I’ve always loved a good Big Mac, but sometimes I want that flavor in a fun, new way. That’s where these Big Mac Smash Tacos come in!
They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a game-day snack.
These tacos combine all the classic Big Mac flavors – seasoned ground beef, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions – in a crispy, handheld package. It is a fun twist.
Recipe Overview: Big Mac Smash Tacos
These Big Mac Smash Tacos are essentially mini burger patties smashed onto tortillas and cooked until crispy. They’re then loaded with all your favorite Big Mac toppings.
The result is a delicious mashup of two comfort food classics. You get the satisfying crunch of a taco shell with the juicy, savory goodness of a Big Mac.
They’re incredibly easy and fast to put together.
Plus, they’re easily customizable to your liking. Want extra pickles? Go for it! Prefer a different cheese? No problem!
These tacos are great for a casual dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun lunch. Kids and adults alike will love them.
Detailed Ingredients for Big Mac Smash Tacos
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty tacos:
- Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef. It will provide the best flavor and texture. You can use leaner ground beef, but it might be a little drier.
- Small Tortillas: Street taco-size flour tortillas work best. Corn tortillas can also work, but they tend to be less pliable.
- American Cheese: This gives that classic Big Mac flavor. You can use pre-sliced cheese or slice your own.
- For the Special Sauce: Mayonnaise, Sweet Pickle Relish, Yellow Mustard, White Vinegar, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Paprika.
- Toppings: Shredded Lettuce, Diced White Onion, and Dill Pickle Slices. These are the traditional Big Mac toppings, but feel free to customize them!
If you are having trouble finding a specific ingredient, don’t fret.
For the sweet pickle relish, you could finely chop some sweet pickles.
If you don’t have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar can work.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Smash Tacos
- Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
- Prepare the Toppings: Shred the lettuce, finely dice the white onion, and slice the dill pickles. Set aside.
- Prepare the Meat: Divide the ground beef into small, even portions (about 2-3 tablespoons each). Don’t pack them too tightly.
- Smash and Cook: Place a tortilla on a cutting board or plate. Place a portion of ground beef on the tortilla and use your fingers or a small spatula to press it into a very thin, even layer, extending it almost to the edges of the tortilla.
- Sear the Meat Side: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the tortilla, meat-side down, onto the hot surface.
- Cook Until Crispy:Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and crispy, and the edges of the tortilla are starting to crisp up. Don’t move the tortilla around too much during this time, as it needs to develop a good sear.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully flip the tortilla. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of the cooked beef.
- Cook Tortilla Side: Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from Heat: Remove the cooked taco from the skillet and set aside on a plate or wire rack.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 4-9 with the remaining tortillas and ground beef.
- Add Toppings: Spread a generous amount of the special sauce on the cheese. Top with shredded lettuce, diced onion, and pickle slices.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Big Mac Smash Tacos immediately while they’re hot and crispy.
Variations & Tips for Your Big Mac Tacos
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef or a dash of hot sauce to the special sauce for a little heat.
- Cheese Options: While American cheese is traditional, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the special sauce and toppings ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. The meat mixture is also best prepared just before cooking.
- Storage: Leftover cooked tacos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat these tacos is in a skillet or on a griddle to re-crisp the tortilla. You can also use an air fryer. The microwave is not recommended, as it will make the tortilla soggy.
- Serving: Serve these tacos with a side of extra special sauce for dipping.
Key Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 tacos
- Equipment you’ll need: Large skillet or griddle, small bowl, spatula.
Big Mac Smash Tacos
Big Mac Smash Tacos combine classic Big Mac flavors in a crispy, handheld taco. Perfect for a quick dinner or snack!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 recommended
- 12 small flour tortillas street taco size
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
- Prepare the Toppings: Shred the lettuce, finely dice the white onion, and slice the dill pickles. Set aside.
- Prepare the Meat: Divide the ground beef into 12 small, even portions (about 2-3 tablespoons each). Don't pack them too tightly.
- Smash and Cook: Place a tortilla on a cutting board or plate. Place a portion of ground beef on the tortilla and use your fingers or a small spatula to press it into a very thin, even layer, extending it almost to the edges of the tortilla.
- Sear the Meat Side: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the tortilla, meat-side down, onto the hot surface.
- Cook Until Crispy: Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and crispy, and the edges of the tortilla are starting to crisp up. Don't move the tortilla around too much during this time, as it needs to develop a good sear.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully flip the tortilla. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of the cooked beef.
- Cook Tortilla Side: Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from Heat: Remove the cooked taco from the skillet and set aside on a plate or wire rack.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 4-9 with the remaining tortillas and ground beef.
- Add Toppings: Spread a generous amount of the special sauce on the cheese. Top with shredded lettuce, diced onion, and pickle slices.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Big Mac Smash Tacos immediately while they're hot and crispy.