Big Mac Tacos

Big Mac Tacos are a viral twist on one of the world’s most famous fast foods. And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds, a smash burger patty with shredded lettuce and a homemade Big Mac sauce served in a tortilla. Delicious! And what’s more? It can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

When I first heard of a viral Big Maco Taco recipe, I was honestly a little skeptical. At the time, I hadn’t seen the recipe, and imagined something far more complex and far less tasty. Now that I’ve tried it, and tested and perfected my own version of it, I’m happy to report that these Big Mac Tacos are here to stay.

(Honestly, it’s worth trying just for the homemade Big Mac sauce.)

Read on to learn everything you need to know to make this delicious viral taco recipe. 

What are Big Mac Tacos

Big Mac Tacos (also known as smash tacos, Big Mac smash tacos, or smash burger tacos) are a delicious hybrid of McDonald’s Big Mac burger with a Mexican taco. The taco includes also the staples of a Big Mac – a burger patty, cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped onion, pickles, and of course, Big Mac sauce -aside from the burger bun which is replaced with a tortilla. 

Origins

As is the case with many viral or trending recipes, it’s difficult to know who originated the trend. There are actual several online creators (some on TikTok, others on Instagram) that have claimed to be the original, as well as some sources that suggest that the recipe comes from creative taco trucks.

Homemade Big Mac sauce

If you’re not up to date with your online foodie debates, this is a big one. The question of how to make Big Mac sauce at home is the topic of many heated forum arguments. The center of the debate? Ketchup (and whether or not it should be included in a homemade Big Mac sauce recipe). 

I’ll tell you right now, this recipe includes ketchup. I understand that McDonald’s don’t use ketchup in their Big Mac sauce, but they do use a number of additives that aren’t really accessible to your standard home cook, but are easily replicated using something like ketchup.

If you’re a Big Mac sauce purist, you can actually purchase the sauce from McDonald’s restaurants (but I think it’s simpler to just make it at home).

Ingredients

For the Big Mac Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Sweet relish
• Yellow mustard
• Pickle juice (optional)
• Granulated white sugar
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

For the Smash Burger Tacos

• Ground beef
• Flour tortillas
• Olive oil
• Cheddar cheese
• Iceberg lettuce
• Pickles 
• Onion
• Salt
• Black pepper

How to make Big Mac Tacos

To make the Big Mac sauce

Simply mix all the ingredients together, and set aside. 

To make the Smash Tacos

Begin by dividing the ground beef into six equal portions, and work each piece into a round patty.

Place the patty on the tortilla then press lightly to flatten or “smash” it (that’s how a smash burger gets its name!) – though it doesn’t need to be completely flattened, just spread thinner so that it’s easy to cook through.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meat-laden tortilla (meat-side down) to the pan. Cook for two to three minutes, or until browned and cooked through. 

Drizzle or brush the back of the tortilla with a touch more olive oil, and flip it over (be careful not to toss the cooked burger patty). Add a slice of cheese and continue to cook, allowing the tortilla to toast, and the cheese to melt, another one or two minutes. 

Finally, remove the tortilla from the pan, plate, and top with lettuce, pickles, chopped onions, a touch of salt and pepper, and finally, a dollop of the all-important Big Mac sauce. Gently fold into a taco, and enjoy warm!

Tips

What kind of tortillas to use

We’re using flour tortillas to replace the hamburger bun. Corn tortillas have a little less flexibility to them, and are a little less reminiscent of a burger bun. Also, opt for the standard street taco-sized tortillas. You can use the big ones, but they’re a little cumbersome, and would require cutting to size. 

What kind of ground beef to use

You can make this recipe using any ground beef, but I recommend avoiding lean or extra lean. The added fat content results in a much juicier and tastier smash burger.

The perfect pan

As you’re looking to cook the meat through evenly and quickly, a cast iron pan is ideal. However a regular nonstick frying pan is fine though you may need to adjust your heat slightly.

Variation ideas

Keep it cheesy. I use cheddar cheese slices in this recipe, but a slice of American cheese would be the most classic option. You can swap it out for whatever you prefer, whether that’s Swiss cheese or even something like mozzarella.