Big Mac Tacos need to be on your list
Big Mac Tacos need to be on your list! is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by GrillThisSmokeThat on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $22.43 total, $5.61 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Bacon Burger Patties (pre‑made bacon‑infused beef patties, about 4 oz each)
- 4 pieces Large Flour Tortillas (8‑inch soft tortillas)
- 2 sprays Beef Tallow Spray (for greasing the tortilla surface)
- 1 cup Frozen Tater Tots (thawed slightly for easier handling)
- 1 tsp Lowry Seasoned Salt (or any seasoned salt blend)
- 4 slices American Cheese Slices (deli‑sliced, meltable)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (full‑fat)
- 1 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tsp Yellow Mustard
- 1 tsp Sweet Pickle Relish
- 0.25 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 cup Iceberg Lettuce (shredded)
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (toasted)
Instructions
Make Big Mac Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Prep Tortillas with Tater Tots
Lay each tortilla flat, spray the surface lightly with beef tallow, then spread a thin, even layer of tater tots from edge to edge. Sprinkle Lowry seasoned salt over the tots.
Time: PT3M
Cook Tortilla Side (tots side) on Medium Heat
Heat the griddle to medium (about 350°F). Place the prepared tortillas tots‑side down on the hot surface. Press gently with the spatula to ensure good contact. Cook for 2‑3 minutes until the tots are golden and the tortilla begins to crisp.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 350°F
Add Burger Patty and Melt Cheese
Flip each tortilla so the meat side faces down onto the griddle. Place a bacon burger patty on each tortilla, press lightly, and cook for 2‑3 minutes until a nice crust forms. Reduce heat to low, add a slice of American cheese on top of each patty, and cover briefly until melted.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Assemble the Tacos
Transfer each cooked tortilla to a cutting board. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, a generous drizzle of the Big Mac sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve the Big Mac tacos hot, optionally with extra sauce on the side.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Egg (mayonnaise), Milk (American cheese), Gluten (flour tortilla), Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon Burger Patties: regular beef burger patty, bacon‑wrapped burger patty
- Instead of Large Flour Tortillas: corn tortillas, low‑carb tortillas
- Instead of Beef Tallow Spray: vegetable oil spray, melted butter brushed on
- Instead of Frozen Tater Tots: hash browns, shredded potatoes
- Instead of Lowry Seasoned Salt: celery salt, seasoned salt
- Instead of American Cheese Slices: cheddar cheese slice, processed cheese slice
- Instead of Mayonnaise: vegan mayo
- Instead of Ketchup: tomato sauce
- Instead of Yellow Mustard: spicy brown mustard
- Instead of Sweet Pickle Relish: diced pickles
- Instead of Onion Powder: finely minced fresh onion
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Iceberg Lettuce: green leaf lettuce, shredded cabbage
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: black sesame seeds
Equipment Needed
- Griddle or Large Skillet
- Beef Tallow Spray Bottle
- Spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Spreading tater tots evenly on the tortilla to create a crispy base.
- Pressing the tortilla on the griddle to achieve good surface contact.
- Cooking the burger patty just until a crust forms before adding cheese.
- Melting the cheese without over‑cooking the patty.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, use frozen tater tots that are pre‑browned.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1‑2 minutes for a deeper flavor.
- If you like extra tang, add a splash of white vinegar to the Big Mac sauce.
Troubleshooting
Tortilla tears when spreading tater tots.
Warm the tortilla briefly (10‑15 seconds) before adding tots to make it more pliable.
Tots become soggy instead of crispy.
Ensure the griddle is hot before adding the tortilla and press firmly; avoid excess moisture on the tots.
Cheese does not melt fully.
Lower the heat and cover the pan for 30‑45 seconds to create steam that melts the cheese quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Sauce: up to 3 days in an airtight container. Cooked tacos: up to 2 days, reheat gently.
Freezer: Not recommended for assembled tacos; patty and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled tacos at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Big Mac sauce up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.
- Seasoned salt can be mixed ahead and kept in a small jar.
- Tortillas can be lightly sprayed and stored in a sealed bag until ready to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Big Mac tacos in American fast‑food cuisine?
Big Mac tacos are a playful fusion that takes the iconic McDonald’s Big Mac sandwich and reimagines it as a handheld taco. The concept reflects American food culture’s love for mash‑ups and the trend of turning classic burgers into portable, grill‑friendly formats.
What are the traditional regional variations of the Big Mac taco in United States cuisine?
While the Big Mac taco itself is a modern invention, similar burger‑taco hybrids appear in Southern BBQ joints (using pulled pork) and West Coast food trucks (often swapping the bun for a corn tortilla). Each variation swaps the bun for a different type of tortilla or adds local toppings.
How is the authentic Big Mac taco traditionally served in American casual dining?
It is typically served hot off the griddle, folded in half, with the signature Big Mac sauce drizzled on top, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to mimic the original burger’s bun topping. It is eaten with the hands, much like a taco or burger.
What occasions or celebrations are Big Mac tacos traditionally associated with in American culture?
They are popular at game‑day gatherings, backyard barbecues, and casual parties where guests appreciate novelty fast‑food twists. The dish’s quick preparation makes it ideal for crowd‑pleasing snack stations.
What other American dishes pair well with Big Mac tacos?
Serve them alongside loaded nachos, coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a crisp garden salad. A cold beer or a classic milkshake also complements the rich, savory flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Big Mac tacos at home?
Common errors include over‑loading the tortilla with tater tots (causing tearing), cooking the burger patty too long (drying it out), and adding the sauce before the tortilla crisps, which makes it soggy. Follow the critical steps for crispness and timing.
Why does this Big Mac taco recipe use beef tallow spray instead of regular oil?
Beef tallow has a high smoke point and adds a rich, meaty flavor that complements the bacon burger and enhances the crispness of the tortilla‑tater‑tot base, something regular vegetable oil doesn’t provide.
Can I make the Big Mac tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?
The sauce can be prepared up to three days ahead and kept refrigerated. Cooked tortillas with tater tots can be stored for up to two days in the fridge and reheated on a hot griddle. Assemble the tacos just before serving to retain crunch.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Big Mac taco is done cooking?
The tortilla side with tater tots should be golden‑brown and crisp, the burger patty should have a caramelized crust, and the cheese should be fully melted and glossy. The assembled taco should look layered with lettuce, sauce, and a dusting of sesame seeds.
What does the YouTube channel GrillThisSmokeThat specialize in?
The YouTube channel GrillThisSmokeThat focuses on creative grilling techniques, smoke‑infused recipes, and innovative twists on classic comfort foods, often using specialty meats and bold flavor combinations.
How does the YouTube channel GrillThisSmokeThat's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
GrillThisSmokeThat emphasizes the use of high‑heat grilling, beef tallow, and smoked flavor profiles, while many other channels rely more on stovetop or oven methods. The channel also showcases unconventional pairings like tater tots inside tortillas.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
