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Close-up of a stack of Big Mac Smash Tacos, showing crispy beef patties infused with smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce, melted cheese, shredded lettuce, and special sauce.

Easy Big Mac Smash Tacos: Secret Umami Boost!

Rebecca Blumer
Crispy-edged smash-burger tacos with creamy Mac Sauce and a secret umami boost for deeper, burger-ish flavor—fast, family-friendly, and wildly satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5 Tacos
Calories 610 kcal

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Lid
  • Measuring cup or mixing bowl

Ingredients
 

  • 450 grams ground beef or any ground meat you like
  • salt and pepper pinch
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 5 small flour tortillas
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon honey Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons relish or a whole pickle diced
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice optional
  • cheese grated or sliced; I like aged Havarti or Cheddar
  • lettuce finely chopped
  • onion finely chopped
  • smoked paprika dash (secret umami boost)
  • Worcestershire sauce very small amount (secret umami boost)

Instructions
 

Make the Secret Mac Sauce

  • In a measuring cup or mixing bowl, combine all the Mac Sauce ingredients and stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside at room temperature or refrigerate to thicken while you cook.
  • If you do not have or do not like relish, finely dice 1 pickle and stir it into the sauce, then add a splash of pickle juice to bring back that classic tang.

Season and Portion the Beef

  • Divide the ground beef (or ground meat of choice) into 5 equal portions (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup each), roll into balls, and set aside. Sprinkle in a dash of smoked paprika and add a very small amount of Worcestershire sauce, then mix gently before forming the balls.

Smash the Patties onto Tortillas

  • Place one portion of meat onto a small flour tortilla, then press it out with your fingers into a thin, even layer that reaches close to the edges.
  • Season the meat side with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and set aside.

Cook the Smash Tacos (Meat Side Down)

  • Heat a pan over medium-high heat until properly hot, then add a touch of avocado oil (or use avocado oil spray). Lay one tortilla meat side down; it should sizzle immediately.
  • Cook 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is golden and caramelized at the edges, then flip. Add cheese, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover with a lid so the cheese melts for another minute or so.
  • Remove from heat and top with lettuce, finely chopped onion, and a generous spoon of Mac Sauce. Fold and enjoy right away.

Notes

For best texture, keep sauce and toppings off until the very end to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 27gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 4.2mg
Keyword Big Mac Smash Tacos, flour tortillas, ground beef, Mac Sauce, smash tacos
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