These Easy Big Mac Smash Tacos bring a fun twist to your favorite burger! With seasoned beef, cheese, lettuce, and special sauce, these tacos are packed with flavor and excitement.
They’re like a fun little party in your mouth! Sometimes I even let my kids help assemble them—it’s a messy but great bonding time that ends with delicious tacos! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 ground beef gives you a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor will be lighter.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, perfect for folding. If you’re gluten-free, try corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter option. I personally prefer warmed tortillas for a bit more flavor!
American Cheese: Classic for this recipe, but if you want something different, cheddar or pepper jack can work well too, adding a great twist.
Big Mac Special Sauce: This is the flavor kicker! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought burger sauce or Thousand Island dressing, but making it fresh is worth the extra effort!
How Do I Cook Perfectly Crispy Beef Patties?
Getting that crispy edge is essential for texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the beef. Don’t rush it!
- Smash the beef down with a spatula. This increases contact with the pan for that glorious browning.
- Don’t flip too soon! Cook for at least 2-3 minutes before flipping—look for browning on the edges.
- Once flipped, let them cook just a minute or so longer until the beef is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
These steps will ensure your tacos have a fantastic texture and flavor, setting the stage for a delicious meal. Enjoy cooking!
Easy Big Mac Smash Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 small flour or corn tortillas
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 6-8 dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup Big Mac-style special sauce (see below)
For the Big Mac Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp French dressing (or ketchup)
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll be enjoying these delightful tacos in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
Start by making the special sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until it’s time to assemble the tacos.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Once the skillet is hot, place one portion of beef in the skillet and smash it down with a spatula to make it flat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and has crispy edges. Flip the patty and cook for another minute until it’s fully cooked. Repeat this process with the remaining portions of beef.
3. Add Cheese:
After flipping the beef patties, place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Allow the cheese to melt while it finishes cooking.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef and cheese are finishing up, warm the tortillas. You can lightly toast them in a dry skillet or microwave them for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place each cheesy beef patty onto a warm tortilla. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced onion, dill pickle slices, and a generous drizzle of the special sauce you made earlier.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos immediately while they are warm. Dive in and savor the delicious flavors that remind you of a classic Big Mac, now in taco form!
FAQ for Easy Big Mac Smash Tacos
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, like 90/10 or even ground turkey. However, keep in mind that leaner meats may not have as much flavor or juiciness. You might want to add a bit of oil to the skillet to help with moisture.
What Can I Substitute for American Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of American cheese, feel free to substitute with cheddar or pepper jack for a little kick! Just be sure to slice it thinly to allow it to melt properly over the hot beef patties.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the ingredients in a skillet over medium heat, so everything warms through evenly. Avoid microwaving the tortillas, as they can become chewy!
Can I Prepare the Special Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! The special sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This actually allows the flavors to meld together even more, making it even tastier when you assemble your tacos!
