Big Mac tacos with beef, cheese, lettuce, pickles and creamy special sauce are a quick, high-protein twist on the fast food fave.
You know I’m always going to create another taco recipe and when smash tacos started going viral, I just had to try a big mac version. I love creating healthier homemade versions of your fast food faves and I’m excited for you to try this one!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Better than fast food: All the Big Mac flavours you’re craving, made at home with simple ingredients and packed with protein for a lighter, more satisfying option.
- Quick weeknight dinner: These Big Mac smash tacos come together fast, making them perfect for busy nights when you want something fun and easy that everyone will love.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Olive oil – Avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil will work.
- Corn tortillas – Flour tortillas, or try gluten-free tortillas if needed.
- Ground beef – Try with ground turkey or chicken too.
- Cheddar cheese – American cheese is classic, but mozzarella or a blend would work.
- Pickles – Dill pickle is best, but use your favourite sliced pickle.
- Yellow onion – White or red onion are fine.
- Romaine lettuce – Iceberg lettuce would be the best swap.
Big mac sauce
- Light mayo – You can use regular mayo or try Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option.
- Ketchup – Swap in tomato paste mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar if you’re out.
- Relish – Finely chopped pickles can work, but it’s not as sweet as relish.
You’re going to love this 3-Ingredient big mac sauce! Check out my full post for more ways to enjoy it here.
How to make big mac tacos
Step 1: Prep the tortillas
Divide and press the ground beef onto the tortillas and season.
Step 2: Cook the beef
In batches, place the tortillas beef side down and cook in a hot skillet until browned, then flip and heat other side.
Step 3: Make the sauce
While it’s cooking, mix the sauce ingredients and prep the toppings.
Step 4: Finish and serve
Add cheese to warm tacos then add toppings (with extra sauce, trust me) and enjoy!
Tips for the best big mac tacos
These Big Mac smashed tacos are SO EASY but here are a few tips:
- Press it thin: Spread the ground beef in a thin, even layer over the tortilla so it cooks quickly and gets those crispy edges.
- Use a hot pan: A hot skillet helps the beef brown properly and gives you that classic smash burger texture.
- Assemble right away: Add the cheese while the beef is hot so it melts, then top and serve right away for the best bite.
- Extra sauce: Don’t skip the Big Mac sauce, it’s what makes it. Try my other special burger sauce too.
- MORE: Make my classic Big Mac burger, salad and tater tot nachos. SO GOOD!
Frequently asked questions
What are smash burger tacos?
It’s a viral recipe where you press ground beef onto a tortilla and cooking it beef-side down in a hot pan so it gets crispy. It’s basically a mix between a smash burger and a taco.
What’s in a Big Mac taco?
All the classic Big Mac flavours like seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, lettuce, pickles, onion, and that famous creamy sauce all layered onto a crispy tortilla instead of a bun.
How do you keep smash tacos from getting soggy?
Cook them in batches so the pan stays hot and the beef and tortillas crisp up properly. They’re best eaten right away but if you have leftovers, reheat them in a skillet or air fryer to bring back to life and then add the fresh toppings.
Storing and reheating
Storing: These Big Mac smash tacos are best enjoyed fresh for the crispiest texture. If you have leftovers, store the cooked tacos and toppings separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the tacos in a skillet or the air fryer until they crisp up, then top with fresh toppings. You can use the microwave, but it’ll make them super soft and not as good.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing these smash tacos as they’ll get too soggy.
More Big Mac inspired recipes
Made this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I read them all 🫶
Easy Big Mac Tacos
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated
- 16 sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 1.5 cups romaine lettuce finely chopped
Big mac sauce
- 1/3 cup light mayo
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp relish
Instructions
- Divide ground beef among 8 corn tortillas, pressing down and spreading to cover the surface of the corn tortilla. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add corn tortillas beef side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until beef is browned. You will likely need to do this in batches, cooking 2 tacos at a time. Flip and cook tortilla side down for 1 more minute.
- Meanwhile, mix sauce ingredients together in a bowl and chop lettuce and dice onion.
- Add 1 tbsp of shredded cheese to each taco, then divide pickles, onion, lettuce and sauce among tacos. Serve and enjoy!
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