (street taco size)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices of American cheese or cheddar
Big Mac Sauce (Special Sauce):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of paprika
Toppings:
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Diced onion
- Sliced pickles
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping or pressing onto tortillas)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the Big Mac sauce. Chill in the fridge while you prep the tacos. - Preheat a Skillet or Griddle:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. - Form & Smash the Beef:
Take small portions of ground beef (about golf-ball sized) and place each on one side of a tortilla. Gently press/spread the beef thinly across the tortilla (it should cover most of the surface). Season with salt and pepper. - Cook the Smash Tacos:
Place the tortillas beef-side down on the hot skillet. Smash them lightly with a spatula to ensure good contact. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef develops a crispy edge. - Flip and Add Cheese:
Flip the tortillas and add a slice of cheese to the beef side. Let cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just enough to melt the cheese and warm the tortilla. - Assemble and Serve:
Remove tacos from the skillet and immediately top with shredded lettuce, diced onion, pickles, and a generous drizzle of Big Mac sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Description
These Big Mac Smash Tacos pack all the flavors of your favorite fast food burger into a crisp, cheesy taco form. Juicy beef, melted cheese, and that classic tangy sauce all wrapped up in a tortilla make for a fun, bold, and addictive twist on comfort food. It’s everything you love about a Big Mac—minus the bun, and plus a lot more crunch.
Tips
- Don’t overwork the beef: Loosely formed balls make for juicier smash tacos.
- Use a hot skillet: You want a nice sear on the beef for that signature “smash” effect.
- Double up: For a “double Big Mac” effect, stack two taco halves together.
- Shortcut: Use store-bought burger sauce if you’re short on time.
Variations
- Lettuce Wrap Version: Go low-carb by smashing the beef on parchment and wrapping in lettuce instead of tortillas.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a spicy version of the sauce with Sriracha.
- Chicken or Turkey: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter take.
- Slider Style: Make mini versions on mini tortillas or even pita rounds for appetizers.
Corrections
- Don’t use large tortillas—they’ll be too floppy. Stick with street taco size for structure and crispness.
- Avoid lean beef—it won’t crisp or flavor well.
- Don’t overload toppings—it’ll fall apart. Keep it balanced.
Enjoy
Serve Big Mac Smash Tacos hot off the skillet with extra sauce on the side and some fries or onion rings for the full fast-food-at-home experience. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and addictive from the first bite!