Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos)

Big Mac Tacos, also known as Smash Burger Tacos, are a delicious twist on the classic Big Mac. This viral TikTok recipe combines all the familiar flavors of a Big Mac – seasoned beef, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions – and wraps them in a crispy taco shell. It’s the perfect fusion of fast food and taco night, and a fun, flavorful treat for any crowd.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 packet of taco seasoning (or your favorite homemade seasoning)

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 8 taco shells (hard or soft)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded lettuce

  • ½ cup diced pickles

  • ½ cup diced onions

  • ½ cup Big Mac special sauce (recipe below)

Big Mac Special Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp French dressing

  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish

  • 1 tsp white vinegar

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

Directions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, French dressing, pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.

  2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook according to package instructions.

  3. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the taco shells in the oven or microwave. Once warm, fill each taco shell with a generous amount of the seasoned beef. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and onions.

  4. Add the Sauce: Drizzle the Big Mac special sauce over the taco fillings.

  5. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients

  • Calories: 330 kcal per taco (varies depending on ingredients and serving sizes)

  • Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Protein: 20g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

  • Cholesterol: 50mg

  • Sodium: 600mg

  • Potassium: 350mg

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 3g

  • Vitamin A: 160 IU

  • Vitamin C: 2mg

  • Calcium: 150mg

  • Iron: 2mg

The Big Mac: A Classic Fast Food Favorite

The Big Mac, first introduced by McDonald’s in 1968, has become one of the most iconic fast-food burgers of all time. Its combination of seasoned beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce between three soft sesame seed buns has captured the hearts (and appetites) of millions. Over the years, the Big Mac has remained a staple of the fast-food menu, known for its distinctive layers and mouthwatering combination of flavors. The Big Mac’s appeal lies in its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy elements, making it a favorite for those craving something satisfying and familiar.

When the Big Mac is transformed into a taco, it brings a whole new level of excitement to taco night. The fusion of these two beloved foods creates a dish that is both nostalgic and innovative, offering the best of both worlds. The seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce come together in a crispy taco shell, providing a unique twist on a classic. Whether you’re a Big Mac enthusiast or just a fan of tacos, this recipe combines the flavors you know and love with the fun and versatility of tacos.

The Special Sauce: The Heart of the Big Mac Experience

One of the key components of the Big Mac is its special sauce, which gives the burger its signature flavor. The Big Mac Special Sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that combines mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices. The sauce is what sets the Big Mac apart from other fast-food burgers, and when used in Big Mac Tacos, it plays a critical role in delivering that unmistakable flavor.

The special sauce adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the seasoned beef and vegetables, tying all the ingredients together. The balance of flavors—creamy mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, sweet pickle relish, and savory spices—mimics the sauce found in the original Big Mac, ensuring that these tacos retain the classic taste. You can easily whip up the Big Mac Special Sauce at home, as the ingredients are simple and readily available in most kitchens. This homemade version of the sauce ensures that you get the authentic Big Mac flavor while also customizing it to your taste. Adding the special sauce to the tacos not only brings the flavors of the Big Mac to life but also elevates the overall dish, making each bite irresistible.

The Seasoned Beef: The Savory Foundation of the Tacos

The beef in Big Mac Tacos is seasoned with taco seasoning, which gives it a flavorful, slightly spicy kick. Ground beef is the base of the tacos, providing a hearty and savory foundation that complements the other ingredients. By browning the beef and adding taco seasoning, you create a rich, flavorful filling that works perfectly with the freshness of the lettuce, the tanginess of the pickles, and the sweetness of the special sauce. The taco seasoning blends beautifully with the beef, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

In addition to the taco seasoning, the beef in Big Mac Tacos takes on the same savory umami flavor found in the Big Mac, making it a satisfying filling for the taco shells. The seasoned beef becomes the heart of the dish, offering a delicious and juicy bite that pairs perfectly with the crunchy taco shell and creamy sauce. If you prefer a leaner alternative, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef, allowing you to adjust the dish to suit your dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

The Fresh Toppings: Lettuce, Pickles, and Onions

Toppings play a significant role in the flavor and texture of Big Mac Tacos. Just like the Big Mac, these tacos feature fresh lettuce, pickles, and onions, which bring a burst of freshness and crunch to the dish. The shredded lettuce adds a cool, crisp element that balances out the richness of the beef and the creamy sauce. The diced pickles offer a tangy, briny contrast that cuts through the richness, while the onions add a sharp bite that enhances the overall flavor.

The freshness of these ingredients helps to balance out the savory and spicy elements, providing a refreshing contrast to the seasoned beef and creamy sauce. Additionally, the combination of textures—from the crunch of the lettuce and pickles to the soft beef and taco shell—creates a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps each bite interesting. You can adjust the amount of each topping based on your preferences, adding more lettuce for crunch or extra pickles for an added tang.

The Taco Shell: A Crispy Vessel for the Flavors

The taco shell is the vessel that holds all the delicious fillings, and in Big Mac Tacos, it plays an important role in providing texture. The crispy shell provides a satisfying crunch with each bite, which contrasts nicely with the softness of the beef and the creaminess of the special sauce. While traditional soft flour tortillas can be used, the crispy taco shells create a more substantial bite and give the dish an added crunch that enhances the overall eating experience. The shell also acts as a barrier, preventing the sauce and fillings from spilling out, making it easier to enjoy each taco without any mess.

The taco shell also provides the perfect balance to the other ingredients. The richness of the beef and the creaminess of the sauce are balanced by the crispness of the shell, creating a contrast of textures that makes Big Mac Tacos so appealing. Whether you opt for hard or soft shells, the taco shell completes the dish, offering a satisfying crunch or softness that enhances the experience of eating the Big Mac Tacos.

The Viral TikTok Sensation

Big Mac Tacos gained viral status on TikTok, where food trends quickly become internet sensations. TikTok’s short-form video format made it easy for home cooks and food enthusiasts to share their take on the recipe, and the creative twist on the classic Big Mac quickly caught the attention of millions. The appeal of Big Mac Tacos lies in their fun and approachable nature, as well as their ability to combine the flavors of fast food with the familiar comfort of tacos. The recipe is simple to make and offers a creative way to enjoy the flavors of the Big Mac in a new format, making it the perfect dish to share with friends and family.

The viral nature of this recipe has inspired countless variations, with some people adding extra ingredients like bacon, tomatoes, or even jalapeños to further customize their Big Mac Tacos. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or experiment with new ones, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to your own tastes.

Why Big Mac Tacos Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Big Mac Tacos are the perfect dish for a variety of occasions. They are ideal for casual family dinners, taco nights, or parties where you want to serve something fun and creative. The recipe is easy to prepare, and the tacos can be assembled quickly, making them a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. The combination of familiar fast-food flavors in a taco format makes Big Mac Tacos a crowd-pleaser that is sure to satisfy a wide range of tastes. They’re also customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, whether you want to add extra cheese, make them spicier, or incorporate other toppings.

In addition to being a hit at casual get-togethers, Big Mac Tacos can also be served at larger gatherings like game days or potlucks. They’re easy to make in large batches, ensuring that there’s enough to go around, and they can be served with a variety of sides, such as chips, salsa, or guacamole, to complete the meal. The versatility of Big Mac Tacos makes them suitable for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a small group or a crowd.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Big Mac Tacos are a creative and delicious fusion of fast food and taco night, offering a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Big Mac. With seasoned beef, fresh toppings, and the signature Big Mac special sauce, these tacos provide all the familiar flavors of the iconic burger in a new format. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a taco night, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac, these tacos are sure to be a hit. The viral TikTok trend has made Big Mac Tacos a favorite among food enthusiasts, and their easy preparation and customizable ingredients make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and experience the delicious fusion of fast food and tacos that everyone is talking about!

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