Big Mac Tacos are the perfect combination of a juicy McDonald’s Big Mac and a tasty soft taco. They are filled with tender ground beef, pickles, lettuce, and that special sauce we all know and love to create a memorable bite. I highly recommend making these instead of traditional tacos for dinner to keep meal time delicious yet interesting and fun.

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The ground beef is seasoned to taste just like a hamburger patty and then cooked with chopped onions. The key to this Big Mac taco recipe is the Mac sauce and toppings. I use dill pickles, cheese, and shredded lettuce to keep it as classic as possible.
If you like Big Mac recipes, you will love this Big Mac Pizza, Big Mac Quesadilla, Big Mac Sloppy Joes and Big Mac in a Bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy and fast to make: I enjoy making tacos because they are one of the easiest dinners ever, and these Big Mac-inspired tacos are no exception. The ingredients are basic but come together to create something super delicious.
- It’s perfect for weeknights: If you are busy most nights due to work, school, kids, etc, then these tacos should be added to your weekly rotation. Cooking the beef and whipping up the Mac sauce are the only components that need effort.
- It’s kid-approved: Picky eaters don’t always make mealtime a breeze, but I haven’t met anyone who didn’t like this Big Mac tacos recipe. It’s perfect to serve your kids when you don’t know what to make for dinner.
Ingredients
I have included ingredients for both the taco filling and the Big Mac sauce. Feel free to add anything additional you may want to make these tacos yours!

For the Big Mac sauce
- Condiments: My version of the iconic Big Mac sauce includes mayo, ketchup, and mustard. Some recipes leave out the mustard, but I think the strong bite it has keeps the sauce perfectly tangy.
- Pickles: You will need diced dill pickles and some juice for this recipe. This is classic for the real Mac sauce.
- Vinegar: I sometimes call this the secret ingredient because without it, the result just doesn’t taste the same as the real thing. Use white vinegar, you can’t substitute another variety for this recipe.
- Spices: A little salt, pepper, and smoked paprika are all you need. The paprika adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
For the tacos
- Ground beef: I use lean ground beef for this, so you don’t get a strong, greasy flavor from the meat. I prefer a minimum of 80% lean to get the best result.
- Onions: I cook the onions with the beef to get some extra flavor and depth into it. Chopped yellow onions are a classic Big Mac ingredient. I reserve extra raw onion for garnish, too.
- Spices: You don’t need much to season the meat because you want it to resemble a hamburger patty and not taco meat. So, salt and pepper do the trick.
- Taco shells: I use simple soft taco shells for this. The soft tortillas remind me of soft hamburger buns.
- Toppings: To keep classic Big Mac flavors, shredded lettuce, pickle slices, and sliced cheese are essential. Feel free to get creative and add others, like diced tomatoes.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Spicy: Cook freshly diced jalapenos in the meat mixture or garnish the finished tacos with pickled jalapeno slices for some heat.
- Pickle lovers: Add even more pickle flavor by dicing some extras and stirring them into the beef and onions. (Try a splash of pickle juice, too!)
- Chicken: Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a fun twist!
How to Make Big Mac Tacos
These are the steps needed to prepare the filling and sauce for this easy tacos recipe. It’s straightforward and quick, too!

Step 1: Prepare the Mac sauce. Add all the components for the homemade Big Mac sauce to a small bowl and mix them until everything is well combined. Set it aside for now!

Cook the beef and onions. Cook the ground beef for about 5 minutes or so. Once it’s mostly cooked, add the onions, salt, and pepper, and cook the mixture until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft.

Step 3: Add filling to the tacos. Spoon about ⅛ of the beef mixture onto each soft taco shell.

Step 4: Finish with toppings and serve. Finish them with cheese, pickle slices, lettuce, and a good drizzle of sauce. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Warm the tortillas: I like to warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos. They are much more flexible and less likely to rip.
- Try crunchy shells: Make some crunchy tacos and use crunchy tortilla shells instead. You may even try tostada shells, too.
- Use lean beef: The leaner the beef you use, the better. It will result in better flavor and less grease.
If you love recipes like these hamburger tacos, you may also enjoy these smashed burger tacos.

Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Feel free to freeze the meat mixture for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: You may reheat the taco filling in a skillet for 8-10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Assemble the tacos however you want with the leftovers!
- Make Ahead: Feel free to prepare your homemade Big Mac sauce 2-3 days in advance. It will save you a step on Big Mac taco night!
Serving Suggestions
- Do you want some more condiment options? Scotch bonnet hot sauce and buffalo ranch sauce add some heat and complement the other flavors of the tacos.
- Try these Easy Spicy Pickles instead of dill for a twist!
- Make some side dishes like easy red rice and jalapeno coleslaw. They go beautifully with the tacos.
Recipe FAQs
No worries! It’s added at your leisure, so try something different like ketchup, mustard, or even a ranch sauce.
I don’t recommend it as the meat will make the tortillas soggy, and they will fall apart.
If you want a crispy taco, you may put them on a skillet with a little oil to cook the tortilla. This will add a nice crunch to your tacos.

More Delicious Taco Recipes
Do you love tacos? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Big Mac Taco Video

Big Mac Tacos
Ingredients
Big Mac Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle minced
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Tacos
- 1 pound ground beef medium
- 1 yellow onion small, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 8 soft taco shells
- 8 cheddar cheese slices
- lettuce shredded
- pickle slices
Instructions
- Make your Big Mac sauce by adding all the ingredients into a small bowl and whisk until combined. Set aside.
- Heat a large pan on medium heat and cook ground beef for about 5 minutes.
- Strain out some excess fat, then add onion, salt and pepper. Cook for a couple minutes until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Then spoon ⅛th of the beef on each taco shell, followed by a slice of cheese, lettuce, pickles and Big Mac sauce.
Video
Notes
- Store leftover Big Mac taco filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Don’t save leftover assembled tacos. When reheated, the tortillas will become soggy and fall apart.
- Warm the tortillas in the oven or skillet before you make the tacos. This makes them easier to bend and prevents ripping.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in December 2021. It's been updated with new content and images.
Alexis says
We love tacos. These are bomb! They are better than a big mac to me! You are awesome KD
Karin and Ken says
Thank you! I think they’re delicious too! All the best. Karin
Dierdra says
Honestly i didn't think that big macs could be better. I love tacos so this is the perfect mix of both. What a great idea! We will be making these all the time! Thank you.
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome. They’re in our rotation too! All the best. Karin
Bobbi says
These tacos are a great idea! Wish I thought of it. Totally satisfy all my Big Mac cravings. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!!
Karin and Ken says
They satisfy all my cravings too. I love them. Take care and all the best. Karin
Anne says
The perfect dinner. Easy and cheap. Kids and hubby approved. Ivd already been asked to make it again. Will definitely add to the rotation. Thanks for sharing.
Karin and Ken says
We love this dinner too! Glad you will be making it again. Almost better than a Big Mac. All the best. Karin
Eva says
Oh my goodness - the MOST authentic sauce I have ever had. These were incredible! Thank you for the best recipes, all the time!
Karin and Ken says
You’re too kind. We love this recipe too! Thank you for your kind words! All the best. Karin