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This hearty Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos recipe combines two beloved comfort foods into one incredibly satisfying meal. The crispy tortilla creates the perfect vessel for juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and all the classic Big Mac toppings and sauce you crave.
I created this fusion recipe during a busy weeknight when I couldn't decide between making tacos or burgers. My family was skeptical at first but now they request these Big Mac tacos at least twice a month. The way the tortilla crisps up while the meat stays juicy inside is truly magical.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. The fat content helps create that authentic smash burger texture.
- Flour tortillas: Six inch size works perfectly. Look for fresh tortillas at your local market for the best flavor and texture.
- American cheese slices: These melt beautifully and provide that authentic Big Mac flavor. Choose quality deli slices if available.
- Lettuce: Iceberg provides the perfect crunch. Slice it thinly for easier eating.
- Pickles: Use dill pickle chips for that signature Big Mac tang.
- White onion: Fresh and finely diced adds the perfect bite. Sweet onions work well too if you prefer less sharpness.
- Ketchup: Forms the base of our special sauce. Use your favorite brand.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce. Full fat works best here.
- Sweet relish: The secret ingredient that gives our sauce that Big Mac authenticity.
- White vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
- Spices: Black pepper and sweet paprika enhance the sauce flavor without overpowering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the beef:
- Take your pound of ground beef and divide it into six equal portions. Press each portion onto a flour tortilla creating an even layer that covers the entire surface. Season each patty with salt and pepper for maximum flavor development.
- Heat the skillet:
- Use a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure it's fully preheated before adding your first taco to ensure proper searing and browning. Cast iron works exceptionally well if you have it.
- Cook meat side down:
- Place each prepared tortilla meat side down in the skillet. Press firmly with a spatula starting from the center and working outward. This technique creates that classic smashed burger texture with crispy edges.
- Flip and add cheese:
- After about 4 minutes when the meat has developed a deep brown crust flip each taco. Immediately top with American cheese while the meat is still hot. The residual heat will help melt the cheese perfectly.
- Make the special sauce:
- While the tacos finish cooking whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until completely smooth. The sauce should have a light orange color and thick consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Assemble your tacos:
- Remove each taco from the skillet and top with shredded lettuce pickles diced onions and a generous drizzle of the special sauce. The contrast between hot meat and cool toppings creates the perfect bite.
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My favorite part of this recipe is watching the cheese melt into the hot beef. It reminds me of my first job at a burger restaurant where I learned the importance of timing when adding cheese to hot patties. My husband insists these tacos are even better than the original sandwich that inspired them.
Make Ahead Options
This recipe works beautifully for meal prep. You can prepare the special sauce up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For busy weeknights I often mix the sauce and dice the vegetables in the morning so assembly takes just minutes at dinner time.
Customization Ideas
While the classic Big Mac flavors are delicious you can easily customize these tacos to suit your preferences. For a spicier version add jalapeños or hot sauce to the special sauce. Swap the American cheese for pepper jack or sharp cheddar if you prefer more robust cheese flavor.
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Serving Suggestions
These Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos pair perfectly with simple sides that complement without competing. Crispy potato wedges or a simple side salad make excellent accompaniments. For a full fast food experience at home pair with homemade french fries or onion rings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What's the trick for crunchy tortillas?
Spread the meat evenly across the tortilla, then cook with the meat facing down in a really hot pan. This gives you that perfect crunch you want.
- → Can I mix the dressing beforehand?
You bet! Whip up the dressing up to seven days early and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container.
- → What can I use instead of American cheese?
Try some cheddar, Colby Jack, or any cheese that melts nicely if you don't have American slices on hand.
- → How do I make these spicier?
Put some hot sauce in with the meat while it's cooking or swap in spicy pickles for regular ones to give your tacos some fire.
- → Will other meats work for this?
For sure! Ground turkey or chicken work just as well as beef, and you don't need to change how you cook them.