Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Mac Tacos are the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites—juicy cheeseburgers and crispy tacos. Imagine all the iconic Big Mac flavors—seasoned beef, melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and creamy special sauce—wrapped inside a perfectly toasted tortilla. It’s fun, fast, and unbelievably delicious. What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make—you don’t even need to shape the patties! The ground beef is smashed directly onto the tortillas as they cook, giving you that crispy, caramelized burger texture in every bite. I tried mine with homemade Big Mac sauce, and it took the flavor to another level. Whether you’re serving these for dinner, game day, or a weekend treat, Big Mac tacos are guaranteed to become a crowd favorite.
Big Mac Tacos – The Viral Smash Burger Taco You’ll Love
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Diet: Halal
Description
Big Mac Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Big Mac, combining juicy seasoned beef, melty cheese, lettuce, pickles, and special sauce — all served in a soft tortilla shell. They’re quick, cheesy, and loaded with that iconic burger flavor in taco form!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup Big Mac-style sauce (see below)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Place a slice of American cheese in the center of each tortilla. Spoon cooked beef over the cheese while warm so it melts.
- Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and onions.
- Drizzle generously with Big Mac sauce.
- Fold and serve warm for a handheld version, or serve open-faced taco-style.
Notes
- To make Big Mac Sauce: Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp sweet relish, 1/2 tsp paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- You can crisp the tortillas lightly in a skillet for a crunchy version.
- Use shredded cheddar or mozzarella instead of American cheese for variation.
- Top with sesame seeds for an authentic Big Mac look!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef (80/20 blend)
Juicy and flavorful—perfect for smashing and getting that crispy edge.
Small flour tortillas
Act as the taco shell and the base for the smashed beef.
Salt and pepper
Simple but essential for perfectly seasoned meat.
American cheese slices
Melt beautifully and recreate the classic Big Mac flavor.
Lettuce
Adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness.
Dill pickles
That signature tangy bite Big Macs are known for.
Onion (finely chopped)
Adds sharpness and texture to the tacos.
Big Mac sauce (or homemade special sauce)
Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet—it ties the whole taco together.
Optional toppings
Sesame seeds for garnish, or shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness.
Directions
In a small bowl, mix together your Big Mac sauce (if homemade): combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and paprika. Set aside.
Divide the ground beef into small balls (about 2 oz each). Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla in the pan, then put one beef ball on top. Using a spatula, smash the beef flat into the tortilla so it spreads to the edges. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef browns and crisps, then flip carefully. Add a slice of American cheese on top and cook for another 30 seconds until melted.
Remove from the pan and top with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, chopped onion, and a drizzle of Big Mac sauce. Fold slightly and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Makes 6 tacos. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
These tacos are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch and flavor. You can refrigerate leftovers (without toppings) for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer until warm and crisp.
Variations and Customizations
Double Big Mac tacos
Add an extra layer of beef and cheese for double the flavor.
Spicy Big Mac tacos
Add jalapeños or mix sriracha into the sauce for heat.
Low-carb version
Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead.
Breakfast Big Mac tacos
Swap beef for scrambled eggs and add bacon and cheese.
Vegan option
Use plant-based ground beef and vegan cheese with dairy-free sauce.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes, but flour tortillas hold the beef better when smashed.
How do I make Big Mac sauce from scratch?
Mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, onion powder, and paprika.
What’s the best cheese for these tacos?
Classic American cheese melts perfectly, but cheddar also works.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, air fry the smashed beef separately and assemble afterward.
How do I prevent tortillas from tearing?
Use room-temperature tortillas and don’t overfill them.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely—it adds a delicious smoky crunch.
Can I meal prep these tacos?
Yes, cook the beef and store separately, then assemble when ready to eat.
What kind of beef should I use?
An 80/20 blend gives the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, just skip the pickles or onions if preferred.
Can I add sesame seeds for authenticity?
Yes, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a Big Mac-style touch.
Conclusion
Big Mac Tacos combine everything you love about the classic burger—savory beef, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, and creamy sauce—in a fun, handheld taco form. They’re quick to make, insanely flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether for a casual dinner or a fun weekend meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite twist on a fast-food classic.
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