All the flavor of a Big Mac, wrapped up in a golden, cheesy, crispy taco — these Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos are my go-to when I’m craving a fun, fast-food-inspired dinner. With seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, crunchy lettuce, tangy pickles, and a homemade Big Mac-style sauce, these are as satisfying as they are simple to make. It’s like a burger and a taco had the most delicious baby.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe transforms familiar fast food flavors into a handheld, crispy taco form that’s perfect for parties or casual dinners. The method is simple — no need to shape patties — and the combination of textures really hits the spot. It’s a great twist when I want something comforting but just a little different.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
6 small flour tortillas
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 slices cheddar cheese
1/2 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
1/4 cup diced pickles
1/4 cup diced onion
1/2 cup Big Mac-style sauce (see below)
Cooking spray or a little oil for skillet
For the Big Mac-style sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp finely chopped pickles
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions
I start by mixing the sauce ingredients in a bowl — mayo, mustard, chopped pickles, vinegar, and the spices — then set it aside in the fridge while prepping everything else.
I divide the ground beef into 6 equal, loosely formed balls. No need to press them tightly.
I heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high and lightly grease it.
For each taco, I place a tortilla on the hot surface, smash a beef ball directly on top, and press it flat using a spatula or burger press.
I season it with salt and pepper and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until it’s browned and crispy on the edges.
Then I flip the whole thing — tortilla and beef — so the beef side is down. I lay a slice of cheddar on top and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden.
Once off the heat, I top each with lettuce, diced pickles, onion, and a generous drizzle of Big Mac-style sauce.
I fold and serve them while they’re hot and crispy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 smash burger tacos.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per taco: Approximately 420 kcal
Variations
Spicy kick: I sometimes add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef or the sauce for a spicier version.
Cheese swap: American cheese gives that classic Big Mac vibe if I don’t have cheddar on hand.
Low-carb option: I’ve used low-carb or keto tortillas to lighten things up.
Pickle twist: Swapping in bread-and-butter pickles changes up the flavor with a sweeter edge.
Veggie version: I’ve made a meatless version using plant-based ground meat, and it works really well.
Storage/Reheating
These are best fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them back in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to get the crisp back — microwaving will make them soggy, so I avoid that.
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FAQs
How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
I make sure the beef is cooked well and not too greasy before flipping. A hot skillet helps crisp the tortillas quickly and prevent sogginess.
Can I prep anything in advance?
Yes, I usually make the sauce and chop the toppings ahead of time. I’ve even formed the beef balls earlier in the day and kept them chilled until ready to cook.
What if I don’t have a burger press?
A sturdy spatula works fine. I just press down firmly to flatten the beef thinly and evenly on the tortilla.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely — I use gluten-free tortillas and double-check that the condiments and pickles are certified gluten-free.
What’s the best pan to use?
I prefer using a cast iron skillet or a flat griddle. It holds heat well and gives me that nice sear on the beef and tortilla.
Conclusion
Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos are everything I want in a fun, satisfying meal — cheesy, crispy, juicy, and fast. Whether I’m feeding a group or making a quick weeknight dinner, these always disappear fast. The Big Mac-style sauce ties it all together, and the taco format keeps it exciting. Once I made these, they became a repeat request in my house.
📖 Recipe:
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Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos combine the iconic flavors of a Big Mac with the crispy, cheesy appeal of a smash taco. Featuring seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and a homemade special sauce, they’re an easy, fun twist on fast food — perfect for casual dinners or parties.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
6 small flour tortillas
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 slices cheddar cheese
1/2 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
1/4 cup diced pickles
1/4 cup diced onion
1/2 cup Big Mac-style sauce
Cooking spray or a little oil for skillet
For the Big Mac-style sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp finely chopped pickles
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together all Big Mac-style sauce ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Divide the ground beef into 6 loosely formed balls.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- Place a tortilla on the hot surface and press a beef ball on top using a spatula or burger press to flatten.
- Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef is browned and edges are crispy.
- Flip the tortilla and beef so the beef is now facing down. Place a slice of cheddar on top of the beef.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden and crispy.
- Remove from heat and top with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, diced onion, and a drizzle of Big Mac-style sauce.
- Fold each taco and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy variation.
Use American cheese for a more classic Big Mac flavor.
Substitute with low-carb or keto tortillas for a lighter version.
Try bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist.
Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Best enjoyed fresh; to reheat, use a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
