These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are a fun twist on the classic Big Mac! Juicy burger patties are nestled in warm tortillas, topped with cheese, lettuce, and a special sauce that brings it all together.
How cool is it to eat a burger in taco form? It’s like the best of both worlds. I love serving these up at parties—everyone smiles when they see them! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend an 80/20 blend for juiciness. However, you can use leaner beef or even ground turkey if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just remember, the less fat, the less juicy your taco may be.
Cheese: American cheese is traditional here because it melts perfectly. If you prefer a different cheese, try cheddar or pepper jack for a little heat!
Tortillas: Use flour or corn tortillas based on your preference. If you want a low-carb option, you could also use lettuce wraps instead.
Special Sauce: If you don’t have all the ingredients for the Big Mac sauce, some folks use store-bought Thousand Island dressing or just mayo mixed with ketchup. Either is a quick solution!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash Burger Patties?
The key to great smash burgers is high heat and quick cooking. First, make sure your skillet is really hot before adding your meat. This helps form a nice crust.
- Form loose balls of meat and smash them down immediately — don’t be shy!
- Don’t flip too soon; let them cook until the edges are crispy for that juicy scoop.
- After flipping, add cheese quickly so it melts while the patty finishes cooking.
These little tips will help ensure your patties are both crispy and juicy! Enjoy those taco vibes!
Easy Smash Burger Tacos Inspired by Big Mac
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 8 dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing or special sauce (see below)
Special Sauce (Big Mac style):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing up the special sauce, then cooking the patties and assembling your delicious tacos. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the tacos to let the flavors meld together.
2. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot—this is key for that crispy edge! Divide your ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each) and roll them loosely into balls. Place each ball onto the hot skillet and immediately smash it down with a spatula to form thin patties (don’t be shy!). Season each patty with salt and pepper. Cook without moving them for about 2 minutes until the edges are brown and crispy. Flip the patties, place a slice of cheese on each one, and cook for another minute until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and keep warm.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While your burgers are cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet or by carefully warming them directly over a gas flame for just a few seconds on each side until they’re warm and pliable. Just be careful not to burn them!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Take each tortilla and spread about 1 tablespoon of the special sauce onto it. Place one cheesy smash burger patty onto each tortilla. Top them off with shredded lettuce, chopped onions, and 1-2 dill pickle slices. If you like extra sauce, drizzle on some more for added goodness!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos immediately while they’re warm for the best flavor and texture. These Easy Smash Burger Tacos are ready to enjoy with all those cheesy and tangy Big Mac vibes. Dig in!
FAQ for Easy Smash Burger Tacos Inspired by Big Mac
Can I Use Leaner Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use leaner beef if you prefer, but keep in mind that an 80/20 blend provides the best juiciness and flavor. If you choose to go leaner, consider adding a little olive oil to keep the patties moist while cooking.
How Can I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers. The taco filling can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the tortillas should be stored in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. When ready to enjoy, reheat the filling in a skillet and warm the tortillas before assembling again.
What Tortilla Options Can I Use?
You can use either flour or corn tortillas based on your preference. If you want a healthier option, feel free to use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb alternative!
Can I Make This Recipe Without the Special Sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or ingredients, you can simply use store-bought Thousand Island dressing or even ketchup and mayo as a quick substitute. However, the special sauce adds a unique flavor that really enhances the dish!
