Big Mac Smashburger Tacos
Big Mac Smashburger Tacos is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 580 calories per serving. Recipe by JenksBBQ on YouTube.
Prep: 13 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $33.53 total, $8.38 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (regular, room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup (regular)
- 2 tablespoons Pickle Relish (sweet dill relish)
- 1 teaspoon Beef Rub (Heath Riles) (store‑bought steak seasoning)
- 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (93% lean) (fresh, cold)
- 4 pieces Carb Balance Tortillas (8‑inch low‑carb tortillas)
- 4 slices American Cheese (individually wrapped)
- 1 cup Lettuce (shredded, iceberg or romaine)
- 1 medium Tomato (diced)
- 1/4 cup Pickles (sliced dill pickles)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil (for greasing the skillet)
Instructions
Prepare Big Mac Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and a pinch of beef rub. Whisk until smooth, then refrigerate until needed.
Time: PT5M
Prep Fresh Toppings
Shred the lettuce, dice the tomato, and slice the pickles. Set aside in separate bowls.
Time: PT5M
Form Beef Balls
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 1/3 lb each) and gently shape each into a loose ball. Keep the balls cold.
Time: PT3M
Preheat Skillet
Add 1 tsp vegetable oil to the cast‑iron skillet and heat over medium‑high heat (about 375°F).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 375°F
Smash the Beef on Tortillas
Place a tortilla in the skillet, set a beef ball on top, and immediately press down with the metal spatula until the patty is about 1/4‑inch thick. Sprinkle a pinch of beef rub over the exposed meat.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 375°F
Cook First Side
Let the smashed patty cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until the edges turn brown and juices rise to the surface.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 375°F
Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the taco using tongs, cook another 2‑3 minutes, and check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Turn off the heat and let the tortilla crisp for an additional minute.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 160°F
Melt Cheese
Place a slice of American cheese on the hot patty and allow it to melt for about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Assemble the Tacos
Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced pickles, and a generous drizzle of the Big Mac sauce.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 580
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free (when using gluten‑free tortillas)
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, aioli
- Instead of Ketchup: tomato paste diluted with water
- Instead of Pickle Relish: finely chopped dill pickles
- Instead of Beef Rub (Heath Riles): Montreal steak seasoning, homemade garlic‑pepper rub
- Instead of Ground Beef (93% lean): ground turkey, ground bison
- Instead of Carb Balance Tortillas: corn tortillas, lettuce wraps
- Instead of American Cheese: cheddar, provolone
- Instead of Lettuce: cabbage
- Instead of Tomato: pico de gallo
- Instead of Pickles: pickled jalapeños
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: butter, avocado oil
Equipment Needed
- Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle
- Metal Spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mixing the Big Mac sauce to achieve the right balance of mayo, ketchup, and relish
- Smashing the beef ball thin on the hot skillet to develop a crust
- Cooking the patty to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety and juiciness
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a heavy cast‑iron skillet for the best sear and even heat distribution.
- Press the beef ball with a sturdy spatula and hold for 5‑7 seconds before releasing.
- Season the meat both before and after smashing for layered flavor.
Troubleshooting
Patty does not develop a crust.
Make sure the skillet is fully pre‑heated to medium‑high and press the beef firmly; a cooler pan will steam instead of sear.
Tortilla becomes soggy after adding sauce.
Add the sauce just before serving and let the tortilla sit for a minute after cooking to crisp up.
Burger is dry.
Do not overcook; remove from heat when internal temperature reaches 160°F and let it rest briefly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Sauce up to 3 days in an airtight container; cooked tacos best within 24 hours
Freezer: Raw beef balls can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before cooking
Room temperature: Do not leave cooked tacos at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Big Mac sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Form the beef balls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Tortillas can be lightly toasted in a dry skillet and kept warm in a low oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Big Mac in American fast‑food cuisine?
The Big Mac, introduced by McDonald’s in 1967, became an iconic symbol of American fast food, known for its two‑patty structure, special sauce, and sesame‑seed bun. It represents the rise of standardized, mass‑produced burgers that shaped U.S. dining habits in the late 20th century.
How did the concept of a Big Mac smashburger taco evolve within American cuisine?
The smashburger taco blends the classic Big Mac flavor profile with the handheld convenience of a taco, reflecting the American trend of fusion comfort foods that remix familiar fast‑food items into new, low‑carb formats.
What traditional regional variations of tacos exist in the United States, and how does this recipe differ?
U.S. tacos range from Tex‑Mex beef or chicken tacos to California fish tacos. This recipe diverges by using a burger‑style patty, American cheese, and a Big Mac‑style sauce, creating a cross‑over between a classic burger and a taco.
What occasions or celebrations is the Big Mac smashburger taco traditionally associated with in American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, this dish is popular for casual family dinners, game‑day gatherings, and quick weeknight meals where comfort food and convenience are prized.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in a classic Big Mac, and what are acceptable substitutes in this taco version?
The classic Big Mac uses regular hamburger buns, 93/7 ground beef, American cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, and a special sauce made from mayo, sweet pickle relish, mustard, and spices. In this taco version, the bun is replaced by a low‑carb tortilla, and the sauce is simplified to mayo, ketchup, and relish with beef rub for extra flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Big Mac smashburger tacos at home?
Common errors include using a cold skillet (which prevents a crust), over‑cooking the patty (drying it out), and adding too much sauce before the tortilla crisps (making it soggy). Follow the recipe’s timing and keep the skillet hot for best results.
Why does this Big Mac smashburger taco recipe use a heavy cast‑iron skillet instead of a grill?
A cast‑iron skillet retains high heat and provides a uniform surface for smashing the beef thin, creating the signature seared crust that a grill’s open grates cannot achieve as consistently for this style of burger.
Can I make the Big Mac smashburger tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Prepare the sauce and form the beef balls up to a day ahead; store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the tacos fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours and reheated briefly in a skillet.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the smashburger patty is done?
The patty should have a dark, caramelized crust on the bottom, be about 1/4‑inch thick, and the interior should be pink‑brown but fully cooked. An internal temperature of 160°F confirms safety.
What does the YouTube channel JenksBBQ specialize in?
The YouTube channel JenksBBQ focuses on approachable barbecue, grilling, and outdoor cooking techniques, often featuring quick weeknight meals, smoke‑infused recipes, and tips for getting restaurant‑quality flavor at home.
How does the YouTube channel JenksBBQ's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
JenksBBQ emphasizes simplicity, using minimal equipment and pantry staples while still delivering bold, smoky flavors. The channel often adapts classic fast‑food items into healthier, low‑carb or grill‑friendly versions, setting it apart from more elaborate or gourmet‑focused channels.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
