Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Mac Tacos are the perfect mash-up of two comfort food favorites — the iconic McDonald’s Big Mac and classic tacos. This viral recipe took social media by storm for a reason: it’s juicy, cheesy, tangy, and unbelievably easy to make. Instead of buns, mini tortillas hold seasoned smashed beef patties, melted cheese, and all the classic Big Mac toppings — pickles, lettuce, onions, and that famous “special sauce.” I tried this recipe once with toasted tortillas for extra crunch, and it was a total game-changer. Whether you’re cooking for a quick dinner, a party, or just craving a fun twist on a fast-food favorite, these Big Mac Tacos are guaranteed to hit the spot.
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Big Mac Tacos – The Viral Smash Burger Meets Taco Fusion
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Diet: Halal
Description
Big Mac Tacos are a fun and delicious twist on the classic McDonald’s burger — featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, and Big Mac sauce all wrapped in a soft tortilla shell.
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 6 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking oil spray
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all Big Mac sauce ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Lightly oil a non-stick pan and place one tortilla inside. Spread a thin layer of cooked beef evenly on the tortilla, pressing it down slightly with a spatula.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, then flip the tortilla beef-side down to sear for 30 seconds. Remove and top the beef side with a slice of cheese.
- Repeat for all tortillas.
- Assemble tacos: add shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and onions on top of the melted cheese.
- Drizzle generously with Big Mac sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that burger bun feel.
- Fold and serve warm.
Notes
- You can toast the tortillas lightly before adding the beef for extra crispiness.
- Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter version.
- Customize toppings with tomatoes or jalapeños for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef (80/20) – Juicy and flavorful, perfect for smashing into thin patties.
Mini flour tortillas – Act as the “bun,” holding all the delicious Big Mac ingredients.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning to bring out the beef flavor.
American cheese slices – Classic melty cheese that gives authentic Big Mac vibes.
Lettuce – Shredded, for that fresh crunch.
Pickles – Diced or sliced for a tangy bite in every taco.
Onion – Finely chopped for the perfect Big Mac texture.
Big Mac sauce – The star condiment made from mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, paprika, and onion powder.
Sesame seeds (optional) – Sprinkle on top of tortillas before cooking for a true Big Mac look.
Directions
Start by preparing the Big Mac sauce: in a bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon sweet relish, a splash of white vinegar, and a pinch each of paprika and onion powder. Chill in the fridge while you make the tacos.
Divide the ground beef into small balls (about 2 ounces each). Place a tortilla on a flat surface, then press a beef ball directly onto it, flattening it evenly to the edges with your hand or spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla beef-side down and smash slightly to ensure good contact with the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until browned and crispy, then flip. Place a slice of American cheese on the cooked beef side and let it melt while the tortilla warms and toasts.
Remove from the pan and assemble: top each taco with shredded lettuce, chopped onions, diced pickles, and a drizzle of Big Mac sauce. For the final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on the tortillas before cooking for that iconic burger aesthetic.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 tacos. Prep time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 15 minutes, making it a quick 25-minute meal.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover components separately — cooked beef, sauce, and toppings — in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef on a skillet before assembling fresh tacos. Avoid storing fully assembled tacos to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Big Mac tacos – Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the special sauce for a fiery kick.
Double-stack version – Layer two tortillas and double the meat and cheese for a monster taco.
Chicken Big Mac tacos – Swap beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Low-carb option – Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Loaded Big Mac nachos – Cut tortillas into chips, top with smashed beef, cheese, and all the toppings for a crowd-pleaser.
Vegan version – Use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese, plus dairy-free mayo in the sauce.
BBQ twist – Add a smoky BBQ drizzle with the sauce for an extra tangy flavor layer.
Crispy tortilla version – Toast tortillas in the oven or on a griddle until golden for crunchier bites.
FAQs
What are Big Mac Tacos?
They’re a viral fusion dish that combines the flavor of a Big Mac with the handheld fun of tacos.
Do I cook the beef directly on the tortilla?
Yes! That’s what gives it the signature “smash” effect — the beef bonds with the tortilla while crisping up perfectly.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
You can cook the beef separately and then assemble, but a skillet gives the best sear and texture.
What’s in Big Mac sauce?
A mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, paprika, and onion powder — creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas work best for flexibility, but corn can be used if you prefer a different texture.
How can I make them healthier?
Use lean beef, light mayo for the sauce, and whole-wheat tortillas.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Classic American cheese melts best, but cheddar or Colby Jack also work.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and toppings in advance, but cook the tacos fresh for the best texture.
Can I add bacon?
Yes — crispy bacon bits take these tacos to another level.
Are these freezer-friendly?
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, as the tortillas and toppings don’t freeze well.
Conclusion
Big Mac Tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser — crispy, cheesy, and loaded with that classic fast-food flavor in a fun, handheld form. The juicy beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and creamy sauce all come together in perfect harmony. I especially loved how quick and customizable this recipe was — ideal for weeknight dinners or game-day parties. Whether you’re a Big Mac lover or a taco fanatic, this viral recipe brings the best of both worlds straight to your table in just 25 minutes.
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