These Easy Smash Burger Tacos bring the classic Big Mac flavor into a fun twist! Juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings are tucked into warm tortillas.
Who knew tacos could be so cheeseburger-y? I love making these for a quick dinner, and everyone, including the kids, just can’t resist gobbling them up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 ground beef gives the best flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for lower fat options, you can use 90/10 ground beef, but be mindful it may be a bit drier. For a twist, ground turkey or chicken also works, but adjust cooking times as they may need less time to cook.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are ideal for their softness, but corn tortillas are a great gluten-free alternative. If you want some crunch, try frying the corn tortillas until crispy!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its robust flavor. If it’s not available, American cheese melts beautifully, or even pepper jack can add a spicy kick. Vegan cheese can also be used for a plant-based option.
Big Mac Sauce: This sauce gives a great flavor punch! You can swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or add hot sauce for some heat. Adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of relish to your liking.
How Can You Perfectly Cook Smash Burgers?
Cooking smash burgers perfectly is crucial for that nice crust and juicy inside. Here are some tips:
- Start with a hot skillet. This helps create a good sear.
- Use a sturdy spatula to press down the beef balls firmly but quickly to flatten them. The thinner patty cooks faster and gets that lovely crispy edge.
- Don’t move the patties around too much; let them sit! This helps develop that nice browning on one side before flipping.
- Add cheese immediately after flipping so it has time to melt perfectly over the beef.
By following these techniques, your smash burgers will have the ideal texture and flavor, making your tacos unforgettable!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos Inspired by Big Mac
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 small flour or soft corn tortillas (6-7 inch size)
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 12-16 dill pickle slices
For the Big Mac Inspired Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and cooking, plus a little time to assemble everything. So in just about 20-25 minutes, you’ll have tasty smash burger tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Big Mac Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until everything is blended smoothly. Taste it and feel free to adjust the seasonings if you want. Cover and let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
2. Form the Beef Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions, about 2 ounces each. Lightly roll each portion into a loose ball; don’t pack them too tightly since you want tender burgers.
3. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Place 2-3 of the beef balls in the skillet and use a sturdy spatula to press each ball firmly down into a thin patty (similar in size to the tortillas). Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper to season them.
Cook the patties for about 2 minutes until the edges are crispy and brown. Then, flip them over carefully, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the beef is fully cooked. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and keep them warm.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
To make the tortillas soft and easy to work with, warm them in a dry skillet for a minute or two on each side, or microwave them for just a few seconds. You want them soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Take a warm tortilla and lay it flat on your plate. Place one of the cheeseburger patties on it, then add a handful of shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of chopped onions, and 2-3 dill pickle slices.
6. Add the Sauce:
Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of your Big Mac inspired sauce over the toppings, making sure to cover it nicely for that great flavor!
7. Finish Up:
Repeat the assembly process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients. Once they’re all ready, serve them up immediately for the best taste!
Enjoy Your Creation!
These smash burger tacos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy flavors reminiscent of a Big Mac—crispy beef, melty cheese, fresh veggies, and that awesome special sauce all wrapped up in a taco! Enjoy your easy, tasty meal!
FAQ for Easy Smash Burger Tacos Inspired by Big Mac
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a leaner option. Just be mindful that poultry cooks faster than beef, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
What Toppings Can I Add to These Tacos?
Feel free to get creative! You can add sliced tomatoes, jalapeños for a spicy kick, shredded cheese, or even avocado for creaminess. Customize these tacos with your favorite toppings!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the beef patties in a skillet on low heat until warmed through. The tortillas are best when reheated just before serving, so warm them up fresh.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! The Big Mac inspired sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before using it in your tacos.
