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Big Mac Smash Tacos

Category: Indulge in Timeless American Comforts

Big Mac Smash Tacos combine juicy beef smashed directly onto warm tortillas and seared to crispy perfection. Melted cheddar or American cheese covers each taco, followed by a crunchy layer of iceberg lettuce, tangy pickles, and finely diced onion. Drizzle with a tangy homemade sauce blending mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, and a hint of vinegar for an extra kick. Ready in under half an hour, these tacos offer the flavors of a classic burger, reimagined in snackable handheld form. Enjoy with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, and use a flat griddle and sturdy spatula for best results.

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Updated on Fri, 25 Jul 2025 18:41:57 GMT
A close up of a Big Mac Smash Taco. Save
A close up of a Big Mac Smash Taco. | krispyrecipes.com

These Big Mac Smash Tacos are what happens when you blend the classic flavors of a drive-through burger with the convenience and bite of a taco. Beef is smashed and seared right onto tortillas for crispy edges and juicy centers — all piled with melty cheese, pickles, crunchy lettuce, onion, and a creamy tangy sauce that makes you think of your favorite fast-food spot. It is a fun twist that packs serious flavor.

When I first made these for family movie night everyone grabbed seconds and we started joking about opening a home taco stand

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: use 80 percent lean for juicy burgers with perfect sear
  • Street size flour tortillas: these are just right for hand-held tacos and crisp up well
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper: keeps seasoning simple but crucial for beefy flavor
  • American or cheddar cheese slices: classic and melts perfectly for that iconic gooey layer
  • “Big Mac” sauce: homemade version gives a perfect fast-food tang and creaminess
  • Iceberg lettuce: shredded for crunch and freshness
  • Dill pickle chips: for that signature sharp bite
  • Diced onion: adds a punchy crunch and completes the fast-food vibe

Choose fresh tortillas that bend easily so they do not crack and always check your cheese is good and creamy with no dryness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Griddle:
Set a cast iron griddle or a heavy skillet over medium high heat and let it get hot this step is key to getting the beef crispy at the edges
Shape and Smash Beef:
Roll your ground beef into eight equal balls I like to use a kitchen scale for even size Place a tortilla on the hot griddle then put a beef ball right in the center
Sear and Season:
Using a stiff flat spatula smash the beef ball into a thin even layer that covers most of the tortilla Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper right away
Cook and Flip:
Let the beef cook for about two minutes until the edges get crispy and browned Flip the taco so beef is now facing up Lay a slice of cheese right onto the hot beef Let it melt for about a minute
Finish and Fill:
Transfer each taco to a plate Fold carefully and fill with shredded lettuce diced pickles diced onion and a good drizzle of homemade “Big Mac” sauce Serve immediately while hot and gooey
A close up of a delicious Big Mac Smash Taco. Save
A close up of a delicious Big Mac Smash Taco. | krispyrecipes.com

I never get bored with the homemade sauce — it started as kitchen improvisation and now it is the one thing everyone wants extra of on their plate My daughter begs me to make extra sauce every single time

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers store the seared taco shells beef and cheese layered together in an airtight container and refrigerate Keep the lettuce pickles onions and sauce separate When ready to eat reheat the tacos in a hot skillet so they crisp up again then fill with toppings

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground chicken or turkey for beef if you prefer a lighter bite Just keep the patties thin Cheese slices soften faster if you use American cheese but mozzarella or pepper jack will work for a different spin Gluten free friends can use corn tortillas but these are best eaten fresh since corn splits if left too long

A close up of a delicious Big Mac Smash Taco. Save
A close up of a delicious Big Mac Smash Taco. | krispyrecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tacos with shoestring fries or a simple salad Bowl versions also work well just make smashed burger patties and serve with toppings over rice or lettuce for a low carb meal My family sometimes builds a platter for game day with all toppings on the side so everyone can DIY their own

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beef works best for smash tacos?

Use 80% lean ground beef for juicy, flavorful results that stay moist when smashed and seared quickly on the griddle.

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas can be substituted for a gluten-free option, though they may tear easier so handle gently during cooking.

→ How do I make the special sauce?

Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, and a dash of vinegar for a tangy, creamy sauce that complements the beef.

→ What cheese is recommended for these tacos?

American or cheddar cheese slices melt quickly, creating a smooth, creamy layer over the seared beef and tortillas.

→ What tools are needed for best results?

A flat griddle or large skillet and a sturdy spatula help press the beef thin for a crispy edge and even cooking.

→ Can store-bought burger sauce be used?

Yes, store-bought burger sauce can replace the homemade version for added convenience and similar flavor.

Big Mac Smash Tacos

Juicy beef, cheese, and pickles stacked on tortillas, topped with a creamy special sauce. Fast, crispy, and satisfying.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min

Recipe Category: Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American

Recipe Yield: 8 Servings (8 tacos)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Beef & Tortillas

01 500 g 80% lean ground beef, divided into 8 portions of 60 g each
02 8 small flour tortillas

→ Seasoning & Cheese

03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 8 slices American cheese or cheddar cheese

→ Toppings

06 120 ml homemade 'Big Mac' sauce (blend 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon sweet relish, and a dash of vinegar)
07 1 cup (about 60 g) shredded iceberg lettuce
08 Dill pickle chips, as needed
09 Diced onion, as needed

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat a cast-iron griddle or large skillet over medium-high until thoroughly hot.

Step 02

Place a tortilla on the griddle, top with one portion of beef, and firmly smash the meat into a thin, even layer using a stiff spatula. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Cook for 2 minutes until the beef develops a crust. Flip so the beef faces up and the tortilla is in contact with the pan.

Step 04

Immediately lay a slice of cheese atop the hot beef. Cook for 1 minute to melt the cheese and warm the tortilla. Repeat with remaining portions.

Step 05

Fold each taco and fill with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, chopped onion, and a drizzle of special sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Additional Notes

  1. For a gluten-free option, substitute corn tortillas, though they are more delicate and may tear.
  2. Store-bought burger sauce can be used in place of the homemade sauce.

Required Tools

  • Cast-iron griddle or large skillet
  • Stiff spatula
  • Squeeze bottle (optional, for sauce application)

Allergen Information

Make sure to review each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas)
  • Contains milk (cheese)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise in sauce)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 17 g