Name: The Ultimate Big Mac Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 200 g crispy tortilla chips (about 2 cups); 1/2 pound Lean ground beef; 1/2 White onion (diced, about 1/4 cup); 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded); 2 cups head lettuce (shredded); 1/4 cup Dill pickles (sliced); 1/2 cup Big Mac sauce; 1 tsp Sesame seeds

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Move over Taco Tuesday, there’s a new nacho in town, and it’s bringing all the nostalgic fast-food vibes! These Big Mac Nachos are a cheesy, meaty, pickle-y masterpiece inspired by the classic burger we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) crave.

Close-up of a cheeseburger-inspired dish topped with ground beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, diced onions, shredded cheese, and drizzled with creamy sauce.

It’s the ultimate fun twist on nacho night that’s perfect for game day, movie night, or those wild teenage hunger attacks that strike when you least expect it.

Speaking of teens… let me tell you, my boys devour these nachos faster than I can say “pass the dipping sauce.” I swear they’ve turned eating into an Olympic sport.

These Big Mac Nachos are one of our go-to recipes when we’re hosting game night or just trying to feed a crowd without dirtying every dish in the kitchen. (Because let’s be real—teen boys and dishes do not mix.)

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!

A tortilla chip topped with lettuce, onions, and ground beef is dipped in a small bowl of creamy, Big Mac sauce. More nachos with similar toppings are visible in the background.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Big Mac Nachos are everything you love about a burger—savory beef, melty cheese, crunchy lettuce, tangy pickles, and that iconic secret sauce—all piled on top of crispy tortilla chips. It’s a delicious way to enjoy those familiar classic flavors of a Big Mac without having to fire up the grill.

Plus, this easy recipe comes together in about 10-15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime the snack monster strikes. Nachos, but make them burger-style!

A hand holding a tortilla chip topped with ground beef, shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and a drizzle of creamy Big Mac sauce, with more nachos blurred in the background.

Now, I know traditional nachos are usually loaded with salsa, guac, and jalapeños, but this version takes all the classic flavors of a Big Mac and layers them into something that’s crispy, cheesy, and totally irresistible. Even my picky eater (who thinks ketchup is spicy) loves this one.

Six bowls containing nachos, shredded lettuce, cooked ground beef, chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced pickles are arranged on a table, viewed from above.

Ingredients

Each ingredient brings a piece of Big Mac magic to the party:

Crispy tortilla chips – I used stone-ground corn tortilla chips for extra crunch and flavor.
Lean ground beef – Cooked and seasoned to mimic that juicy burger patty.
White onion – Adds a little bite and that signature burger tang.
Cheddar cheese – Melted cheddar cheese is essential for nacho perfection.
Fresh lettuce – Shredded iceberg or romaine for a refreshing crunch.
Dill pickles – Sliced thin so every bite gets that tangy zip. I like to use sweet pickles or our homemade dills.
Big Mac sauce – You can use store-bought or whip up your own special sauce with my homemade high protein Big Mac sauce recipe.
Sesame seeds – Just a sprinkle for that “burger bun” vibe.

A baking tray filled with nachos topped with ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped raw onions, ready to be baked.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet on medium heat, brown the beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper if desired and drain excess grease.
2. Spread a single layer of chips on a large sheet pan.
3. Top with half of the cheddar cheese, then the crumbled beef, diced onions and then the rest of the cheese.

A baking tray filled with tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar cheese, cooked ground beef, and chopped onions, ready to serve.

4. Bake in the oven at 350 for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is all melted.

A tray of nachos topped with ground beef, melted cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, and sliced pickles.

5. Top the baked tortilla chips with lettuce, pickle slices, secret sauce and sesame seeds.

A close-up of loaded nachos topped with ground beef, shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, diced onions, melted cheese, and a drizzle of creamy sauce.

6. Serve with more of that Big Mac sauce for dipping and enjoy!

Close-up of nachos topped with ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and a drizzle of creamy sauce.

Tips & Tricks

Make your own special sauce: Mix mayo, ketchup, relish, white vinegar, a tsp onion powder, tsp garlic powder, and a dash of paprika in a small bowl. Adjust with apple cider vinegar if you like more tang.
Swap proteins: Try ground turkey for a leaner option, or go meatless with crumbled tofu and black beans for vegan Big Mac nachos. Add a dash of soy sauce and nutritional yeast for a meaty texture.
Cheese choices: American cheese slices give an authentic Big Mac feel, but shredded cheddar or vegan cheese alternatives work too.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet to catch the melted cheddar cheese and make cleanup a breeze—especially when feeding ravenous teens.
Air fryer hack: Making a smaller portion? Use your air fryer to melt the cheese and crisp the chips without turning on the oven!

Close-up of a dish topped with ground beef, shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, diced onions, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce, resembling the toppings of a cheeseburger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Big Mac Nachos dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan cheese and dairy-free Big Mac sauce (sub with vegan mayo) for a dairy-free version that still brings all the flavor.

What kind of pickles work best?
Dill pickles are a must for that authentic Big Mac flavor, but feel free to use sweet pickles if that’s your jam (pun intended). Thin slices work better for even topping.

How do I store leftovers?
Honestly, these nachos are best eaten fresh (especially when my teens are around—leftovers are rare). But if you must, store the meat separately and reheat before layering fresh chips, lettuce, and sauce. Avoid storing already-assembled nachos or you’ll get soggy sadness.

A close-up of nachos topped with ground beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, diced onions, melted cheese, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of creamy sauce.

So next time your family’s craving fast food – or just something a little outrageous for dinner – ditch the drive-thru and whip up these Big Mac Nachos instead. It’s the easy recipe that satisfies every craving and makes you the snack hero of the house.

More Crave Worthy Big Mac Recipes

A close-up of a nacho chip topped with ground beef, lettuce, and diced onions being dipped into a creamy, orange Big Mac-style sauce. Text overlay reads: big mac nachos recipe homemadheather.com.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go wrestle the last chip away from my brunette boy… wish me luck!

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