Smashed Burger Tacos (with Copycat Big Mac Sauce)
Skip the drive-thru and make these Smash Burger Tacos at home! Juicy smashed beef, crispy tortillas, melty cheese, and a drizzle of homemade Big Mac sauce make these the ultimate burger-taco mashup.
Can’t decide between a burger or a taco? Now you don’t have to! These Smash Burger Tacos bring the best of both worlds by pressing seasoned ground beef onto tortillas and cooking them to crispy, cheesy perfection. Topped with crisp lettuce, onions, and a tangy special sauce, these tacos are everything you love about a classic burger—just in handheld taco form! Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Need more party apps and snacks? Be sure to try this easy cream cheese corn dip, smoked salmon dip, the best crockpot spinach artichoke dip, or my 5 minute whipped feta dip.
You will also LOVE these ham and cheese sliders!
Ingredients Needed
For the Smash Burgers:
- Ground Beef: We like using 93/7 so they are less greasy.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the beef.
- Small Flour Tortillas: Soft tortillas that crisp up perfectly when cooked.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts well, but you can also use cheddar, American, or a cheese blend for a different flavor.
- Cooking Oil: A light layer of oil helps achieve a crispy tortilla and prevents sticking. Use a neutral oil like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for best results.
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo gives the best creamy texture, but light or plant-based mayo can be used as a substitute.
- Dill Pickle Relish: Adds a signature tangy crunch; if you don’t have relish, finely chop dill pickles instead.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a hint of spice and depth.
- White Vinegar: Enhances the tanginess of the sauce.
- Paprika, Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor; smoked paprika can give an extra smoky twist.
For Toppings:
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture.
- Chopped Onions: Provides a classic burger topping flavor.
How to Make Smashed Burger Tacos
Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then divide into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
Flatten each meatball onto a flour tortilla, pressing it evenly across the surface. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of cooking oil. Place a tortilla meat-side down in the skillet, pressing the beef down with a spatula. Cook for 1½ to 2 minutes until browned.
Flip the tortilla, placing the cooked beef side up. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet, and cook for another 1½ to 2 minutes until the cheese melts. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining smash burgers.
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to make the sauce.
Sprinkle chopped onions over shredded iceberg lettuce and drizzle with sauce.
Fold in half to create the ultimate Big Mac taco!
How to Store
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortilla crispy.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different Cheese: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, American, or pepper jack.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas or low carb/keto tortillas.
- Extra Toppings: Try crispy bacon, tomatoes, avocado slices, or a fried egg for a new twist.
Tips for Making
- If the tortillas puff up, press them gently with a spatula to keep them flat.
- Avoid overcooking – Since the beef is thin, it cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from drying out.
- Prep the sauce in advance – Making the sauce ahead of time and letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
Common FAQs
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and toppings in advance for quicker assembly.
Flour tortillas work best for pressing the meat, but small corn tortillas can be used for a crunchier bite.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Sliders
These tacos pair well with a variety of sides:
Potato Salad – A creamy side that complements the flavors.
French Fries or Tater Tots – A classic burger companion.
Pickles or Coleslaw – Adds a tangy crunch.
Loaded Nachos – A fun way to round out taco night.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brings a smoky, sweet contrast to the tacos.
Big Mac Smashed Burger Tacos
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lbs. ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooking oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill pickle relish
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp paprika powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
Instructions
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then divide it into eight equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Press each portion of beef onto a flour tortilla, spreading it out evenly to form a thin layer.
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet with the beef side down, then use a spatula to press the meat firmly into the pan. Cook for about 1½ to 2 minutes, until browned.
- Flip the tortilla so the cooked beef is facing up, then immediately sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the patty. Cover the skillet and cook for another 1½ to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Transfer the taco to a plate and repeat with the remaining portions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Add the lettuce, onions, and sauce.
- Fold the tortillas, and serve while warm.
