BIG MAC STYLE SMASH BURGER TACOS IRRESISTIBLE

Craving the iconic taste of a Big Mac but want something a little more… unexpected? These Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos deliver all that savory, tangy goodness in a fun, hand-held package. Imagine crispy, cheesy smash burger patties nestled in warm tortillas, topped with that special sauce, shredded lettuce, and all the fixings – it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss, and I promise you’ll be making them again and again!

Ingredients

For the Smash Burger Patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices cheddar cheese, halved
• 4 small flour tortillas (street taco size)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of sugar

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1/4 cup dill pickle slices, finely chopped

Let’s Talk About the Beef

Choosing the right ground beef is crucial for achieving that perfect smash burger texture. An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is my go-to because the fat content helps create those crispy, caramelized edges we all crave. Don’t be afraid of a little fat – it’s where the flavor lives! If you’re using a leaner blend, you might need to add a touch more oil to the pan to prevent sticking.

Whipping Up That Secret Sauce

The special sauce is what truly makes these tacos taste like a Big Mac. It’s super easy to make, and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now. Don’t skip the sugar – it balances out the acidity from the vinegar and mustard perfectly. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a little more vinegar. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more relish. Taste as you go and make it your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Special Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and sugar.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important; it really lets the sauce come together.

Smashing the Burgers:

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
3. Place one portion of ground beef in the skillet and immediately smash it down very thin using a burger press or a sturdy spatula. The thinner, the better! We want those crispy edges.
4. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is deeply browned and crispy.
6. Flip the patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. During the last 30 seconds of cooking, place two halves of cheddar cheese on top of the patty to melt.
8. Repeat with the remaining ground beef portions.

Assembling the Tacos:

1. While the patties are still warm, place one cheesy smash burger patty on each tortilla.
2. Top with a generous dollop of special sauce, shredded lettuce, diced onion, and chopped pickles.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Smash Burger Perfection

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the patties one at a time to ensure they get a good sear.
• Use a hot pan: A screaming hot skillet is key to getting that beautiful caramelized crust.
• Don’t move the patty: Once you smash the burger, resist the urge to move it around. Let it sit and develop a crust.
• Press hard: Really smash that burger down! The thinner the patty, the crispier the edges.
• Preheat your skillet! Seriously, a hot skillet is the key to success. I like to let mine heat up for at least 5 minutes before adding the oil.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put your own spin on these Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos? Here are a few ideas:

• Add a kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the special sauce for a little heat.
• Get creative with the cheese: Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicier flavor, or Swiss cheese for a more authentic Big Mac taste.
• Swap the tortillas: Use crispy taco shells for an extra crunch, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Add bacon: Because everything is better with bacon! Cook some crispy bacon and crumble it on top of the tacos.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Meal!

These Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos are delicious on their own, but they’re even better as part of a complete meal. Serve them with a side of fries, onion rings, or a simple salad. They’d also pair perfectly with a Taco Rice Bowl for a double dose of taco goodness! You can never go wrong with pairing tacos with a delicious soup. For a cheeseburger twist, you may enjoy Cheeseburger Soup. For a similar burger with an extra kick, try Crack Burgers and Crack Burgers, you might find yourself enjoying those even more!

Smash Burger History

The smash burger has taken the culinary world by storm, but do you know its origin? The credit often goes to a burger joint in Oklahoma, where they pioneered the technique of smashing the patty thin on a hot griddle to maximize the Maillard reaction, resulting in a deeply flavorful and crispy burger. This technique has since been adopted by chefs and home cooks alike, transforming the way we enjoy burgers.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of these Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos, be sure to check out some of my other favorite recipes. If you love tacos, you might enjoy Chicken Street Tacos for a lighter but flavorful option. You might also enjoy a Big Mac Slider for a similar flavor in a smaller package!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues you might encounter when making these tacos, and how to fix them:

• Burgers are sticking to the pan: Make sure your skillet is hot enough and that you’re using enough oil. If the burgers are still sticking, try using a non-stick skillet.
• Burgers are not crispy: You need to smash them thinner! Also, make sure your pan is hot enough and that you’re not overcrowding it.
• Special sauce is too tangy: Add a little more relish or sugar to balance the flavors.
• Tortillas are tearing: Warm the tortillas slightly before assembling the tacos to make them more pliable.

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

While these Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can store the components separately in the refrigerator. Keep the burger patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The special sauce can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the patties and assemble the tacos with fresh toppings.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Impress!

These Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re fun, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving something different, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some serious taco magic! You’ve got this!

Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos bring the iconic flavor of a Big Mac to a fun, hand-held format. Crispy, cheesy smash burger patties are nestled in warm tortillas and topped with special sauce, shredded lettuce, and other classic fixings for an irresistible flavor explosion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large cast-iron skillet or griddle
• Burger press or sturdy spatula
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 4 slices cheddar cheese, halved
• 4 small flour tortillas street taco size
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of sugar
• ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• ¼ cup dill pickle slices, finely chopped

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and sugar.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each).
• Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
• Place one portion of ground beef in the skillet and immediately smash it down very thin using a burger press or a sturdy spatula.
• Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is deeply browned and crispy.
• Flip the patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until cooked through.
• During the last 30 seconds of cooking, place two halves of cheddar cheese on top of the patty to melt.
• Repeat with the remaining ground beef portions.
• While the patties are still warm, place one cheesy smash burger patty on each tortilla.
• Top with a generous dollop of special sauce, shredded lettuce, diced onion, and chopped pickles.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the special sauce. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack or Swiss cheese. For low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. Leftover burger patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the special sauce for up to 5 days. Reheat patties and assemble the tacos with fresh toppings when ready to eat.