Big Mac Smash Tacos

Are you a Big Mac lover? You might want to try it in taco form. You get all the same flavors with the diced onions, Big Mac sauce, and smashed burger meat, but with a crispy tortilla instead of a soft bun for a nice textural contrast. Try out these Big Mac smash tacos for a new twist on a fast food classic.

Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Smash Tacos Recipe

• All the flavors of a Big Mac in taco form. You get seasoned beef, melty cheese, pickles, onions, and creamy Big Mac sauce in every bite.
• Quick and easy to make. These smash tacos come together in under 20 minutes.
• Crispy and cheesy. Cooking the tortilla until golden and crispy gives these tacos a crispy exterior.

Big Mac Origin

The Big Mac was created in 1967 by McDonald’s franchise owner Jim Delligatti. He wanted to create a large, competitive burger, and it quickly became one of McDonald’s most popular menu items. This taco recipe takes inspiration from the classic Big Mac.

Ingredients

• 4 flour tortillas
  • The perfect base for the smashed patty
• 1 lb ground beef
  • The main protein
• 2 tsp paprika
  • Adds a subtle smokiness
• 2 tsp salt
  • Seasons the beef
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Adds a savory flavor
• 1 tsp onion powder
  • Adds flavor to the beef
• American cheese slices
  • Classic melty cheesiness
• Diced onions
  • Adds freshness and the classic Big Mac flavor
• Pickle slices
  • Helps balance the rich beef patty

Big Mac Sauce:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • Base of the sauce
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • Adds richness
• 2 tbsp ketchup
  • Adds color and the classic tanginess
• 1 tbsp mustard
  • Adds a zesty flavor
• ¼ cup chopped pickles
  • Gives it the signature tangy flavor
• ½ tsp onion powder
  • Adds savory flavor to the sauce

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the ground beef with the salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.

Evenly spread a thin layer of the seasoned beef over each tortilla.

Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Place the tortilla beef-side down in the skillet and cook until the beef is browned.

Flip the tortilla over and top with an American cheese slice. Cover the skillet with a lid for 30–60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted. Continue cooking until the tortilla is golden and crispy.

Remove from the skillet and let cool on a wire rack to keep the tortilla crisp

.Meanwhile, make the Big Mac sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, and onion powder until smooth.

Spread the Big Mac sauce over each taco, then top with diced onions and extra pickle slices.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Big Mac Smash Tacos Tips

Use a thin layer of beef on the tortilla. Spread it evenly so it cooks evenly.

Press the beef firmly onto the tortilla so it does not detach during the cooking process.

Cook beef side down to create a nice crust.

Use medium heat to allow the beef to cook without burning the tortilla.

Let it rest on the wire rack to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them crispy: For the best texture, reheat tacos in a skillet or air fryer.
• Store the sauce separately: Keep the Big Mac sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.

What tortillas work best for smash tacos?
Flour tortillas work best because they crisp up nicely and hold the toppings well. Small taco-size tortillas are ideal for this recipe.

Why is my beef not sticking to the tortilla?
Make sure the ground beef is spread into a thin, even layer and pressed firmly onto the tortilla before cooking.

Most Common Mistakes

• Using too much ground beef: A thick layer of beef can make the tortilla difficult to crisp and may prevent the taco from cooking evenly.
• Not pressing the beef firmly onto the tortilla: Make sure the beef is pressed tightly onto the tortilla so it does not fall apart.
• Cooking over high heat: High heat can burn the tortilla before the beef is fully cooked.
• Flipping too early: Let the beef develop a nice crust before flipping.
• Skipping the wire rack: Placing the cooked tacos directly on a plate can trap steam and make the crispy tortilla soft.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Flour tortillas: Flour tortillas work best for smash tacos, but you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that the corn tortilla will not crisp up as much.
• American cheese: Substitute with cheddar or your favorite cheese. American cheese melts the smoothest and gives the most classic Big Mac flavor.
• Pickles: Use dill relish instead of chopped pickles for a smoother sauce.
• Mustard: Yellow mustard works best, but Dijon mustard can be used for a slightly stronger flavor.
• Onion powder: If you don’t have onion powder, you can use garlic powder.

What to Serve With Big Mac Smash Tacos

• French fries: Keep the classic burger-and-fries combo by serving these tacos with crispy fries.
• Coleslaw: A fresh and crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the beef and creamy Big Mac sauce.

If you enjoyed these Big Mac smash tacos, you might also like my healthy Big Mac bowl or my In-N-Out animal style fries.

In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

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