Tempting Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Irresistible Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos for the Ultimate Fusion Feast

The Big Mac Smash Burger Taco is a bold twist on two classic favorites.

This dish brings together the well-loved flavors of McDonald’s famous burger with the easy-to-hold style of a taco.

Fans of food innovation and adventurous eaters are intrigued by this mix of American and Mexican tastes.

It skillfully combines a crispy, smashed burger patty with traditional taco ingredients for an exciting new experience.

Many people who follow food trends find this creative menu item both curious and thrilling in today’s fast-food scene.

Diners can look forward to tasting familiar flavors presented in a surprising and fresh way.

Ingredients For Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos

Meat and Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein base with great flavor for the burger patty, choose 80/20 beef for optimal juiciness.
  • Flour Tortillas: Crispy foundation that acts as both wrap and cooking surface, use medium-sized soft tortillas.
Cheese and Toppings:
  • American Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty, creamy layer that adds richness and helps bind the burger, select sliced cheese for even melting.
  • Lettuce: Fresh, crisp element providing textural contrast and light crunch.
  • Pickles: Tangy ingredient adding sharp flavor and acidity to cut through richness.
  • Onions: Sharp and pungent component with two textures – diced raw and finely chopped.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Ketchup, Mayonnaise: Creamy base for special sauce with balanced sweet and tangy profile.
  • Sweet Relish: Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance beef's natural flavor.
  • Vinegar: Provides subtle tanginess to sauce.
  • Paprika: Adds mild warmth and slight smoky undertone to sauce.

How To Make Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos

How To Make Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prep Beef Patties

Break ground beef into six equal-sized balls. Gently press each ball onto a flour tortilla, spreading it into a paper-thin layer that completely covers the tortilla surface. Season the meat generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sizzle and Smash

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Carefully place tortillas meat-side down into the hot pan. Use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly on each taco, starting from the center and pushing outward to create a crispy, caramelized surface. Cook for 4 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Flip the tacos and immediately top with a slice of American cheese. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely and tortilla becomes wonderfully crisp.

Step 3: Craft Special Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Ketchup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sweet pickle relish
  • Finely chopped white onion
  • White vinegar
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Paprika

Whisk until ingredients blend into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Build Incredible Tacos

Transfer crispy smash burger tacos to a serving plate. Layer with toppings:
  • Crisp shredded iceberg lettuce
  • Tangy dill pickle slices
  • Finely diced white onions

Drizzle generously with special sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Helpful Tips For Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos

  • Maximize Meat Flavor: Season ground beef generously with salt and pepper before smashing to enhance the overall taste profile of your burger tacos.
  • Perfect Smash Technique: Use a sturdy metal spatula and apply even, firm pressure when pressing beef onto tortillas to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Let cheese sit for an extra minute after flipping to ensure it melts completely and creates a golden, lacy edge around the burger.
  • Sauce Balance Trick: Adjust special sauce ingredients to taste, adding more relish for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess, creating a personalized Big Mac-style flavor.
  • Tortilla Crispiness Secret: Choose flour tortillas with minimal moisture and cook on medium heat to guarantee a perfectly crisp base without burning.

How To Save Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos For Later

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Separate Components: Keep sauce and taco ingredients separately to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Reheat Skillet: Warm tacos in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping once to restore crispness and heat evenly.
  • Avoid Microwave: Skip microwave reheating to prevent tortillas from becoming soft and losing their crispy texture.

Tasty Pairings For Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos

  • Craft Beer Selection: Crisp, hoppy IPAs or light lagers cut through the rich, fatty burger flavors and complement the tangy special sauce.
  • Classic Soda Sidekick: Coca-Cola or root beer provide a sweet, bubbly contrast that refreshes the palate between crispy, savory bites.
  • Zesty Side Kick: Serve with crispy seasoned french fries or potato wedges to enhance the burger taco's textures and add a satisfying crunch.
  • Cool Dipping Companion: Fresh, cold coleslaw or a cucumber salad balances the warmth and richness of the smash burger tacos, offering a light, refreshing counterpoint.

Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos With A Twist

  • Vegetarian Burger Taco: Replace ground beef with plant-based Beyond Meat or black bean patties, maintaining the same cooking technique for a meatless version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas, creating a protein-wrapped burger taco that cuts down on carbohydrates while keeping the classic flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add jalapeños to the meat mixture, use pepper jack cheese, and mix hot sauce into the special sauce for a fiery kick that elevates the original recipe.

FAQ Guide For Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos

  • Can I use different ground meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • Is it necessary to use flour tortillas?

While flour tortillas work best for this recipe, you can experiment with corn tortillas for a slightly different texture and taste.

  • What if I don't have all the sauce ingredients?

You can create a simplified version using just mayonnaise and ketchup, or use store-bought burger sauce as a quick alternative.

  • How do I prevent the meat from sticking to the skillet?

Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan, and ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding the tortillas.

Why Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Are A Fun Favorite

  • Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: A quick and simple recipe that transforms classic Big Mac flavors into crispy, handheld tacos perfect for casual gatherings and game nights.
  • Speedy Weeknight Meal: Takes just 15-20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving restaurant-style comfort food without extensive preparation.
  • Customizable Flavor Explosion: Allows easy personalization with additional toppings, different cheese varieties, or adjusting sauce ingredients to match individual taste preferences, ensuring everyone's satisfaction.
  • Budget-Friendly Fusion: Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef, tortillas, and pantry staples to create a creative twist on traditional burgers and tacos, delivering maximum flavor at minimal cost.
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Tempting Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Tempting Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Culinary creativity reaches new heights with Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos, blending classic American flavors into a Mexican-inspired handheld delight. Juicy beef patties, special sauce, and crisp toppings create an irresistible fusion that will satisfy cravings with each mouthwatering bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 6 slices American cheese

Bread and Wrap:

  • 6 six-inch flour tortillas (small/fajita size)

Fresh Vegetables:

  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • ½ cup pickles, sliced
  • ¼ cup white onion, diced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet relish
  • ⅛ cup white onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika

Instructions

  1. Meticulously portion ground beef into six uniform patties, carefully distributing the meat evenly across individual flour tortillas and pressing gently to create a thin, consistent layer that completely covers the tortilla’s surface.
  2. Season the exposed beef surface generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  3. Activate a large skillet over medium heat, allowing the cooking surface to reach optimal temperature for achieving a perfect crisp and sear.
  4. Strategically place each tortilla meat-side down onto the heated skillet, applying firm pressure with a spatula to compress the beef patty from the center outward, creating a crisp, caramelized exterior.
  5. Allow the burger-tortilla hybrid to cook undisturbed for approximately four minutes, developing a rich golden-brown crust and intense flavor profile.
  6. Carefully flip each taco, revealing the perfectly seared meat side, and immediately crown with a single slice of melty cheese.
  7. Continue cooking for an additional two to three minutes, permitting the cheese to fully melt and the tortilla to transform into a crisp, golden shell.
  8. Craft the signature sauce by whisking together ketchup, mayonnaise, sweet relish, finely minced onion, a splash of vinegar, ground black pepper, and a hint of paprika until achieving a smooth, cohesive blend.
  9. Transfer the crispy tacos from skillet to serving plate, then lavishly garnish with crisp shredded lettuce, tangy pickle slices, and finely diced onions.
  10. Drizzle the meticulously prepared special sauce over the tacos, creating a final layer of flavor complexity.
  11. Serve immediately while piping hot, ready to delight adventurous taste buds with this innovative culinary creation.

Notes

  • Choose high-fat ground beef with 80/20 ratio for maximum flavor and crispy edges.
  • Use cast iron skillet for the best heat distribution and crispiest tortilla base.
  • Pat ground beef gently to prevent tough, dense patties and maintain tender texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like American, cheddar, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth cooking process and hot, fresh
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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