Big Mac Smash Tacos Recipe

Sizzling Big Mac Smash Tacos Recipe: Fusion Fun at Home

Craving a wild twist on classic burgers, my big mac smash tacos blend iconic fast-food flavors with street-style Mexican inspiration.

McDonald’s lovers and taco enthusiasts will flip for this unexpected mashup.

The crispy smashed patties cradle melted cheese and special sauce inside warm tortillas.

Zesty pickles and diced onions add signature big mac crunch to each bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a seriously delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Quick to make and guaranteed to impress, these tacos offer a playful culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

Hungry diners, get your skillets ready for a mouthwatering mash-up that reimagines comfort food.

Why Big Mac Smash Tacos Bring the Fun

Why Big Mac Smash Tacos Bring the Fun
  • Transforms the iconic Big Mac into a fun, handheld taco format that brings excitement to traditional burger flavors.
  • Requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal cravings.
  • Allows easy modifications to suit different taste preferences, with simple sauce ingredients that can be adjusted to personal liking or dietary needs.
  • Appeals to both children and adults with familiar McDonald's-inspired taste, creating a playful dining experience that brings families together around the table.

Ingredients That Build Big Mac Smash Tacos

Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds rich texture and smooth consistency to the special sauce.
  • Ketchup: Classic condiment providing tangy sweetness and signature Big Mac flavor.
  • Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds zesty pickle notes and subtle sweetness to the sauce.
  • White Vinegar: Brings subtle acidic brightness and helps balance sauce flavors.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides mild, aromatic garlic undertone without raw garlic intensity.
  • Onion Powder: Delivers delicate onion flavor without chopping fresh onions.
  • Paprika: Offers mild, sweet pepper warmth and attractive reddish color to sauce.

Step-by-Step to Big Mac Smash Tacos

Step-by-Step to Big Mac Smash Tacos

Step 1: Whip Up Special Sauce

Grab a small bowl and blend:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Sweet pickle relish
  • White vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika

Stir until smooth and creamy. Cover and pop in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare Beef Patties

Take ground beef and season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently form loose meat balls, keeping them slightly larger than your tortillas.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Surface

Crank up a large cast-iron skillet or griddle to high heat. Let it get blazing hot.

Step 4: Smash Those Patties

Drop meat balls onto the hot surface. Quickly smash each patty using a heavy spatula or burger press, creating thin, crispy edges.

Step 5: Sear and Season

Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Sprinkle additional salt and pepper.

Step 6: Flip and Finish

Flip patties and cook other side until fully done. Remove from heat.

Step 7: Assemble Tacos

Warm corn tortillas on the same cooking surface. Layer each tortilla with:
  • Smashed beef patty
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced onions
  • Sliced pickles
  • Prepared special sauce

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Fold tortillas and serve immediately. Grab napkins- these are messy and delicious!

Top Tips for Making Big Mac Smash Tacos

  • Customize Your Sauce: Adjust the Big Mac sauce ingredients to match your taste preferences by adding more or less of each component for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Control Meat Thickness: Smash the burger patties thinly and evenly to ensure quick, crispy edges and maximum flavor development when cooking.
  • Prevent Sticking: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan to achieve a perfect sear without meat sticking to the cooking surface.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast the taco shells briefly to enhance their crunchiness and develop a richer, more complex corn flavor before adding the ingredients.
  • Balance Toppings Wisely: Layer ingredients strategically, placing lettuce and cheese close to the warm meat to create a melty, integrated texture in each bite.

Keeping Big Mac Smash Tacos Tasty Later

  • Store leftover Big Mac Smash Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Separate each taco with parchment paper to prevent soggy tortillas and maintain texture.
  • Warm tacos at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, placing them on a baking sheet to restore crispy edges and heated filling.
  • If in a hurry, heat tacos for 30-45 seconds, but know the texture might become slightly softer compared to oven reheating.

Delicious Add-Ons for Big Mac Smash Tacos

  • Pair these Big Mac Smash Tacos with an ice-cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the rich, tangy sauce and complements the beef's savory notes.
  • Serve alongside a classic dill pickle spear to echo the relish in the sauce and provide a crunchy, acidic contrast to the meaty taco.
  • Add a fresh coleslaw with a light vinegar dressing to balance the heaviness of the smash burger-style taco and provide a cool, crisp texture that enhances the overall eating experience.
  • Include a small side of sliced fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeños to add a spicy kick that brightens the rich, classic Big Mac-inspired flavors.

New Twists for Big Mac Smash Tacos

  • Vegan Veggie Crunch: Replace beef with seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu. Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese for plant-based eaters.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortillas with corn tortillas. Use gluten-free condiments and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, and hot sauce to the sauce. Include pepper jack cheese and diced green chiles for extra heat.
  • Lean Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Reduce fat content while maintaining the classic Big Mac flavor profile.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Big Mac Smash Tacos Recipe

Big Mac Smash Tacos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Craving Mexican-American fusion? These big mac smash tacos blend iconic burger flavors with crispy tortilla shells, creating a mouthwatering crossover that delights taste buds. Juicy beef, special sauce, and classic toppings make this playful dish a crowd-pleasing sensation you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Meat:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 6 slices American cheese
  • ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauces and Condiments:

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Wraps and Bases:

  • 6 small flour tortillas

Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ¼ cup diced onions
  • ¼ cup dill pickle slices
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Craft the signature sauce by whisking mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a compact mixing vessel until ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
  2. Transfer the zesty condiment to a sealed container and nestle in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify while awaiting the taco assembly.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version of these indulgent tacos.
  • Toast corn tortillas slightly before assembling to enhance their flavor and prevent sogginess, ensuring a crisp texture.
  • Create a spicier sauce by adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the signature Big Mac-style condiment for extra kick.
  • Prep ingredients like chopped lettuce and diced pickles ahead of time to streamline the assembly process and make cooking more efficient.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American-Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star