Get ready to sink your teeth into the ultimate fusion: Big Mac Tacos! With crispy beef, melty cheese, and that signature Big Mac sauce, these tacos bring the classic burger flavour to a whole new level.
There ain’t no denying – I’m a big mac girl through and through. So, when I first saw these big mac tacos go insanely viral on Tik Tok there was absolutely ZERO question…I just had to make them! Sure, in classic Andrea fashion, it may have taken me a lot longer than the average person to do so… But, once I did, I began to wonder why McDonald’s themselves don’t sell them. Seriously. THAT good!
I’m not really sure how the algorithm works on pretty much any social media platform. As a food blogger and content creator, it can be rather hard not to get wrapped up in all of that stuff. I’ve personally been lucky enough to find ways to not let it bother me one bit because I truly believe there ain’t no rhyme or reason as to why something takes off. It just does. Lol.
Annnnnyways. The algorithm might not be in favour of my content or recipes sometimes and as frustrating as that could be, boy am I ever thankful recipes like these big mac smash tacos are all over the internet and inevitably find their way to me. I just don’t think I can live without these babies from here on out!
So, maybe you’ve seen these big mac tacos before and maybe you haven’t. Maybe you love all things big mac or perhaps you’re just always up for trying a good taco. No matter the case, you’re about to meet your new favourite mashup. Crispy tortilla, juicy beef, melty cheese, crunchy pickles and onions, and that signature irresistible sauce—what’s not to love? They’re easy to make, ridiculously tasty, and honestly, way too fun to eat. Thank you Tik Tok!
INGREDIENTS FOR BIG MAC SMASH TACOS
These big mac tacos are a delicious twist on the iconic Big Mac burger, turning all your favourite flavours into a handheld taco form. Crispy beef, melty cheese, crunchy pickles, diced white onions, shredded lettuce, and tangy Big Mac sauce all come together for a fun and flavourful meal everyone will love. Whether you’re looking to spice up taco night or enjoy a quick and easy meal, these tacos are a game-changer! They’re viral for a reason! Here’s what you’ll need in a little bit more detail:
- Ground Beef: The key to these juicy, flavourful big mac smash tacos is in the beef. We use 80/20 ground beef, which has the right balance of fat for tenderness and flavour. The fat content ensures the beef stays juicy while getting that crispy, caramelized texture when smashed in the pan.
- Flour Tortillas (6-inch): The perfect size for bite-sized tacos. They’re soft enough to fold but sturdy enough to hold all the fillings. You can also swap them for corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option.
- American Cheese: Classic American cheese melts perfectly, giving these tacos that signature Big Mac flavour. Its smooth, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crispy beef, providing that satisfying cheesy goodness in every bite. Although sliced American cheese is truly iconic when it comes to the good ol’ Big Mac, you can use grated cheddar cheese instead, if you prefer.
- Dill Pickles: Add a tangy crunch, just like the pickles on a Big Mac. Their acidity helps cut through the richness of the beef and cheese, balancing the flavours for that perfect bite.
- Shredded Lettuce: Brings a fresh, crisp texture that mimics the crunch of the lettuce in a Big Mac. It adds a light, refreshing element that helps balance out the richness of the other ingredients. Ice berg lettuce works best in this recipe for big mac tacos.
- Onion: A small amount of finely diced onion brings a sweet and slightly sharp bite to these tacos. The onion adds a layer of flavour that complements the beef and Big Mac sauce without overpowering the other ingredients. White onion works best in this recipe.
- Big Mac Sauce: The star of the show! This Big Mac sauce combines mayo, mustard, pickles, and a few other key ingredients for that creamy, tangy flavour we all know and love. It ties the entire taco together, giving it that unmistakable Big Mac taste. Therefore, DO NOT skip it! Check out my recipe for homemade big mac sauce that takes these tacos to the next level!
- Sesame Seeds (not pictured, optional): For an extra crunch and a nod to the classic Big Mac, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the final dish. This optional step adds a delightful touch of flavour and texture, reminiscent of the sesame seed buns from the original burger.
HOW TO MAKE BIG MAC TACOS (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make these Tik Tok viral big mac smash tacos in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use the right beef. For juicy, flavourful tacos, go with 80/20 ground beef. The fat content keeps the beef moist and allows it to crisp up nicely when smashed in the pan. Avoid leaner beef, as it may dry out.
- Use the right size tortillas. Make sure to use 6-inch tortillas for the perfect bite-sized tacos. If the tortillas are too large, the fillings may spill out, and too small might make it hard to fold. The 6-inch size provides the ideal ratio of filling to tortilla for a well-balanced taco.
- When pressing the beef into the tortillas, make sure to smash it down evenly. This ensures the beef cooks uniformly and crisps up perfectly, giving you that deliciously caramelized texture that’s key to these tacos.
- THINLY shred the lettuce. For the perfect big mac crunch and texture, thinly shred the lettuce. This makes it easier to layer inside the tacos and ensures each bite has that light, crisp freshness without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Use the right cheese. American cheese is key here—its melting properties give that creamy, gooey texture that’s perfect for these tacos. If you use a different cheese, it may not melt the same way, altering the flavour and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. When cooking the smash tacos, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This will allow the beef to crisp up properly. If necessary, cook the tacos in batches, giving each one enough room to get crispy. EXTRA TIP: Make sure the pan is hot enough before beginning!
- Get the tortillas crispy. To achieve that signature taco crunch, make sure the tortillas cook long enough on the beef side to get crispy. Press them down with a spatula while cooking to help them crisp evenly. EXTRA TIP: Spray them with a little bit of cooking spray before flipping!
- Melt the cheese quickly. As soon as you flip the taco, place the cheese on top of the hot beef so it melts faster. You want that cheesy goodness to blend seamlessly with the beef.
- Add the sauce last. To keep the tacos from getting soggy, drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the top right before serving. This prevents the sauce from soaking into the tortilla while it’s cooking.
- Don’t skip the sesame seeds. Although optional, if you’re looking for that true Big Mac vibe, don’t skip the sesame seeds! Toast them lightly in a pan before sprinkling them on the tortillas for a slight crunch and added flavour.
- Keep the toppings fresh. Shredded lettuce, white onion, and dill pickles should be added just before serving to keep their texture crisp and refreshing. Don’t overload the tacos with too many toppings, as it can overpower the other flavours and/or become soggy.
- To get the perfect pig mac taco, don’t skip any of the key components. The Big Mac sauce, pickles, lettuce, onions, or sesame seeds. Each ingredient plays an important role in capturing that signature Big Mac flavour, and skipping any could throw off the balance!
- Serve immediately. These big mac tacos are best served fresh while the tortillas are still warm and crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted. Serve them immediately for the best experience!
- Experiment with sides. Pair these tacos with some fun sides like crispy fries or a side salad to complete the meal. The crispy crunch of fries or the fresh, light salad contrasts perfectly with the rich, cheesy tacos.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can put raw meat on a tortilla and cook it, and that’s exactly what makes big mac tacos so unique! By pressing the ground beef directly onto the tortilla before cooking, you allow it to smash and crisp up against the hot pan while the tortilla gets lightly toasted on the other side. This method ensures the beef stays juicy while developing a delicious caramelized crust. Just be sure to press the meat evenly so it cooks through properly, and always use a hot skillet to get that perfect smash burger texture. It’s a fun and efficient way to cook both the beef and tortilla at the same time—no extra steps needed!
Big Mac-style sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet burger sauce that brings the classic fast-food flavour to homemade recipes. It’s made with a blend of mayo, mustard, pickles, vinegar, and seasonings for that signature taste. It pairs perfectly with burgers, fries, and of course, these viral big mac tacos!
Want the best version? Check out my full recipe for homemade big mac sauce.
To keep big mac tacos warm before serving, place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to eat. This keeps the tortillas crisp and the beef warm without drying them out. If you’re making a big batch, you can also loosely tent them with foil, but don’t cover them too tightly or they might get soggy. For the best results, add fresh toppings like lettuce and pickles just before serving to keep everything crisp and flavourful.
Big mac tacos pair well with classic fast-food-inspired sides like crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad for balance. If you want to keep things low-carb, try serving them with coleslaw or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. And of course, don’t forget a side of extra big mac sauce for dipping—because more sauce is always a good idea!
Yes, you can reheat smash burger tacos, but to maintain their crispy texture, it’s important to avoid using the microwave. Instead, preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the tacos for about 5–7 minutes. This helps restore the crispiness of the tortillas and beef. If you prefer, you can reheat the beef separately in a skillet and then assemble the tacos with fresh toppings to get the best results. Just remember, reheating them this way ensures they stay close to their original texture, making them just as delicious as when they were first made!
LOVE TIK TOK VIRAL RECIPES? Try my version of the viral tik tok smashed potatoes next!
MORE TASTY RECIPES USING GROUND BEEF
15 MINUTE KOREAN BBQ BEEF BOWLS
EASY HOMEMADE BEEF BURGER PATTIES
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
BIG MAC TACOS
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 6 6-inch Flour Tortillas
- 1 small White Onion finely diced
- 1 cup Iceberg Lettuce shredded
- ½ cup Dill Pickles sliced thin
- 6 slices American Cheese
- 1 batch Homemade Big Mac Sauce
- White Sesame Seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, make the big mac sauce according to this recipe.
- Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions.
- Form the beef into small balls or cubes and place one on the center of each tortilla.
- Using a spoon, your fingers, or the palms of your hands, spread it into a thin layer, covering most of the surface. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot enough, place the beef-side-down tortillas onto the hot pan and press them down with a spatula. Let them cook for about 3 minutes until the beef is crispy and caramelized.
- Spray the top of the tortilla with a bit of cooking spray. Flip the taco so the tortilla side is now on the pan. Immediately add a slice of American cheese to each taco and let it melt while the tortilla crisps up (about 30-60 seconds). Be careful the bottom doesn't burn.
- Remove from the pan and top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a couple of pickle slices. Drizzle generously with the Big Mac sauce. Sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top, if desired. Serve hot with extra Big Mac sauce on the side for dipping.
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Nutrition
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