Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Mac Tacos are the ultimate mashup of two comfort food icons—juicy cheeseburgers and handheld tacos. This creative twist combines seasoned beef, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a creamy “special sauce” all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It’s everything you love about a Big Mac but easier to eat and fun to share. I tried making these with mini street taco tortillas instead of regular-sized ones, and they were perfect for parties or quick weeknight dinners. The flavor combination hits all the right notes—savory, tangy, and a little indulgent—making these tacos a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting game night or craving fast-food flavor at home, these Big Mac Tacos will quickly become a family favorite.
Big Mac Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Diet: Halal
Description
A fun twist on the classic Big Mac — seasoned beef and melty cheese served in soft tortillas, topped with lettuce, pickles, onions, and homemade Big Mac sauce for a handheld version of the iconic burger.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- For the Big Mac Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp white vinegar, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Divide into 6 equal portions and press each portion onto one side of a tortilla, forming a thin, even layer of beef.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a beef-side-down tortilla onto the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Flip the tortilla and immediately place a slice of American cheese on the beef side. Cook for another 30 seconds to melt the cheese.
- Remove from heat and repeat with remaining tortillas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the Big Mac sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Assemble tacos: top each cheesy beef tortilla with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, onions, and a drizzle of Big Mac sauce.
- Fold and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use soft flour tortillas for flexibility — corn tortillas can break easily.
- Add an extra layer of cheese for a richer flavor.
- To make it spicy, mix a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the Big Mac sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef – Use lean ground beef for the best flavor-to-fat balance. Cooked until browned and seasoned simply with salt and pepper, it’s the base of your “burger” tacos.
Mini flour tortillas – Soft, warm tortillas replace burger buns and make the tacos perfectly handheld. Lightly toast them for extra flavor and sturdiness.
Cheddar cheese – Shredded cheddar or American cheese brings that classic Big Mac creaminess when melted over the beef.
Lettuce – Shredded iceberg lettuce adds a cool, crisp texture that balances the richness of the beef and sauce.
Pickles – Dill pickles give the tacos their signature tang. Chop them finely so each bite gets a little bit of crunch and acidity.
Onion – Finely diced white onions mimic the classic burger topping and add sharpness to the mix.
Special sauce – A homemade version of the famous Big Mac sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and a few spices. It’s creamy, tangy, and absolutely essential.
Salt and black pepper – Basic seasonings that enhance the beef’s flavor without overpowering the sauce and toppings.
Sesame seeds (optional) – Sprinkle over the tacos for an authentic Big Mac touch reminiscent of the sesame seed bun.
Directions
Start by preparing the special sauce: in a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder. Stir until smooth and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked beef while still warm, allowing it to melt slightly.
Warm the mini tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. To assemble, spread a spoonful of the special sauce on each tortilla. Add a layer of cheesy beef, followed by shredded lettuce, diced onions, and chopped pickles. Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Equipment needed
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8–10 tacos (about 4 servings). Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is 15 minutes, totaling 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cooked beef and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh tacos. Avoid storing assembled tacos, as the lettuce and pickles can become soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Big Mac Lettuce Wraps – Skip the tortillas and wrap the filling in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb version.
Spicy Big Mac Tacos – Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef or sauce for a fiery kick.
Double-Stacked Tacos – Use two smaller tortillas layered with cheese between them to mimic a double-patty burger experience.
Cheesy Shell Upgrade – Melt cheese directly in a pan and drape over a taco mold to create crispy cheese shells.
Turkey Big Mac Tacos – Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter yet flavorful alternative.
Bacon Lovers’ Version – Add crispy bacon bits for smoky richness that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
Pickle Lovers’ Twist – Mix chopped pickles directly into the special sauce for extra tang.
Breakfast Big Mac Tacos – Add scrambled eggs and use the sauce as a drizzle for a morning-friendly twist.
Vegetarian Option – Replace the beef with a plant-based ground alternative and use vegan mayo for the sauce.
Loaded Big Mac Nachos – Use tortilla chips instead of shells, layer the beef and toppings, and drizzle with the special sauce.
FAQs
What’s in the Big Mac sauce?
It’s a creamy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and spices like paprika and garlic powder.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, though flour tortillas more closely resemble burger buns in texture and flavor.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or spicy pickles to the beef or sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar or American cheese melts perfectly and gives that authentic burger flavor.
Are Big Mac Tacos kid-friendly?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sauce’s tanginess and keep the toppings simple for younger eaters.
How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Assemble the tacos just before serving and avoid overloading them with sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and mayonnaise alternatives.
What side dishes pair well with Big Mac Tacos?
French fries, onion rings, or a light coleslaw make perfect accompaniments.
Can I freeze the cooked beef?
Yes, the beef freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before assembling tacos.
Conclusion
Big Mac Tacos are a fun, flavorful twist on two beloved classics. With their juicy seasoned beef, tangy special sauce, and crunchy toppings, they deliver all the nostalgic fast-food flavor in a creative, homemade way. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, these tacos make a standout choice for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings. Once you try them, you’ll never look at taco night—or burger night—the same way again.