Meet your new obsession: the Big Mac Smash Burger Taco. This mouthwatering twist on a fast food classic takes everything you love about a Big Mac and wraps it in a soft, golden taco shell. It’s the perfect fusion of juicy, crispy, tangy, and cheesy – all in one handheld bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe guarantees instant smiles and full bellies.

What sets this taco apart? It’s the way the smashed burger patty gets seared right onto the tortilla, creating a crisped, caramelized crust while locking in all the beefy goodness. Layered with melty cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, tangy pickles, and drizzled in creamy Big Mac sauce, every bite hits you with bold flavor and nostalgic comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Smash Burger Taco

Flavor Bomb: Think all the best parts of a Big Mac – seasoned beef, pickles, special sauce, cheese – now wrapped in a taco.
Quick to Make: 15 minutes from fridge to table.
Crowd Pleaser: Great for game day, cookouts, or a dinner that breaks the routine.
Customizable: Swap in turkey, chicken, or go meatless and still have a winner.
Less Mess: No burger buns sliding apart or soggy bottoms.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, make sure your kitchen is taco-ready. Here are the tools and why they matter:

Cast Iron or Nonstick Skillet: You need intense heat for that perfect smash and sear. Cast iron holds heat best.
Burger Press or Spatula: To flatten the beef onto the tortilla, giving it that signature crust.
Mixing Bowl: For whipping up the creamy Big Mac-style sauce.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping lettuce, onions, and slicing pickles.
Grater: If using block cheddar for max melt and flavor.

Ingredients for the Big Mac Smash Burger Taco

Ground Beef (80/20 blend) – Delivers rich, juicy flavor and the perfect crisp when smashed.
Soft Flour Tortillas – Acts as both the bun and taco shell, crisping beautifully when cooked with the beef.
Cheddar Cheese – Melts over the hot beef, giving that signature cheeseburger taste.
Shredded Lettuce – Adds a cool, crunchy freshness to balance the savory elements.
Dill Pickles – Brings a briny, tangy pop that cuts through the richness.
White Onion – Finely diced for a classic Big Mac bite.
Big Mac Sauce (mayo, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar) – Creamy, sweet, tangy and absolutely essential.
Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the beef.

How To Make the Big Mac Smash Burger Taco

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon mustard, and a splash of white vinegar. Stir until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Shape the Beef

Take small handfuls (about 2 oz) of ground beef and roll into loose balls. No need to overwork the meat.

Step 3: Smash & Sear

Heat your skillet over medium-high. Place a tortilla down, then top with a beef ball. Smash the beef thin with a burger press or spatula. Let it sear for 2–3 minutes until browned and crispy. Flip and cook 1 more minute.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Immediately add a slice or sprinkle of cheddar over the hot beef. Cover with a lid for 30 seconds to help it melt.

Step 5: Build the Taco

Remove the taco from the skillet. Add shredded lettuce, diced onion, pickle slices, and a generous drizzle of Big Mac sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with extra sauce on the side and napkins nearby. These get devoured fast.

Serving and Storing Your Big Mac Smash Burger Taco

These tacos are best served immediately while the tortillas are still crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey. Pair them with a side of seasoned fries, tater tots, or a fresh pickle spear for the full diner-style experience.

If you’re making a batch ahead of time, keep the cooked beef-tortilla base warm in the oven at 200°F, then assemble with toppings just before serving to avoid sogginess.

To store leftovers, refrigerate the components separately. Store the smashed beef-tortilla bases in an airtight container, and keep the toppings and sauce in their own containers. Reheat the taco base in a skillet or oven to revive the crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the tortilla from getting soggy?

Make sure the skillet is hot enough before placing the tortilla. Searing the beef directly onto the tortilla helps it stay crispy and prevents excess moisture from soaking in.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

You can, but flour tortillas hold up better and crisp more evenly for this recipe. Corn tends to crack under the pressure of the smash.

What’s the best beef blend to use?

An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal—juicy enough to sear well without drying out.

Can I make these tacos without a burger press?

Yes! Use a sturdy spatula or even the bottom of a small pan to smash the beef onto the tortilla.

Is the sauce really like Big Mac sauce?

Very close! It has that creamy, tangy, sweet profile. You can tweak ingredients to your preference, like adding more relish or using smoked paprika.

How do I make it spicy?

Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the taco or blend some heat into the Big Mac sauce.

Want More Taco-Inspired Ideas?

If you’re loving these Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos, your next crave-worthy favorite is just a click away. Here are a few other recipes you should absolutely try:

Chicken Street Tacos – A classic take packed with zesty flavor and fresh toppings.
Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso – Perfect as a dip or a drizzle over tacos.
Spicy Ranch Taco Dip – An easy make-ahead option for game night.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps – For those who love garlic and gooey cheese.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce – Because crispy is always a good idea.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Big Mac Smash Burger Taco to your Pinterest board so you can find it again when the cravings hit: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

Let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you spice it up? Try a different protein? I love hearing your variations and kitchen wins. Ask any questions, too—let’s cook smarter together.