If you’re craving a fun and flavorful twist on two classic favorites—tacos and the iconic Big Mac—look no further! These Big Mac Smash Tacos combine all the mouthwatering components of a Big Mac burger with the versatility and crispiness of a taco. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, this recipe will leave everyone at the table asking for more. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering fusion recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Big Mac Smash Tacos, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, which are easy to find in most grocery stores:
For the Smash Patty:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 small dill pickle, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small soft flour tortillas (you can also use hard taco shells if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 dill pickle slices, for garnish
How to Make Big Mac Smash Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Big Mac Sauce
Start by making the signature Big Mac sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, white vinegar, sugar, chopped dill pickle, chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld together while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Smash Patties
For the smash patties, heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Form the ground beef into small balls (about the size of a golf ball) and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the balls into the hot skillet and immediately press them down with a spatula to flatten them into thin patties. This will create a crispy edge that gives the tacos an irresistible crunch. Cook each patty for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the patties cook, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable. This step ensures your tortillas won’t break when you fill them with the delicious Big Mac fillings.
Step 4: Assemble the Big Mac Smash Tacos
Once your patties are cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Begin by laying a warm tortilla flat and adding a generous scoop of shredded lettuce to the center. Then, place a smash patty on top of the lettuce. Drizzle a spoonful of Big Mac sauce over the patty, and sprinkle a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Add a few thin slices of onion and pickle for the finishing touches. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Big Mac Smash Tacos immediately, garnished with extra pickle slices for that authentic Big Mac feel. These tacos pair perfectly with crispy fries, onion rings, or a side of coleslaw for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Why You’ll Love Big Mac Smash Tacos
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of the juicy smash beef patty, creamy Big Mac sauce, melty cheese, and crunchy pickles delivers a bold and delicious flavor that will leave your taste buds in bliss.
- Crispy and Juicy: The smash patty technique gives the beef a crispy edge, while the soft tortillas and melted cheese provide the perfect contrast.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, these tacos are a breeze to make. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Big Mac Smash Tacos
- Make It Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the Big Mac sauce if you like a little kick.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add lettuce, tomato, or even bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Keep the Patties Thin: The key to getting that crispy, caramelized edge is pressing the beef patties thin. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round—it’s the crispy edges that make them irresistible!
Final Thoughts
Big Mac Smash Tacos are a fun and inventive way to enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac in a taco form. Whether you’re a fan of tacos or a Big Mac enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. With its blend of juicy beef, tangy sauce, and crunchy toppings, it’s the perfect fusion of two beloved dishes. Make these tacos tonight, and get ready to indulge in a one-of-a-kind culinary experience!
Serving and Storage Tips for Big Mac Smash Tacos
Serving Tips
- Serve Immediately: These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, right after assembling. The warm tortillas and crispy smash patties offer the best texture and flavor when served immediately.
- Taco Toppings: While the classic Big Mac toppings (lettuce, pickles, and onions) work perfectly, feel free to add other garnishes like diced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, or even a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Side Dishes: Complement these tacos with classic side dishes like crispy fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a side of guacamole and salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pairing Drinks: Pair these tacos with a cold, refreshing drink. A crisp beer, a sparkling lemonade, or even a milkshake can elevate the meal experience.
- Presentation: Arrange the tacos on a platter with extra pickle slices and a drizzle of Big Mac sauce on the side for dipping. This adds an eye-catching touch to your meal.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (though unlikely, as these tacos are super delicious), here’s how to store them:
- Taco Components: Store the individual components separately to maintain their freshness. For example:
- Tacos: If you have leftover tortillas, store them in a sealed container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
- Smash Patties: Store the cooked smash patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet for a couple of minutes on each side until heated through.
- Big Mac Sauce: The sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It may even taste better as it sits and the flavors meld.
- Toppings: If you have leftover toppings like shredded lettuce, pickles, or cheese, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat the smash patties in a skillet for the best texture, or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. To prevent soggy tacos, reassemble them fresh when you’re ready to serve again, using newly warmed tortillas.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your Big Mac Smash Tacos even after the meal is over, with the flavors staying fresh and satisfying!
1. Can I use a different type of meat for the smash patties?
Yes! While ground beef is the traditional choice for Big Mac Smash Tacos, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to ensure a flavorful patty.
2. Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Big Mac sauce can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to use when you’re assembling the tacos. In fact, the flavors may develop even more as it sits!
3. Can I use hard taco shells instead of soft tortillas?
Yes, you can substitute soft flour tortillas with hard taco shells if you prefer a crunchier texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor combination is designed to complement the softness of the flour tortillas, but the hard shells will still taste delicious!
4. Can I freeze the cooked smash patties for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked smash patties! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet for the best results.
PrintBig Mac Smash Tacos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Big Mac Smash Tacos combine the iconic flavors of the classic Big Mac with the crispy goodness of a taco shell. With seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a tangy special sauce, these tacos are a fun twist on a fast-food favorite!
Ingredients
For the tacos:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Big Mac sauce:
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup dill pickle slices
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Big Mac sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Prepare the ground beef
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into loose balls.
3. Cook the tacos
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
- Place one tortilla on the skillet, then place a ball of seasoned beef on top of the tortilla.
- Use a spatula to smash the beef flat onto the tortilla, spreading it out evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Flip the taco so the tortilla side is down and place a slice of cheese on top of the beef. Let cook for another 30 seconds to melt the cheese. Remove from skillet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and beef.
4. Assemble the tacos
- Spread a spoonful of the Big Mac sauce over the cheesy beef layer.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle slices. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a Big Mac-inspired finish.
5. Serve
- Serve immediately while the tacos are warm and crispy. Pair with fries or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: The Big Mac sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Customizations: Add bacon, jalapeños, or extra cheese for a personalized twist.
- Taco Shells: Substitute flour tortillas with crispy corn tortillas for added crunch.