These Easy Smash Burger Big Mac Tacos bring the best of both worlds together! With juicy beef patties, delicious cheese, and all the classic toppings wrapped in a taco shell, they’re both fun and tasty!
Who knew tacos could be so versatile? I love how these burgers fit perfectly in my hands and don’t fall apart. Plus, they are ready in no time, making them great for a family dinner or a quick snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For the best flavor, use an 80/20 blend. This ratio keeps the burgers juicy, but you can switch to turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter option. Just remember that these alternatives may require different cooking times.
Cheese: Cheddar is great, but American cheese melts beautifully if you’re going for that classic burger vibe. You can also try pepper jack if you like a little spice in your tacos!
Flatbreads: Soft taco-sized tortillas work well, but if you want a healthier option, whole wheat or corn tortillas can be used. Just be careful with the cooking time so they don’t break when you fill them.
Big Mac Sauce: This signature sauce is easy to make at home. If you don’t have all the ingredients, you can swap mayo with Greek yogurt and skip the relish for a lighter version with a different flavor. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple sauce!
How Can I Get My Burgers Perfectly Crispy and Juicy?
Getting that perfect smash burger involves a few key steps to ensure they are crispy on the outside and juicy inside:
- Heat your griddle or skillet until it’s really hot. This helps sear the beef right away.
- When you smash the patties, press firmly for about 10 seconds. This creates a great crust!
- Use a spatula to scrape the burgers off the griddle after flipping to keep that crispy edge intact.
Slightly undercooking them (still juicy but cooked through) ensures they remain moist once seasoned and cooked well after adding the cheese. Enjoy making your burgers!<\/p>
Easy Smash Burger Big Mac Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 small soft taco-sized flatbreads or tortillas
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 12 sliced dill pickles
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika or regular paprika (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total—10 minutes for prep work and about 10 minutes for cooking and assembling. Perfect for a quick but satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Big Mac Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined and smooth. Set this delicious sauce aside or refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
2. Heat Your Cooking Surface:
Put a griddle or large skillet on medium-high heat. While it heats up, divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 2.5 ounces each).
3. Form and Smash the Patties:
Once your skillet is hot, place each beef portion onto it and use a spatula to smash them down firmly into thin patties, about the same size as your flatbreads or tortillas. Sprinkle each patty with salt and black pepper to season them nicely.
4. Cook the Patties:
Let the patties cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they’re nicely browned. When ready, flip them over, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through.
5. Warm the Flatbreads/Tortillas:
While the patties are finishing up, take a minute to warm your flatbreads. You can either do this in a separate pan or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re soft and pliable.
6. Assemble the Big Mac Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place one cooked cheeseburger patty on each warm flatbread. Top each with a handful of shredded lettuce, some chopped onions, sliced pickles, and finish it off by generously drizzling the prepared Big Mac sauce over everything.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Easy Smash Burger Big Mac Tacos immediately while they’re warm and delicious! They perfectly combine the classic flavors of a Big Mac alongside the fun and portability of tacos.
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Smash Burger Big Mac Tacos
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
While you can use leaner ground beef, such as 90/10, it may result in drier patties. The 80/20 blend is recommended for the best flavor and juiciness. To keep it moist, consider adding a little bit of beef broth when mixing the meat.
How Can I Make It Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat, try mixing diced jalapeños into your beef before cooking or topping your tacos with sliced hot peppers or a drizzle of hot sauce when assembling.
Can I Prepare the Big Mac Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the Big Mac sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This helps the flavors meld together even better!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To reheat, warm the beef patties in a skillet and freshen up the flatbreads in the microwave before assembling again. This keeps them soft and helps prevent them from breaking apart.
