Make Big Mac Smash Tacos On The Blackstone Griddle With This Secret Recipe For The Sauce
Make Big Mac SMASH Tacos On The Blackstone Griddle With This Secret Recipe For The Sauce! is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Everyday BBQ & Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $16.77 total, $4.19 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.25 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat, store‑bought)
- 3 teaspoon Sweet Relish (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Prepared Yellow Mustard (regular yellow mustard)
- 1 teaspoon White Wine Vinegar (adds brightness)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (ground)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (ground)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (regular sweet paprika)
- 2 teaspoon White Sugar (granulated)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20) (fresh, not frozen)
- 4 pieces Flour Tortillas (8‑inch, soft)
- 4 slices American Cheese (sharp, pre‑sliced)
- 1 cup Romaine Lettuce (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 4 slices Sharp Dill Pickle (thin slices)
- to taste Salt (for seasoning beef)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Make the Big Mac Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise, 3 tsp sweet relish, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 2 tsp white sugar. Stir until smooth and uniform.
Time: PT5M
Prep the Toppings
Finely chop 1 cup romaine lettuce, dice ¼ cup yellow onion, and slice 4 sharp dill pickles into thin rounds.
Time: PT5M
Form the Beef Patties
Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape each portion into a flat patty that fits the tortilla, about ½‑inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Time: PT5M
Preheat the Griddle
Turn on all four burners to medium‑high heat and let the griddle or large skillet heat for 2 minutes until it’s hot enough to sear.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Cook the Patties
Place the patties on the hot griddle. Immediately press each patty with a spatula for a few seconds to create a thin crust, then let cook for about 1½ minutes. Flip, cook another 1½ minutes, then add a slice of American cheese on each patty and let melt for 30 seconds.
Time: PT9M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Warm the Tortillas
While the cheese melts, quickly warm each flour tortilla on the griddle for about 15 seconds per side until pliable.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Assemble the Big Mac Tacos
On each tortilla spread a generous spoonful of the Big Mac sauce, add a layer of chopped romaine, sprinkle diced onion, place the cheesy beef patty, top with two pickle slices, and finish with another drizzle of sauce.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Arrange the tacos on a serving plate, enjoy hot, and optionally serve with extra sauce on the side.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 40 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Eggs (mayonnaise), Dairy (cheese), Gluten (flour tortilla), Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Mayonnaise: light mayo, vegan mayo
- Instead of Sweet Relish: chopped pickles, relish alternative
- Instead of Prepared Yellow Mustard: Dijon mustard (will change flavor)
- Instead of White Wine Vinegar: apple cider vinegar, lemon juice
- Instead of Onion Powder: finely minced fresh onion (use less)
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (use 1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika (will add smoky note)
- Instead of White Sugar: honey (use 1 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Beef (80/20): 85/15 ground beef (less fat, less crust)
- Instead of Flour Tortillas: corn tortillas (will change texture)
- Instead of American Cheese: cheddar (milder), vegan cheese slice
- Instead of Romaine Lettuce: iceberg lettuce, mixed greens
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, shallots (use less)
- Instead of Sharp Dill Pickle: bread‑and‑butter pickle
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Griddle or Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Plate for Assembling
- Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make the sauce and chill it before assembly
- Press the beef patty briefly on a hot griddle to develop a crust
- Add cheese just before the final flip so it melts perfectly
- Layer sauce both before and after the toppings for authentic Big Mac flavor
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use 80/20 ground beef for maximum flavor and crust formation
- A splash of water on the griddle before placing the patty helps create steam, enhancing the crust
- For extra crunch, add a few shredded carrots to the lettuce layer.
Troubleshooting
Patty doesn’t develop a crust
Make sure the griddle is fully pre‑heated and press the patty firmly for a few seconds right after it hits the surface.
Sauce is too thin
Add an extra teaspoon of mayonnaise and stir; the sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon.
Tortilla becomes soggy after assembly
Warm the tortilla just before assembling and serve immediately; you can also lightly toast the tortilla on the griddle for extra barrier.
Storage
Refrigerator: Sauce: up to 5 days in an airtight container. Cooked patties: up to 3 days, reheated in a skillet.
Freezer: Cooked patties freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating. Sauce can be frozen for 1 month but texture may change.
Room temperature: Assembled tacos are best eaten immediately; tortillas will soften if left out more than 30 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Big Mac sauce up to 2 days ahead and keep refrigerated
- Form the beef patties, season, and store covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours before cooking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Big Mac tacos in American fast‑food cuisine?
Big Mac tacos are a creative, home‑cooked reinterpretation of McDonald’s iconic Big Mac sandwich, merging the burger’s layered flavors with the handheld convenience of a taco. The mash‑up reflects America’s love for remixing classic fast‑food items into new, shareable dishes for gatherings and game nights.
What are the traditional regional variations of the Big Mac sandwich in the United States?
While the classic Big Mac is consistent nationwide, regional fast‑food chains have offered limited‑time twists such as the “Big Mac Bacon” in the Midwest or a spicy jalapeño version in the Southwest. The taco version isn’t a restaurant staple but has become popular on home‑cooking channels for its novelty.
How is the authentic Big Mac traditionally served in the United States?
The original Big Mac is served on a three‑piece sesame‑seed bun with two beef patties, shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and the signature “special sauce.” It’s typically eaten with hands, accompanied by fries and a soft drink.
What occasions or celebrations is the Big Mac taco traditionally associated with in American culture?
There’s no historic celebration tied to the Big Mac taco; however, it’s become a popular party snack for sports events, backyard barbecues, and casual get‑togethers where guests appreciate a familiar flavor in a bite‑size format.
What makes the Big Mac taco special or unique in American fast‑food-inspired cuisine?
It captures the iconic flavor profile of a beloved burger while offering the portability and fun of a taco. The layered sauce, crisp lettuce, and pickles give the same textural contrast, making it a novelty that feels both familiar and fresh.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Big Mac tacos at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the beef (which dries it out), using a sauce that’s too watery, and assembling the tacos too early, which makes the tortilla soggy. Also, failing to pre‑heat the griddle will prevent the crusty exterior that defines the dish.
Why does this recipe give the beef patty a quick smash on the griddle instead of fully smashing it from the start?
A brief smash after the patty has settled creates a quick crust without crushing the meat completely, preserving a juicy interior while still delivering the signature seared edges. Fully smashing from the start can over‑compact the meat and reduce tenderness.
Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; give it a quick stir before using. It keeps well for about five days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the beef patty is done cooking?
The underside should be dark brown and slightly crisp, indicating a good Maillard crust. The top will be mostly cooked through with a pink center that will finish cooking under the cheese. The cheese should be fully melted and glossy.
What does the YouTube channel Everyday BBQ & Cooking specialize in?
Everyday BBQ & Cooking focuses on approachable backyard grilling, barbecue techniques, and creative twists on classic comfort foods, often featuring step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional BBQ with everyday kitchen shortcuts.
How does the YouTube channel Everyday BBQ & Cooking’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
The channel emphasizes practical, equipment‑light methods—using a standard griddle or skillet instead of a commercial grill—and often adapts iconic fast‑food items (like the Big Mac) into home‑cooked versions that are faster, cheaper, and customizable.
What other American comfort‑food recipes is the YouTube channel Everyday BBQ & Cooking known for?
Everyday BBQ & Cooking is known for its smash burger tutorials, smoked ribs, chicken‑and‑waffle combos, and inventive sandwich‑style tacos such as the “Smash Taco” and “Cheeseburger Quesadilla.”
Last updated: August 31, 2026
