Big Mac Smash Tacos

ByJaclyn Shimmel On09/06/202409/19/2024 Updated09/19/2024

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Big Mac Smash Tacos have all the flavors of a Big Mac but are served on a tortilla instead of a bun. The seasoned ground beef is topped with American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and that infamous special sauce. In under 30 minutes, you will have an amazing dinner the whole family will love.

Big Mac Smash Tacos on flour tortillas with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, pickles, and special sauce.

There are not many social media trends I follow, except when it comes to food. If it looks good, I’m all for trying it. It’s even better when it’s a copycat version of something we love but that I can recreate at home. Plus, cool points with the kids are always a win.

This tiktok viral big mac taco recipe isn’t quite the deconstructed burger that a cheeseburger casserole with pickles or a crockpot bacon cheeseburger dip is. Instead, it’s a homemade Big Mac wrapped in a tortilla—one layer, folded like a taco!

Spreading the beef in a thin layer creates crispy edges, similar to smash burgers. Using a tortilla instead of a bun gives you the perfect balance of soft and crispy. That’s why smash burger tacos are the best!

Big mac smash burger taco with lettuce, pickles, and secret sauce drizzled over the top.

Topped with melted cheese, shredded lettuce, and homemade big mac sauce, this is one tasty taco the entire family will love!

Why you’ll love this recipe

All the classic Big Mac flavors, but with fresh ingredients.
Ready in 15 minutes!
Easily double or triple the recipe to feed more people.

Ingredients for Smash Big Mac Tacos

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Copycat Big Mac Sauce: mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, relish, paprika, salt, pepper, paprika, and sugar.

Special Sauce Ingredients

Mayonnaise – The creamy base for the special sauce.
Ketchup – Mixed with the mayo, it gives the sauce its signature pink color.
Sweet pickle relish – For the little flecks of pickles and a touch of pickled sweetness.
White Vinegar – Adds a little tang.
Sugar – To balance the savory, acidity.
Seasoning – You’ll need paprika, black pepper, yellow mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and coarse salt.

Smash burger big mac taco ingredients: iceberg lettuce, onion, american cheese, ground beef, flour tortillas, sliced pickles, and seasonings.

Smash Taco Ingredients

Ground beef – I use extra lean ground beef (93% lean), so too much extra grease won’t make the tortilla soggy. Don’t use anything more than 80/20.
Tortillas – Small flour tortillas are softer and a bit easier to use than corn tortillas, but both will work. We used 6-inch tortillas.
Seasoning for the meat – Garlic powder, onion powder, coarse kosher salt, black pepper, and minced onion.
Cheese – Sliced American cheese is closest to the original Big Mac, but use whatever cheese you prefer. Cheddar is a great choice, too.
Lettuce – Shredded iceberg lettuce is also a signature Big Mac topping, and it adds a refreshing crunch.
Pickle slices – Add a tangy, crunchy, and briny element to every bite.

How to Make Big Mac Smash Tacos

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

Two image collage of ingredients for copycat big mac sauce in a mixing bowl before and after being stirred to combine.

Step 2: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Grab one portion of the meat and place it onto one of the flour tortillas. Use your hands or a fork to spread the beef into a thin layer across the surface of the tortilla. It’s ok if it doesn’t quite reach the edges.

Two image collage of ground beef on tortilla being and after being smashed down with a fork.

Step 3: Season the beef patties with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then add 2 tablespoons of onion on top and press the onions and seasoning into the meat. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Pro Tip:

If you’ve got a burger press for making smash burgers, you can use that to further spread the meat out once it’s in the pan.

Two image collage of ground beef on tortilla before and after seasoning and adding chopped onion.

Step 4: Flip over the tortillas and place the McDonald’s tacos, beef side down, into the preheated skillet. Cook over medium-low heat for 4-6 minutes until the beef is no longer pink.

Two image collage. Image 1: taco beef side down in skillet. Image 2: taco turned over after beef cooking.

Step 5: Flip the tortilla over so the meat is now facing up and add a slice of American cheese on top. Cover with a lid for a minute to let the cheese melt and then slide it out onto a plate. Top with lettuce, cheese, remaining pickles, and onions, and drizzle with Big Mac sauce.

Two image collage of taco topped with a slice of American cheese and of the taco after cheese has melted and lettuce, pickles, and big mac sauce have been added.

Enjoy! Serve on their own or with a side of french fries for classic fast-food meal vibes.

Smash big mac tacos complete with secret sauce served on a white platter.

Storage

These are best served right away, however if you have any left over, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

The longer they sit, the softer (aka soggier) they get; however, reheating them in a skillet or an air fryer can help get some of that crisp texture back. You can also use the microwave in a pinch.

Recipe Tips

Use a nonstick skillet without adding any extra nonstick spray. The beef will produce enough grease (even the extra lean meat), so if you add any more, you run the risk of not having a crispy tortilla.
If you want to save some time, you can use store-bought Big Mac sauce.
Do not try and use burger patties. They will not spread like ground meat does.
Top these Big Mac smash tacos with your favorite burger toppings. Save the taco toppings for next Taco Tuesday, they just don’t go this time!
If you’re not serving them right away, hold off on adding the lettuce. Keep it crisp and off to the side until just before serving.

Additions and variations

Use a different ground meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used for a lighter option.
A different sauce. You can’t go wrong with Big Mac sauce, but it’s not your only option. If you have a homemade burger sauce or any kind of homemade special sauce you want to use, go for it. BBQ sauce, Thousand Island dressing, hot sauce, spicy mayo, or even just ketchup and mustard will do!
Swap the American cheese for a cheddar cheese slice, Pepper Jack, or Provolone. They won’t have the same flavor profile, but cheese is cheese!