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Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos (Viral Recipe)

If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately (or, you know, your teen’s TikTok feed), chances are you’ve seen the big mac smash burger tacos trend blow up. Let me tell you—after one bite of these viral tacos, I totally understood the hype.

A plate with a tortilla topped with cooked ground beef, shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, melted cheese, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. The dish is garnished with herbs and surrounded by a jar of pickles and a doily.

This isn’t just an easy dinner recipe, it’s a fun, hands-on, crispy, melty, saucy experience that my whole family is obsessed with.

And when I say the boys devour these, I mean I’ve had to double and triple the recipe since they invited their friends over for “just a bite” and then wiped out the entire first batch.

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the flavors of your favorite McDonald’s burger but want something homemade, this Big Mac taco recipe is your dream come true. You get the crispy tortilla side, a juicy beef side, and that ooey-gooey cheese melt all in one bite.

These taco burgers are the perfect fun twist for parties, quick weeknight dinners, or even feeding a crew of always-hungry teens. They’re quick to whip up, wildly delicious, and honestly… kind of addictive.

Plus, it’s way more satisfying than hitting the drive-thru for the fast food version.

A plate with a tortilla topped with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, shredded cheese, and drizzled with a creamy sauce. The dish is placed on a light wooden table.

These smash big mac tacos have become our new Taco Tuesday ritual and I’m not even mad about it. It’s fast food meets family fun, and you can totally customize them with your favorite burger toppings (or whatever you’ve got in the fridge).

Here’s everything you need to make your own delicious Big Mac tacos at home – and trust me, this will taste better than the real thing.

Ingredients for a dish displayed on a table: ground beef in a bowl, lettuce in another bowl, slices of cheddar cheese, tortillas, sliced pickles, and a small bowl labeled Big Mac Sauce.

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef – for juicy beef patties that crisp up just right.
  • Small round flour tortillas – perfect for folding into taco form and just the perfect size.
  • Lettuce, sliced thinly – crunchy iceberg lettuce gives that classic burger feel but I often use romaine.
  • Slices of processed cheese – a slice of cheddar cheese or American cheese for that melty cheese moment, a must!
  • Big Mac sauce – use my delicious homemade Big Mac sauce or try my higher protein version
  • Small white onion, diced – optional, but adds flavour (especially if you’re team onion like me).
  • Sweet pickles – or swap for dill pickles or pickle slices if that’s your vibe.
  • Sesame seeds – totally optional, but gives that classic Big Mac bun punch.
A tortilla on a wooden board with a sheet of parchment paper underneath. Raw ground meat is placed at the center of the tortilla. A white spatula and a bowl of more ground meat are visible in the background.

How to Make Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos

1. Preheat a hot griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and grab your trusty burger press (or a spatula if you’re old school like me).

2. Divide your ground beef into equal portions – about 2 oz each. Roll into balls and season with salt and pepper.

Raw ground meat spread evenly over a round pizza dough on parchment paper, placed on a wooden cutting board. A portion of a mixing bowl is visible in the upper corner.

3. Place a ball onto one flour tortilla, cover with parchment paper or wax paper and pat down and around until the tortilla is evenly covered in beef.

4. Place the tortilla meat side down on the hot pan.

5. Let the meat mixture cook for 1-2 minutes until crispy, pressing down with the spatula.

6. Flip carefully so it’s tortilla side down.

A plate with a flatbread topped with ground meat and a slice of American cheese. Nearby are a bowl of shredded lettuce, a stack of tortillas, and a small bowl of pickles on a wooden surface with a lace doily.

7. Add a slice of cheese to the beef side, cover if needed to help the cheese melt, and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.

8. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining burger patties.

A flat taco with ground meat, melted cheese, pickles, and sauce drizzled on top sits on a speckled plate. A bowl of lettuce, a stack of tortillas, and a small bowl of sliced pickles are nearby on a wooden surface with a lace doily.

9. Top with shredded lettuce, onion, special sauce, and sweet relish or pickles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds that perfect burger aesthetic.

Close-up of a hand holding a taco filled with refried beans, lettuce, melted cheese, and sauce in a crispy shell. A plate with taco ingredients such as lettuce and cheese is blurred in the background.

10. Fold into a taco and devour! Serve with french fries if you’re going full dinner mode.

A plate with a flatbread topped with ground meat, lettuce, pickles, and a creamy sauce. A jar of pickles, sauce, and a round tortilla are visible in the background on a wooden table with a lace doily.

Tips for the best Big Mac Smash Tacos

  • Preheat your pan well – A hot pan is key to getting that beautiful sear and crispy crispy tortillas.
  • Use a burger press – It makes getting that thin layer of beef super easy, and helps with even cooking.
  • Customize your toppings – From yellow mustard to pickle juice, let everyone build their own with their favorite toppings.
  • Try corn tortillas – If you’re feeling adventurous, swap in corn tortillas for a bit of that street taco flair.
  • Store leftovers – If you somehow have extras (ha!), pop them in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer to get them nice and crispy again.
A flatbread topped with beef pieces, shredded lettuce, pickles, and drizzled with creamy sauce. A jar of pickles and a container of sauce are in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Totally! While it won’t be a classic juicy beef patty, ground turkey works great. Just season it well and don’t overcook.

What’s the best cheese to use?
A slice of American cheese is classic, but cheddar cheese or any melted cheese favorite works. Pepper Jack adds a fun kick!

Can I make these ahead of time?
Sort of! Smash the tacos and store them in an airtight container, but save the toppings and sauce until serving. Reheat on a hot griddle or air fryer to crisp up again.

A close-up of a taco filled with ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, and a creamy sauce. A jar of pickles is in the background on a wooden surface.

So, if you’ve been dying to try one of those viral Big Mac tacos and want to impress your family (or just keep your teens from ordering out again), give these smash burgers in taco form a try.

It’s a family favorite in our house! Be sure to check out my Big Mac Salad Recipe and this Big Mac Onion Ring hack too! Or these Greek Smash Tacos, Halibut Fish Tacos or Shrimp Tacos. Nom Nom!

A plate of Big Mac tacos with ground beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, and sauce on a tortilla, topped with drizzled sauce. Text reads: BIG MAC TACOS smash burgers and homemadeheather.com.

If you love this Big Mac Smash Burger Taco recipe, please give it a five star rating by clicking the stars in the recipe card below. Happy smashing, friends!

A hand holds a tortilla filled with ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, and a creamy sauce. A jar of pickles is visible in the background on a wooden surface.

Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos (Viral Recipe)

Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos are more than just a trendy dinner recipe, they're a delicious, hands-on, crispy, melty, saucy experience!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 8 small round flour tortillas
  • 4 cups lettuce sliced thinly
  • 8 slices of Kraft cheese
  • ¼ cup Big Mac sauce
  • ½ small white onion diced, optional
  • ¼ cup sweet pickles optional
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds optional
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat a hot griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and grab a spatula or burger press.
  • Divide your ground beef into equal portions – about 2 oz each. Roll into balls and season with salt and pepper.
  • Place a ball onto one flour tortilla, cover with parchment paper or wax paper and pat down and around until the tortilla is evenly covered in beef.
  • Place the tortilla meat side down on the hot skillet.
  • Let the meat mixture cook for 1-2 minutes until crispy, pressing down with the spatula.
  • Flip carefully so it’s tortilla side down.
  • Add a slice of cheese to the beef side, cover if needed to help the cheese melt, and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining burger patties.
  • Top with shredded lettuce, onion, special sauce, and sweet relish or pickles.
  • Fold into a taco and enjoy!

Notes

  • Makes 8 tacos – 2 per serving.
  • Preheat your pan well – A hot pan is key to getting that beautiful sear and crispy crispy tortillas.
  • Use a burger press – It makes getting that thin layer of beef super easy, and helps with even cooking.
  • Customize your toppings – From yellow mustard to pickle juice, let everyone build their own with their favorite toppings.
  • Try corn tortillas – If you’re feeling adventurous, swap in corn tortillas for a bit of that street taco flair.
  • Store leftovers – If you somehow have extras (ha!), pop them in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer to get them nice and crispy again.

Nutrition

Serving: 4servings | Calories: 559kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 781mg | Potassium: 642mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 430mg | Iron: 6mg
about heather

Hello, I’m Heather!

I'm an active mom of twin boys who is always looking for opportunities to inspire creativity through fun crafts, do-it-yourself projects and delicious recipes. This blog has been an integral part of supporting my little family and I am so grateful to have you become a part of our journey! Let's create together... Read more...

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