If you’re looking for a creative, mouthwatering twist on the classic Big Mac, these Crunch Big Mac Smash Tacos will take your taco night to the next level. Combining the best of both worlds, this recipe brings together the satisfying flavors of the Big Mac with the crispy crunch of tacos, making it a fun and delicious fusion dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to spice up your weeknight meals, these tacos are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef – Choose a good quality ground beef with a higher fat content for the juiciest patties.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the beef and helps bring out its natural taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of heat and flavor to the patties.
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour tortillas – These should be soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping around your filling.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce – The lettuce adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the beef.
- 1/2 cup diced pickles – Adds the tangy flavor that is essential in a Big Mac.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The cheese adds a gooey, melty texture to each bite.
- 1/4 cup diced onions – Adds a sharp and savory bite to the taco.
- 1/2 cup Big Mac-style sauce – This is the secret ingredient that gives the taco its signature flavor. You can either use store-bought Big Mac sauce or make your own (see the notes section below).
For the Taco Shells:
- 6 crispy tostada shells – These crispy shells add a satisfying crunch and help elevate the texture of the tacos.
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties
To start, take your ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Mix the seasoning into the beef to ensure that every part of the patty is well-seasoned. Then, divide the beef into 6 equal portions. Using your hands, form each portion into a small, thin patty that is slightly larger than your tortillas. This will help ensure that the patties fit comfortably inside the tacos once they’re assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Patties
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the beef patties, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be nicely browned and fully cooked through. Depending on the thickness of your patties, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but 2-3 minutes per side should be perfect for a juicy, well-cooked patty. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Toast the Tortillas
In the same skillet, take your flour tortillas and toast them lightly for about 30 seconds on each side. This will give them a little bit of crunch and prevent them from getting soggy when you add the toppings. Make sure not to over-toast them; you just want a light crispness. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Now it’s time for the fun part: assembling the tacos! Start by placing a crispy tostada shell in the center of each toasted flour tortilla. This will act as the base and provide an extra layer of crunch. Then, add a cooked beef patty on top of each tostada shell. The patty should be just the right size to sit comfortably on top of the shell.
Step 5: Layer the Toppings
Spread a spoonful of your Big Mac-style sauce over the beef patty, making sure it’s evenly distributed. This sauce is what makes these tacos truly Big Mac-inspired, so don’t skimp on it! Next, add a layer of shredded lettuce to the top of the sauce. Follow that with a generous amount of diced pickles, diced onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Each topping will add its own unique texture and flavor, from the fresh crunch of the lettuce to the tangy pickles and savory onions.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
To finish the tacos, gently fold the sides of the tortillas slightly to hold the shape of a taco. This will keep all of the delicious fillings inside and make them easier to eat. Serve these tacos immediately for a crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying Big Mac-inspired experience.
FAQs
1. Can I make the Big Mac-style sauce at home?
Yes! To make your own Big Mac-style sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and whisk until smooth. This homemade sauce will perfectly mimic the taste of the Big Mac sauce and will add the signature tangy flavor to your tacos.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, you can substitute it with another cheese such as American cheese, mozzarella, or even Swiss. However, cheddar cheese is a great choice because it melts beautifully and complements the other flavors in the taco.
3. How can I make these tacos spicier?
If you love a little heat in your tacos, you can add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or even spicy pepper jack cheese. Mix in some chili flakes or cayenne pepper with the beef patties for an extra kick as well.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for the beef in this recipe. Just be sure to season it well with salt and pepper to ensure it’s flavorful. You can also add a bit of olive oil to keep the turkey moist since it tends to be leaner than beef.
5. How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftover tacos, store the beef patties, tortillas, and toppings separately in airtight containers. The beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the tortillas and toppings can be stored for the same amount of time. To reheat, simply warm the beef patties in a skillet and toast the tortillas again before assembling your tacos.
6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or even make a black bean patty if you prefer a vegetarian version. The Big Mac sauce and other toppings will still provide plenty of flavor.
Conclusion
These Crunch Big Mac Smash Tacos are a fantastic way to combine the flavors of a Big Mac with the fun and crunch of tacos. With juicy beef patties, a tangy Big Mac-style sauce, and the perfect crunch from tostada shells and toasted tortillas, these tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for taco night, a fun family dinner, or even a casual gathering with friends. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make a few tweaks to suit your preferences, one thing is for sure—these tacos will leave you craving more!