These addictive, family-friendly taco versions of the classic burger went viral for good reason!
The first time I made these viral Big Mac Tacos, my family really loved them. The sauce alone was enough to make them absolutely delicious, but I didn’t think I would cook them again. After all, how could a taco replace a big, juicy homemade burger? It’s now been several months since, and I have found myself making these at least once a fortnight – the kids kept asking for them, but now I’m just as addicted! The tacos are so easy to make, come together in less than 30 minutes, are inexpensive, and just so incredibly moreish and tasty! I love this recipe so much that I included it in my new cookbook Simple Dinners Every Day.
These Big Mac Tacos are also filling but don’t leave you with the same heaviness that a burger does, being cooked in a tortilla and not bread. You can top them with any salads you like, but I love the classic lettuce and pickles combo. The special burger sauce is good. Like, REALLY good! Luckily, the recipe is generous in serving size so that there is enough for dipping – some homemade wedges are so delicious on the side with these! You really can’t go wrong with this dish – all the gorgeous flavours of a burger in a crunchy taco. What’s not to like!
How do I make the perfect Big Mac Taco?
- The beef – Ensure the minced (ground) beef is packed onto the tortilla in a thin layer. This will not only mean the fat renders out quickly (which limits the grease), but also stops the beef from flaking off the tortilla. Regular minced beef is best as it’s super juicy (20% fat – the regular kind from the supermarket), but it can be hard to work with as it releases a lot of moisture and oil as it cooks. Lean minced beef is much easier to work with (less grease!) and I still find it produces juicy and delicious results.
- A hot pan – Make sure your pan is hot enough. A medium–high heat is required to cook the beef quickly and stop it sliding off the tortilla. A cast-iron pan is best; if you are using a regular non-stick pan, you may need to adjust the heat to high.
- When to season – Only add seasoning (salt and pepper) when you are ready to cook. Leaving the minced (ground) beef to sit around with salt causes tough beef tacos!
Can I vary the fillings in the taco?
You could use baby rocket (arugula) instead of lettuce, and also add grated carrot, sliced tomato, cucumber or whatever salad ingredients you like. The special burger sauce is quite mild, so if you want a bit of heat just add a dash of hot sauce.
Can I use the special burger sauce with other recipes?
Yes! The sauce is so delicious that I tend to make it on its own and use it as a dip for wedges, use it in potato salad, in sandwiches as a relish with roast beef and, best of all, in a sub or wrap with my Beef Rissoles with salad.
How can I be sure I’ve cooked the beef all the way through?
While the tortilla is cooking, beef-side down, have a peek! Simply fold up the edge of the tortilla and you will see the progress of the beef. If it’s still pink, continue cooking. If it’s brown with no pink visible, it’s ready.
Watch how to make Big Mac Tacos
If you enjoyed Big Mac Tacos, I think you’ll love:
Spring Rolls Bowls Recipe
Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe
One-pan Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos Recipe
Gyros Smashed Tacos Recipe
Big Mac Tacos
“Nicole, these are AMAZING! I dont usually post reviews but had to thank you for this absolutely sensational creation!!” Share PrintIngredients
- 250 g (1 cup) whole-egg mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely chopped gherkins (dill pickles)
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 500 g (1 lb) minced (ground) beef (lean or regular, see note 1)
- 8 small soft flour tortillas
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- 8 slices American burger cheese
- 60 g (2 cups) shredded lettuce (iceberg, cos/romaine or gem lettuce)
- 75 g (½ cup) sliced gherkins (dill pickles)
- ½ onion, finely diced
Instructions
- Make the special burger sauce – To make the sauce, add all the ingredients to a small bowl, mix well to combine and set aside.
- Spread the beef on the tortillas – To make the tacos, divide the minced (ground) beef into 8 equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, spread the beef over 1 tortilla, leaving just a 5 mm (¼ inch) border around the edge. The beef will shrink as it cooks, so try and get the beef as close to the edge as possible. Repeat with the remaining beef and tortillas.
- Cook the tortillas – Heat a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat.
- Sprinkle each beef-topped tortilla with salt and pepper right before cooking (do not add the salt and pepper until you are ready to cook, as it can make the beef tough).
- Spray the frying pan lightly with olive oil, then carefully place a tortilla in the frying pan, meat-side down. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook for a further 15–20 seconds. If there is still residual liquid around the beef, flip it again and cook it for a further 30–60 seconds. Once the beef is cooked to your liking, flip the tortilla beef-side up and place a slice of cheese on top. Remove the tortilla from the heat – the heat from the beef will melt the cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. I normally cook two tortillas at a time. Keep them warm in a 120°C (250°F) (100°C/200°F fan-forced) oven if needed, or top them and serve immediately.
- Assemble the tacos and serve – Top each taco with lettuce, pickles, onion and the special burger sauce.
Nutrition information
Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes
Gemma says:
Yum
yum, tastes just like Big Mac
Nicole says:
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Gemma! Thanks for the rating, too. Nic x
Kellie says:
Absolutely delicious!!! Everyone loved them and said we need to have these again..: thank-you 🙏
Nicole says:
Hi Kellie, my family just loves these beauties, so I’m happy to hear yours does too! Enjoy! Nic x
Julie says:
so good, tastes just like a big mac
Sarah says:
Such a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. Definitely a crowd pleaser in my house. I can’t wait to make them again.
HoftHome says:
Looks super-yummee, will try soon & leave my rating then!
Lindsay says:
Holy moly these were delish! The babies even ate them cut into wedges. The sauce is incredible, the tortillas crispy, and beef flavorful without feeling as heavy as a traditional burger. Will definitely make our rotator! We did some air fryer french fries to go alongside. Chef’s kiss on that sauce!
Ro says:
Wow, these are easy and delicious. I will definitely make again. Simple dinner to make when you need something fast.
Georgia says:
I don’t usually leave reviews (lazy girl) but holy moly, these are soooooo GOOD!!
Jade says:
So delicious we get to have takeout food from home in a budget! I love it because it is easy and so filling!
Nicole says:
So glad you enjoyed these Jade! We love them too! Nic x
e.wooding says:
This recipe was so delicious! My family really enjoyed this simple fakeaway recipe, and it was quick to table. Thanks Nic 🙏🏼