Bring the iconic Big Mac flavor to your table in a fast, fun format with these Big Mac Smashed Tacos. This gluten-free, cleaner take swaps the bun for corn tortillas and pairs a seasoned, pressed smash burger with a creamy homemade Big Mac sauce. The result is a juicy, melty, and craveable taco that’s simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
Lean ground beef is formed and flattened over corn tortillas, seasoned with pantry staples, and seared until browned. Each taco is finished with melted cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, tangy pickles or relish, and a homemade sauce made from straightforward ingredients. Below you’ll find ingredient swaps, step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and helpful variations so you can make these with confidence—whether you use a press or a heavy pan for perfect smash results.
Why You’ll Love These Big Mac Tacos
- All the Big Mac flavors: The familiar combination of beef, cheese, pickles, lettuce, and special sauce—reimagined as tacos.
- Gluten-free friendly: Corn tortillas keep this recipe naturally gluten-free without sacrificing texture or taste.
- Quick and approachable: Minimal prep and fast cooking make this an easy weeknight meal.
- Flexible toppings: Customize with extra pickles, cheese, avocado, or a crunchy shell.
Ingredients & Substitutions
What you need to make these smash burger tacos
Smash Burgers
Lean ground beef: Use 85% lean for good flavor and less grease. Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a plant-based version, try crumbled firm tofu, cooked lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami—use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari with a splash of vinegar if needed.
Onion powder & garlic powder: Replace with grated fresh onion or minced garlic if you prefer.
Salt & black pepper: Season to taste; adjust or add red pepper flakes for heat.
Big Mac Sauce
Mayonnaise: The creamy base—Greek yogurt works for a tangier, lighter sauce; silken tofu blended with oil and lemon replaces mayo for dairy-free.
Mustard: Dijon or yellow mustard both work. Honey mustard adds sweetness.
Maple syrup: Balances acidity—swap with honey, agave, or omit for a less sweet sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: Use white or rice vinegar, or lemon juice as a substitute.
Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper: Basic seasonings that you can tweak to taste.
Taco Assembly
Shredded lettuce: Green leaf, romaine, iceberg, or shredded cabbage work well.
Cheddar or American cheese: For authentic melt and flavor; use vegan cheese if needed.
Corn tortillas: Naturally gluten-free; flour tortillas or lettuce wraps are fine alternatives.
Pickles or relish: Dill, sweet, or chopped relish adds the classic tang; try pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist.
How to Make Big Mac Smashed Tacos
Step 1. Make the Big Mac Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 2. Prep the Smash Burger
Divide 1 pound of ground beef into six equal portions (about 2.6 ounces each). Working one portion at a time, spread the meat into an even thin patty directly onto a corn tortilla so it slightly overlaps the edge.
Season lightly with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce.
Step 3. Cook the Smash Burger
Heat a skillet over medium-high and lightly oil it. Place the tortilla with the meat-side down in the skillet.
Option 1: Cook 1–2 minutes until the edges brown and juices run clear, then flip and add a slice of cheese.
Option 2 (pressed): Place a heatproof bowl or heavy object on top of the meat to press it while it cooks for 1–2 minutes. Remove carefully, flip, and add cheese. Pressing reduces shrinkage and speeds cooking.
Cover the pan for about 20 seconds to melt the cheese. Transfer cooked tacos to a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate so excess grease drains and the tortillas stay crisp. If cooking several at once, drain grease periodically to avoid soggy tortillas.
Step 4. Assemble the Taco
Top each cooked smash burger with thinly sliced pickles or a spoonful of relish, then add shredded lettuce. Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the lettuce—or place sauce in a small resealable bag, snip the corner, and pipe it on for neat lines.
Fold the tortilla in half and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
Use a hot pan: A cast-iron skillet gives the best sear. Choose 85% lean beef: It balances flavor and fat. Melt cheese under a lid: Trapping steam melts cheese quickly without overcooking the meat. For extra crunch: Use hard taco shells or lightly crisp the corn tortillas in the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
- With fries: Pair with sweet potato or classic fries for a full burger-style meal.
- Extra sauce: Offer additional Big Mac sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
- Lighten it up: Serve with a crisp side salad.
- Fresh twist: Add sliced avocado for creaminess.
- Cooked beef: Cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze up to 2–3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Cheese: Keep wrapped or sealed in the fridge and use by the package date.
- Corn tortillas: Store unopened in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after opening to extend freshness.
- Big Mac sauce: Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Shredded lettuce: Store in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture; use within a few days.
Are corn tortillas the only gluten-free option?
Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but you can use certified gluten-free flour tortillas or lettuce wraps as alternatives.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes—prepare the sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator for easy assembly.
Can I use ground turkey or a meat substitute?
Yes—ground turkey or plant-based meats work well; adjust seasoning and cook time as needed.
No heatproof press available—what then?
Use a second heavy skillet, another pan, or a weighted, heatproof object to press the patty while it cooks. Be cautious and use oven mitts.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes—kids often love the familiar burger flavors presented as tacos. Adjust toppings to your child’s preferences.
Love Big Mac flavors? Try more Big Mac–inspired dishes
- Big Mac Sheet Pan Nachos
- Big Mac Pasta with Greek Yogurt Sauce
- Protein Big Mac Wraps
- McDonald’s-Style Big Mac Sauce (copycat)
- Big Mac Protein Bowls
More easy taco recipes
- Juicy Chicken Smash Tacos with Mexican Street Corn
- Chicken Caesar Tacos (ground chicken Caesar salad tacos)
- Carne Asada Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Breaded Gluten-Free Fish Tacos
- Feta Fried Eggs with Corn Tortilla Breakfast Tacos
- Gluten-Free Shrimp Tacos with Cottage Cheese Lime Crema
More Main Dish Recipes You Will Love!
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Without Cream
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast (Pan-Seared)
Healthy Marry Me Chicken Soup (Greek Yogurt)
Spatchcock Turkey with Gluten-Free Gravy in HexClad
Big Mac Smashed Tacos (Gluten-Free!) Viral Recipe
Gluten-Free
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Smash Burgers:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- dash onion powder
- dash garlic powder
- dash salt
- dash pepper
Big Mac Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
Big Mac Taco Assembly:
- 3 cups shredded green leafy lettuce
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup pickles or relish
Instructions
Big Mac Sauce:
- Combine the mayo, mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Smash Burgers:
- Divide the beef into six portions and spread each into a thin patty on a corn tortilla, slightly overlapping the edge.
- Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high. Place the tortilla meat-side down. Cook 1–2 minutes until browned. Optionally press with a heatproof bowl or heavy pan for 1–2 minutes for a tighter sear. Flip, add cheese, and cover briefly to melt.
- Place cooked tacos on a rack or paper towel–lined plate to drain excess grease.
Big Mac Taco Assembly:
- Top each smash burger with pickles/relish and shredded lettuce. Drizzle or pipe on the Big Mac sauce, fold the tortilla, and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Important Disclaimer
This recipe was created by a home cook and is not personalized medical advice. If you have specific dietary concerns, consult your healthcare provider.
({{recipe.rating_count}})