Name: Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp mayonnaise; 3 tbsp ketchup; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar; ½ tsp Tabasco or your favourite hot sauce; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp mustard; 1 iceberg lettuce leaf, finely sliced; 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles; 200 g ground beef (10% fat); Salt and pepper to taste; 4 small flour tortillas; Vegetable oil for cooking; 8 slices of American cheese or American cheddar

If you’re craving that iconic Big Mac flavor but want something a little different and fun, you’ve got to try this Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe. It’s everything you love about a Big Mac—juicy smashed beef, tangy pickles, melty American cheese, and that famous secret sauce—all wrapped up in a warm, soft flour tortilla instead of a bun. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends with a twist on a classic.

Honestly, the first time I made these, I thought they’d be a fun party snack, but they quickly became a family favorite. The best part? They come together quickly and hit all the right notes between crispy, creamy, and savory. If you want a recipe that’s both nostalgic and fresh, this Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe is a winner you’ll keep going back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully because they each add a layer of flavor and texture that makes the Big Mac Tacos so crave-worthy. When shopping, look for fresh crunchy lettuce and good quality ground beef with a bit of fat content for juicy patties.

Ground beef: I like to use 10% fat content for juicy smash burgers that get a nice crust.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Big Mac sauce that balances the tang and spice.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and that classic Big Mac vibe to the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar: Crucial for the tang in the sauce.
Tabasco or hot sauce: Just a little kick to keep things interesting without overpowering.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and that umami punch in the Big Mac sauce.
Mustard: A subtle sharpness that rounds the sauce nicely.
Iceberg lettuce: Thinly sliced for freshness and crunch.
Dill pickles: Finely chopped for that quintessential Big Mac tang.
Flour tortillas: Small and soft, perfect for holding all the goodies together.
American cheese or American cheddar: Melts quickly and adds that creamy cheddar flavor.
Vegetable oil: For getting those smash burgers perfectly crispy.

Variations

I love how flexible this recipe is—you can easily make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment a bit!

Variation: For a lighter option, swap the flour tortillas with lettuce wraps for a low-carb Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe. I’ve done it when I wanted to keep things fresh and crunchy with fewer carbs, and it totally works!
Variation: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. I’ve tried this for a different flavor and health boost, and adding a touch of smoked paprika helps keep the smoky burger vibe.
Variation: Add a slice of tomato or some caramelized onions for extra flavor when you want to dress up the tacos a bit more.
Variation: Spice up the Big Mac sauce with a bit more hot sauce or a pinch of smoked chili powder for a smoky heat variation I’m obsessed with.

How to Make Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Big Mac Sauce

Start by mixing the mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is smooth and combined. This sauce is the magic that ties the entire taco together, so taste it and adjust any element if you like it tangier or spicier. You can make this ahead of time and refrigerate it, which actually helps the flavors marry better.

Step 2: Prepare Your Toppings

Finely slice the iceberg lettuce and dill pickles now so you have everything ready once your juicy patties are cooked. Having these prepped makes assembling these tacos a breeze—trust me, you’ll want to eat these HOT!

Step 3: Smash and Cook Your Beef Patties

Heat a little vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide your ground beef into small balls, about 50 grams each for four tacos. When the pan is hot, place the beef balls down and immediately smash them with a spatula to form very thin patties. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get that beautiful crust, then flip and add two slices of cheese on each patty to melt while the other side cooks—about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper right after flipping.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Quickly warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they’re soft and pliable. This helps prevent them from tearing when you fold the tacos and makes the whole eating experience better.

Step 5: Assemble Your Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe

Spread a generous tablespoon of Big Mac sauce on each tortilla, then top with a cheese-covered beef patty. Layer on some shredded lettuce and chopped pickles, then fold and enjoy immediately while they’re perfectly melty and juicy.

How to Serve Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe

Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—extra Big Mac sauce on the side, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch, and maybe some sliced green onions if I’m feeling fancy. The crunch from fresh iceberg lettuce and the tang of pickles really complete the experience for me.

Side Dishes

These tacos are great with classic sides like crispy French fries or seasoned potato wedges. On lighter days, a fresh coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad pairs beautifully, balancing those rich beefy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these on a big wooden board with little bowls of extra sauce, pickles, and cheese slices for guests to customize. You can also stack two smaller patties in each taco for a “double-decker” smash taco that’s reminiscent of the real Big Mac layers—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which doesn’t usually happen in my house!), store the cooked patties separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the tortillas wrapped in foil or plastic wrap so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked patties by layering them between parchment paper in a sealable freezer bag. I find they keep well for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the patties in a hot skillet for just a minute on each side so they regain some crispness without drying out. Warm tortillas separately in the microwave or on a skillet. Avoid microwaving fully assembled tacos as the tortillas tend to get soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for the Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe?

Absolutely! While classic American cheese melts perfectly and offers the iconic Big Mac taste, you can try mild cheddar or even pepper jack for some extra zing. Just make sure the cheese melts easily so it complements the smash burgers well.
What’s the best way to get that crispy crust on the smash burgers?

Use a hot skillet and smash the beef balls down immediately to make them thin. Let them cook undisturbed so the beef develops a golden-brown crust, which is key to flavor. Don’t press down continuously or flip too early!
Can I prepare the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?

Yes, and I recommend it! Making the sauce a few hours or even a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated in a sealed container until you’re ready to assemble your tacos.

Final Thoughts

Making these Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos) Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. The familiar flavors wrapped up in a soft tortilla create a comforting yet fun meal that you and your family will love. Give it a go next time you want to shake up your taco night or crave a twist on fast-food classics—you won’t regret it!