One lovely Saturday, my friend Emma decided to make Big Mac Tacos for her family’s dinner. While putting together the tacos, her curious cat jumped onto the kitchen counter and looked at the juicy beef and crunchy lettuce.
He (the cat) grabbed Emma’s taco in a split second and ran away! Emma ran after him, laughing, but he was too quick. He rushed beneath the couch, taco in mouth, and ate his prize.
The family burst out laughing at the sight of their cheeky cat enjoying his Big Mac Smash Tacos dinner. He was thus named the Taco Thief, and Emma made sure to save him his special taco (without the special sauce, of course!).
The moral of the story? Even cats can’t resist the appealing taste of a Big Mac taco burger.
Why is it called “Big Mac tacos”?
The name “Big Mac Tacos” is a thrilling combination of the traditional Mexican taco concept and the iconic ingredients of the McDonald’s Smash burger. Instead of the usual taco ingredients such as ground beef, chicken, or beans, this recipe uses the main features of Big Mac Smash Burgers:
- Two all-beef patties seasoned with taco spices
- Special sauce (a tangy, creamy condiment)
- Lettuce.
- Cheese (American or cheddar works too)
- Pickles (thinly sliced dill pickles provide a pleasant crunch)
Wrapping these items in a taco shell creates a fascinating fusion dish—a taco and a classic Big Mac in one! The name “Big Mac Smashed Tacos” represents the vibe of this creative fusion. I usually call it “the naughty fork Big Mac smash tacos.”
But don’t stop there—elevate your taco experience with our Garlic Lime Sauce, a zesty and refreshing sauce perfect for topping. If you’re looking for some new side dish ideas, check out our list of “21 Side Dishes for Tacos Besides Rice and Beans.” Plus, learn how to make Homemade Taco Sauce from scratch to add an extra layer of flavor to your tacos.
History:
- The concept of placing formed ground beef in a tortilla dates back to the early 1900s.
- The first stateside recipes for tacos that we know of need frying. One hails from the California Mexican-Spanish Cookbook by Bertha Hafner Ginger. Published in 1914.
- The Pattie Beef Taco at Micha’s in Tucson, Arizona, has been on the menu since cofounder Artemisa “Micha” Mariscal opened the restaurant in 1976.
- Closer to Texas, there are taco burgers and tortilla burgers at New Mexico Beef.
- In April 2022, a mother-and-son duo, Cecilia and Adan Pacheco, started serving smash burgers, tacos with silky barbacoa, and smash burgers with chorizo mixed into the ground beef patties at their pop-up restaurant, Pacheco Taco N Burger, in Grand Prairie.
Let’s jump to the recipe for Big Mac tacos.
Ingredients:
For Big Mac Smash Tacos:
Lean ground beef or any other ground meat 1 pound
Kosher salt to taste
black pepper powder to taste
Ketchup (if you like ketchup, you can add it to the sauce) 3 tablespoons
Tortillas 12
cheddar cheese/American cheese slices, 8 ounces
Chopped tomatoes for topping
Shredded lettuce for topping
For Big Mac Taco Sauce:
Mayonnaise 1 tbsp
Chopped pickle/Sweet pickle relish one teaspoon.
Mustard 1 tbsp
White vinegar 1 1 teaspoon
Sweet paprika 1 teaspoon
Onion powder 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
White pepper powder 1 teaspoon
Directions:
For Sauce:
- Add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, sweet paprika, white vinegar, garlic powder, and white pepper powder to a small bowl. You’ll get a beautiful, heaven-like-tasting sauce.
Big Mac Smash Burger Recipe:
- First of all, grate the cheddar cheese, or you can use slices if you prefer.
- Chop tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, and pickles or relish ready for toppings.
- Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
- Take handfuls or small beef balls and smash them onto the tortillas. Although the meat is already seasoned with salt and pepper, you can add more seasoning to the beef when smashing it on the tortillas if you prefer spicy tacos.
- Heat some olive oil in a pan. Throw the beef tortillas with the beef side down onto the pan to cook. Remember to keep the heat from medium-high so that the beef cooks.
- Once the beef is cooked, flip the tortillas over and add a slice of American cheese on top. Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt-it will take a minute or two.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the tortillas from the pan.
- Apply a thin layer of mayo mustard sauce to the tacos. Top with your favorite burger toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, and pickled relish.
- Arrange the tacos on a serving platter and serve them immediately.
- You will love this recipe.
"You don't want to eat cold tacos. LOL."
Kitchen hacks:
Here are some kitchen techniques that will help you create Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos like a pro.
- Big Mac tortilla hack: To warm taco shells, wrap them in a wet paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This makes them softer and also easier to fold.
- Special Sauce Shortcut: Substitute store-bought Thousand Island dressing for special sauce. It’s a close match!
- Beef Browning Hack: To avoid sticking, add a small amount of oil to the pan before browning the beef. Also, break up the steak into tiny bits with a potato masher.
- Lettuce Freshness Tip: Put lettuce in a jar with a lid and cover it with a paper towel. This will keep it crispy.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the taco and toast for a few seconds to melt and crisp.
- Pickle Perfection: Slice pickles using a mandolin or sharp knife to ensure fair distribution in each taco.
- Onion Efficiency: Dice onions using a small food processor or chopper, saving time and effort.
- Taco Holder Hack: Use a tiny metal or silicone taco holder. This keeps the shells upright and steady during filling.
- Leftover Magic: Turn leftover taco ingredients into a Big Mac-inspired salad. You can also wrap for a quick and easy next-day meal.
These tricks will help you speed up the Bigmac Tacos-making process. You will have a delicious and stress-free kitchen experience.
FAQ’s:
Q: How to make big mac tacos on Blackstone?
A: It’s easier than you think. Cook the beef and tortillas on the griddle. The crispy, caramelized crust is out of this world. You can also use an air fryer.
Q: Can I use store-bought taco seasoning for the beef?
A: You can. Also, you can make your spice combination with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt.
Q: How do you store leftover tacos?
A: Keep them in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container.
Q: Can I make Tacos in advance?
A: Yes. For the best flavor and texture, make the beef and special sauce in advance. Assemble the tacos right before serving.
Big Mac Taco Calories:
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Calories | 540 |
| Total Fat | 34g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 1040mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 25g |
Based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily consumption may vary depending on your calorie needs.
Please note that this is just an estimate. Actual values can be different.
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