I love Mexican fusion food. I was excited to find this Big Mac Smash Tacos recipe. It’s like a Big Mac in taco form. It’s amazing!
This recipe is easy to make at home. You need just a few ingredients and some cooking tricks. You can make these tacos fast and control the ingredients.
These tacos are full of flavor. Each one has about 674 calories, 21g carbs, 27g protein, and 53g fat. The recipe uses 80/20 ground beef for the patties. And the homemade Big Mac Sauce is the best part. You get 1 cup of sauce that lasts up to 2 weeks.
If you like trying new taco recipes, you’ll love these Big Mac Smash Tacos. They’re perfect for anyone who loves copycat recipes or just wants to try something new. So, get ready to make these tasty tacos!
Introduction to Big Mac Tacos
Get ready for a wild ride with Big Mac Tacos! They mix the best of burgers and tacos into one amazing bite.
What Are Big Mac Tacos?
Big Mac Tacos are a fun twist on burgers and tacos. They have a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and tangy sauce in a soft tortilla. It’s a mix that’s making waves online!
Why They’re a Must-Try
If you love burgers and tacos, you’ll adore Big Mac Tacos. They’re easy to make and taste amazing. Plus, they have only 438 calories, so you can enjoy them without feeling bad. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a party food that will wow everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make tasty and easy taco recipes, you need the right stuff. For Big Mac Tacos, you’ll need a few key things. These will make your meal yummy and fun to eat.
For the Taco Shells
Begin with 12 mini flour tortillas or street taco size tortillas. They’re perfect for little hands and mouths. You can also use corn tortillas if you like.
For the Taco Filling
The filling is what makes these tacos special. You’ll need 1 pound of lean ground beef (80/20 blend). This gives the best taste and texture. Also, 12 slices of American cheese are needed to melt over the beef.
Toppings and Extras
Tacos need toppings to be complete. For Big Mac Tacos, you’ll need 2 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce, 12 slices of pickles, and 1/4 cup of chopped onions. Make your own Big Mac sauce with mayonnaise, ketchup, and more. You can also add toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
The Taco Shell: A Perfect Base
The taco shell is key for Big Mac Tacos. It holds all the tasty ingredients together. So, picking the right shell and preparing it well is very important.
Choosing the Right Type of Shell
I like to use small flour tortillas, about 6 inches wide. They’re flexible and fold well. Plus, they’re the right size for easy-to-eat mini tacos.
For gluten-free, corn tortillas are a good choice. They taste different but work well with the smash burger. Just be gentle with them when you’re making your tacos.
Preparing Your Taco Shells
Start by laying tortillas flat. Add seasoned ground beef, almost to the edges. I use 80/20 ground chuck for juicy, tasty patties.
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high. Place tortillas with beef down. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the beef is brown and crispy. Then, flip and cook another 1-2 minutes, until the bottom is golden.
By following these steps for taco shell preparation, you’ll get the perfect base. A soft tortilla and a crispy patty make your tacos irresistible!
Crafting the Smash Burger Filling
Creating the perfect smash burger filling is fun. You can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Or, try plant-based options for a veggie twist.
Seasoning is key for a tasty filling. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite flavors.
Portion Sizing and Cooking Tips
Use 3-ounce portions for your filling. This makes about 8 tacos. Roll out the meat thin for that smash burger feel.
Customizing Your Burger Sauce
A good burger sauce is essential. Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. This combo is tangy and creamy, perfect for your smash burger.
Assembling Your Big Mac Tacos
Now you have everything ready to make your Big Mac Tacos. This is where the magic happens. You get to mix flavors in a special way.
Layering Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
First, cook the beef-topped tortillas in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes. Then, flip them over and add cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. This makes the beef perfect and the cheese holds everything together.
Next, add a lot of homemade Big Mac sauce. This sauce has garlic aioli, Dijon mustard, pickles, and smoked paprika. It makes every bite taste amazing. Add shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickles for that Big Mac taste.
Tips for Easy Assembly
Make assembling easy by having everything ready. Cook the beef, shred the cheese, and chop the lettuce and onions. Have the sauce and pickles ready too. This way, you can make the tacos fast and easy.
For a big batch, use a stovetop griddle. It cooks many tacos at once. This saves time and lets guests add their favorite toppings.
Creative Topping Ideas
When making the perfect Big Mac Taco, your toppings matter a lot. You should use classic burger toppings like lettuce, onions, pickles, and special sauce. But, feel free to add your own special touches too.
Classic Toppings You Can’t Skip
Some toppings are essential for a Big Mac Taco. Shredded lettuce adds a nice crunch. Diced onions give a bit of flavor.
Sliced pickles add a tangy taste. And the special sauce brings it all together. These toppings are the base of your Big Mac Taco.
Unique Topping Combinations
Want to make your tacos even better? Try new topping combinations. Add fresh or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. Sliced avocado or guacamole can add creaminess.
Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack. This way, you can make your tacos just how you like them.
The best thing about Big Mac Tacos is you can make them your own. Whether you stick with classics or try new things, your tacos will be delicious.
Cooking Methods for the Filling
There are a few ways to cook the smash burger filling for your Big Mac Tacos. The most common method is using a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. This way, you get a crispy outside and a juicy inside.
To cook smash burgers on the stove, heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Spray it with olive oil. Then, put your seasoned ground beef on the skillet and press it down with a spatula.
Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Make sure it’s cooked to your liking. Don’t forget to add American cheese on top for that Big Mac taste!
Stovetop Techniques
When cooking smash burgers on the stovetop, keep a few things in mind. First, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meat. This helps create a crispy crust.
Second, press down on the patty with your spatula. This gives it that “smashed” look and cooks it evenly. Lastly, don’t overcrowd the pan. This can make the burgers steam instead of sear.
Grilling for Extra Flavor
Grilling the beef-topped tortillas adds smoky flavor to your Big Mac Tacos. Cook your smash burger patties on the stovetop first. Then, place a tortilla on the grill and add a cooked patty and cheese.
Close the grill lid and let it cook for a minute or two. This will make the tortilla lightly charred and the cheese melted. Just watch out not to overcook the thin patties, as they can dry out fast.
Whether you cook on the stovetop or grill, the key is to work fast and watch the patties closely. With a bit of practice, you’ll make perfectly cooked, juicy burgers for your Big Mac Tacos in no time!
Pairing Your Tacos with Sides
Enjoying Big Mac Tacos is better with the right sides and drinks. I like to add different foods that match the taco’s taste and feel.
Best Side Dishes to Complement Tacos
French fries or tater tots are great with Big Mac Tacos. They’re salty and crunchy, balancing the taco’s rich taste. For a healthier choice, try a side salad or roasted veggies.
A simple salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and light dressing is refreshing. It’s a nice contrast to the tacos.
Drinks That Enhance the Meal
I prefer simple, refreshing drinks with tacos. Iced tea or a cold Mexican soda cleans your palate. For adults, a light beer like a lager or pale ale is good.
These drinks cut through the taco’s richness. They make the meal more enjoyable.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Big Mac Tacos are best fresh, but sometimes leftovers are a must. No problem! You can enjoy them again with the right storage and reheating tips.
How to Store Your Tacos
To keep your Big Mac Tacos fresh, just follow these easy steps:
- Let the tacos cool down to room temperature.
- Wrap each taco in plastic wrap or foil.
- Put the wrapped tacos in a tight container.
- Keep the container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Wrapping each taco keeps the tortillas from getting soggy. An airtight container keeps them fresh and prevents bad smells.
Reheating Tips to Maintain Freshness
Ready to eat your leftover Big Mac Tacos? Here’s how to reheat them right:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take the tacos out of the fridge and unwrap them.
- Put the tacos on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
- Heat the tacos in the oven for 10-15 minutes. They should be hot and tortillas crispy.
- For a quick fix, microwave them for 30-60 seconds. But tortillas might get soft.
By storing and reheating your tacos right, you can enjoy them for days. Just remember to store them well and reheat gently to keep them tasty and crunchy.
Nutritional Information
Big Mac tacos are tasty but we should watch their nutrition. One taco has about 328 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 16 net carbs. The beef and cheese add most calories. The tortilla and toppings add carbs and fiber.
Using 1 lb of lean ground beef, the recipe makes 8 tacos. Each taco has about 470 kcal, 25g of protein, and 33g of total fat. It also has 16g of saturated fat, 96mg of cholesterol, and 1352mg of sodium.
Each taco has 17g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, and 2g of sugar. It also has 640IU of vitamin A, 464mg of calcium, and 2mg of iron.
Caloric Breakdown of Ingredients
Here’s a closer look at the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 383kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
- Sodium: 587mg
- Potassium: 255mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 281IU
- Calcium: 247mg
- Iron: 2mg
Healthier Ingredient Swaps
Want to make Big Mac tacos healthier? Try using leaner ground beef and reduced-fat cheese. You can also swap the tortilla for a lettuce wrap. These changes cut down calories and fat without losing flavor.
Conclusion
Big Mac Tacos have become super popular online, with over 250 million views on TikTok. This fun twist on the classic McDonald’s burger is easy to make at home. You can pick your favorite toppings and make a meal everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts on Enjoying Big Mac Tacos
When you make Big Mac Tacos, you can change them up however you like. Try using ground turkey or plant-based options. Add spicy jalapenos or creamy avocado for extra flavor. The secret sauce is key, made with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
With just a few ingredients and 15 minutes of cooking, you can make delicious Big Mac Tacos.
Encouragement to Experiment at Home
If you love McDonald’s or just tacos, try making Big Mac Tacos at home. Use the tips from this article to start, but feel free to add your own twist. Serve them with fries, mac and cheese, or accordion potatoes for a special treat.
Most importantly, have fun making them and enjoy the yummy results of your creativity!