Nothing beats the irresistible fun and flavor of Smash Burger Tacos with Big Mac Sauce Recipe. Imagine crispy-edged, juicy smashed beef patties nestled inside warm flour tortillas, all dressed up with that iconic, creamy Big Mac sauce, shredded lettuce, tangy pickles, and melty cheddar. This dish brings together the best of burger night and taco night into one spectacularly delicious handheld meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing an important role in building up the perfect balance of textures and flavors in your Smash Burger Tacos with Big Mac Sauce Recipe. From the juicy beef to the creamy sauce and crunchy veggies, every element contributes something unique.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that, when smashed, forms those flavorful crispy edges.
- 4 small flour tortillas: Soft, pliable shells that hold all the juicy goodness together.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For cooking patties and warming tortillas to golden perfection.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and lightness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup diced onions: Offers a sharp, savory bite that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot patties for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced: Brings that classic tang and slight sweetness to brighten each bite.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the famous Big Mac sauce.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a hint of sweetness and tomato richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Gives a gentle tang and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Sharpens the sauce with a clean acidity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a subtle savory warmth in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky touch and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle peppery kick.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos with Big Mac Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Heat and prepare your cooking surface
Start by heating a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. This hot surface is crucial for getting that crispy crust on your smash burger patties that everyone loves.
Step 2: Shape the beef
While the skillet warms, divide your ground beef into four equal portions. Shape them gently into loose balls—don’t compact them too much, as you want that juicy texture to develop when smashed.
Step 3: Smash those burgers
Place each beef ball into the hot skillet with space between them. Using a spatula or a flat tool, firmly press down each ball to create thin patties. This smashing technique is what delivers those crunchy edges packed with flavor.
Step 4: Cook the patties
Let the patties cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes so a beautiful crust forms. Then, flip each patty carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked through but still juicy inside.
Step 5: Warm the tortillas
While your patties are cooking, warm the flour tortillas by placing them in the skillet for 20 to 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and slightly golden—perfect for folding around your taco fillings.
Step 6: Make the Big Mac sauce
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy — this sauce is the magic that ties everything together.
Step 7: Assemble the tacos
Remove the cooked patties and place one on each warm tortilla. Spoon a generous amount of Big Mac sauce over the patties, then layer with shredded lettuce, diced onions, shredded cheddar, and a few slices of pickles. Fold the sides of the tortilla and roll it up carefully to form the perfect taco.
Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy
Serve these Smash Burger Tacos with Big Mac Sauce Recipe immediately while they’re still warm to enjoy the full explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.
How to Serve Smash Burger Tacos with Big Mac Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add extra garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of smoked paprika on top for an eye-catching finish. A little drizzle of extra Big Mac sauce on the side works wonders too.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with crispy seasoned fries, a crunchy slaw, or a simple cucumber salad to complement the richness and balance out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can be half the fun! Arrange the tacos standing upright in a taco holder or wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine for a casual, street-food vibe that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cooked patties, sauce, and toppings stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid assembling tacos too far in advance to keep tortillas from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Warm tortillas separately to keep their texture, then assemble your tacos fresh for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use beef with higher fat content for the smash burgers?
Absolutely! Higher fat content like 80/20 ground beef delivers juicier, more flavorful patties with great crust formation during smashing.
What type of tortillas work best?
Small flour tortillas are ideal for this recipe because they’re soft, pliable, and easy to fold around the patties without breaking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the beef patties for plant-based burger patties or mashed chickpea patties, then still dress them up with the Big Mac sauce and toppings for a delicious veggie option.
How can I make the Big Mac sauce healthier?
Try using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a base, and consider reducing the amount of ketchup to cut down on sugar while still maintaining the sauce’s great flavor.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The Big Mac sauce actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld perfectly together. Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fun, flavorful, and totally satisfying, the Smash Burger Tacos with Big Mac Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. It brings together all the best parts of a great burger with the handheld charm of a taco, elevated by that iconic sauce you can’t get enough of. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen and an instant crowd-pleaser every single time.
Print
Smash Burger Tacos with Big Mac Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Smash Burger Tacos with Big Mac Sauce combine crispy, thin beef patties with a tangy, creamy sauce and fresh toppings wrapped in warm flour tortillas. This fusion-style recipe offers a delicious twist on classic burgers by turning them into handheld tacos, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Smash Burger Tacos
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
For the Big Mac Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil to prepare for cooking the patties.
- Divide the beef: While the skillet is heating, divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them loosely into balls.
- Place beef balls in skillet: When the skillet is hot, place the beef balls spaced evenly in the skillet for cooking.
- Smash the beef: Using a spatula or flat tool, press down each beef ball to form thin patties that will crisp up nicely.
- Cook first side: Let the patties cook for 2-3 minutes to develop a crust on the bottom side.
- Flip and cook second side: Carefully flip the patties and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
- Warm tortillas: While the patties cook, warm the flour tortillas in the skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side until soft and slightly golden.
- Mix Big Mac sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir sauce: Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Remove patties: Once cooked, take the patties out of the skillet and set aside.
- Assemble tacos: Place a warmed tortilla on each plate to prepare for taco assembly.
- Add burger patty: Place one smash burger patty in the center of each tortilla.
- Add Big Mac sauce: Spoon a generous amount of the sauce over each patty and spread evenly.
- Add lettuce: Top the sauced patties with a handful of shredded lettuce for freshness.
- Add diced onions: Sprinkle diced onions over the lettuce for crunch and flavor.
- Add cheddar cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly with the warmth of the patty.
- Add pickles: Place a few pickle slices over the cheese for a tangy bite.
- Fold and roll tortillas: Carefully fold the sides of each tortilla inward and roll them up to form the tacos.
- Serve: Serve the smash burger tacos immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful, quick meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for variation.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option but note the texture difference.
- The Big Mac sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want extra cheesiness, add the cheese onto the patties during the last minute of cooking to melt it fully.
- Add sliced tomatoes or jalapeños for additional toppings as desired.
