Smash Burger Tacos (Big Mac-Style)
As a person who has spent many hours learning about both burgers and tacos, and even experimenting with creating them in my own home kitchen, I believe I have found the perfect cross between American and Mexican cuisine. In this article, I will be sharing my Ninja Double Stack XL review, along with a step-by-step guide on how to make restaurant-style smash burgers at home. Now, close your eyes and imagine the crunch of a crunch burger patty, enclosed in a tortilla, and dressed up with all the flavors of a Big Mac that we know and love. It was when I made these Smash Burger Tacos for the first time that I realized that what had started as a kitchen accident due to a shortage of burger buns and an overabundance of tortillas had become one of my go-to recipes for friends and family.
Key Takeaways
- Smash burger tacos are the best of two worlds, the caramelized crust of a smashed burger and the convenience of a taco in a shell.
- Using a Ninja Double Stack XL or a Ninja Foodi, for example, gives consistent results and perfect temperature control.
- The secret sauce is a close mimic of the Big Mac’s signature flavor, but with a Mexican inspired twist.
- The size of the beef balls is 2 oz. each to achieve the perfect meat to tortilla ratio.
- Not cracking and warming the tortillas also helps to prevent them from breaking and enhances their flavor.
- Temperature control and timing is crucial for the perfect crispy crust.
- Using fresh, high quality ingredients make a big difference in the final result.
Recommended Products for the Perfect Smash Burger Tacos
Ninja Double Stack XL Countertop Oven & Air Fryer
- SMART FINISH with DualZone Technology: Sync both independent ovens to cook 2 meals, 2 different ways that finish at the same time.
- FLAVORSEAL TECHNOLOGY: Two separate ovens prevents smells from transferring between ovens, so your flavors stay totally separate.
- FLEXDOOR: Creates two separate ovens. Access just the top for quick meals and snacks, or open the full door so you can cook 2 meals, 2 ways on the top and bottom.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True Surround Convection: It is 10X the convection power for faster, crispier results. 10-in-1 Versatility: Countertop appliance that can air fry, bake, roast, broil, and more. XL Capacity: Can accommodate large meals, including a 5 lb chicken or a 12 lb turkey. | Size: Takes up a lot of counter space. Weight: At 33.6 lbs., it is quite cumbersome to carry around. Price: Slightly higher than other countertop ovens. |
The Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Digital Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a great product for cooking Smash Burger Tacos (Big Mac-Style) with no hassle. Its 10-in-1 functionality makes it possible to use a variety of cooking functions including Air Fry, Bake and Broil to get the perfect crispy taco shells while air frying your burger patty to juicy perfection.
The True Surround Convection of this oven delivers up to 10 times the convection power of traditional ovens for faster, even cooking. Its family-sized XL capacity will also enable you to cook large meals at once, such as Smash Burger patties and heat up your taco toppings at the same time without having to rotate or worry about uneven cooking. The Ninja DT201 has a 90-second preheat time and up to 30% faster cooking speed than traditional ovens, which is a real time saver for busy cooks. The oven’s digital display handle is a great addition, which makes cooking easy by suggesting optimal rack positions for each function and locking settings when you open the door to avoid accidental changes.
Also, the Air Fry function lets you enjoy your favorite dishes with up to 75% less fat, so you can enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos guilt-free. Whether you are planning to feed the family or prepare a meal for two, the Ninja DT201 offers the perfect solution.
Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven
- TRUE SURROUND CONVECTION: Up to 10X the convection power vs. a traditional full-size convection oven for faster, crispier, and juicy results.Cord length (in.): 36..Special Features: Programmable
- 10-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Whole Roast, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Reheat, and Pizza all in one powerful, 1800-watt appliance
- FASTER COOKING: 90-second oven preheat time and up to 30% faster cooking than a traditional full-size convection oven
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True Surround Convection: The convection power is 10X that of traditional ovens for faster, crispier results. 10-in-1 Versatility: One appliance that can air fry, bake, roast, broil, and more. XL Capacity: Can fit large meals, such as a 5 lb. chicken or a 12 lb. turkey. | Size: Takes up a lot of counter space. Weight: At 33.6 lbs., it’s heavy to move. Price: Slightly higher than other countertop ovens. |
The Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Digital Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a great product for cooking Smash Burger Tacos (Big Mac-Style) with no hassle. Its 10-in-1 functionality offers different cooking options such as Air Fry, Bake and Broil so that you can get the perfect crispy taco shells while air frying your burger patty to juicy perfection.
With True Surround Convection this oven has up to 10 times the convection power of traditional ovens, so your food cooks faster and more evenly. Its XL family sized capacity means that you can easily cook large quantities of food at a time, like Smash Burger patties and heat up your taco toppings at the same time without having to rotate or worry about uneven cooking. At 90 seconds preheat time and up to 30% faster cooking time than traditional ovens, the Ninja DT201 is a valuable time saver for the busy cook.
The oven’s digital display handle is a hassle free way to cook, indicating optimal rack positions for each setting and locking settings when you open the door to prevent accidental changes. Also, the Air Fry function lets you enjoy your favorite dishes with up to 75% less fat* so you can enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos guilt free. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a meal for yourself, this versatile appliance takes the hassle out of preparing perfectly cooked burgers, tacos, and more, in less time and with less energy.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill
- NINJA FOODI SMART XL GRILL: Updated, sleek design with the same functions & benefits. Indoor countertop Grill and Air Fryer with the Smart Cook System & Thermometer.
- SMART COOK SYSTEM & THERMOMETER: The Foodi Smart Thermometer enables you to achieve the perfect doneness, from rare to well-done with 4 protein settings & 9 customizable doneness levels. Do it at the touch of a button with no more guesswork, hassle-free.
- CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY: Uses 500°F of hot cyclonic air and 500°F grill grate to perfectly cook or char grill your food with char-grilled marks and delicious flavors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smart Thermometer: Guarantees the perfect result up to 9 levels. Cyclonic Grilling: Produces the char-grilled taste. 6 Functions: Grill, air fry, bake, broil, roast, and dehydrate. | Size: Takes up a lot of counter space due to its large build. Weight: Heavier than most grills which makes it easier to tip over. Noise: Can be noisier than some other countertop appliances. |
The Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill is a great way to make Smash Burger Tacos (Big Mac-Style) as it is equipped with Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate cooking functions. Its Cyclonic Grilling Technology employs 500°F of hot air and a grill grate to achieve that perfect grill marks and rich taste on the Smash Burger patties.
The Smart Cook System in conjunction with the Foodi Smart Thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness, giving you rare to well-done options for the burgers, so everyone can get what they want. Also, the Air Crisp feature enables you to bake your taco shells with up to 75% less fat than fried tacos, thus providing a healthier way to enjoy your tacos. This grill is versatile and has an XL capacity, which is perfect for family use since you can cook several patties and toppings at one time.
The Smoke Control System, splatter shield, and temperature-controlled grill grate ensure that the cooking process is smoke-free, and you do not have a messy kitchen. Whether you are grilling or air frying, the Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill is there to help you achieve the perfect Smash Burger Tacos with less fat and more taste.
Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Griddle Pan
- NEVERSTICK DIFFERENCE: Won’t stick, chip or flake. Super-heated at 30,000°F, plasma ceramic particles are fused to the surface of the pan, creating a super-hard, textured surface that interlocks with our exclusive coating for a superior bond.
- 10 YEAR GUARANTEE: NeverStick Technology is an exclusive nonstick coating designed to withstand high-heat cooking and aggressive scrubbing, and to deliver easy food release day after day without sticking.* *When used as directed.
- HARD-ANODIZED EXTERIOR: This premium cookware has an extremely durable shot-blasted, hard-anodized exterior that resists scratches like stainless steel.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nonstick Surface: Dishes will not stick and are easy to clean. Durable Design: Scratch resistant and very durable. Oven Safe: Up to 500°F for versatile cooking. | Heavy: Some weight may be problematic for some people. Expensive: More expensive than other pans. Requires Proper Care: It needs to be used as indicated to preserve the nonstick coating system. |
The Ninja C30628 Foodi NeverStick Premium 11-Inch Square Griddle Pan is perfect for preparing Smash Burger Tacos (Big Mac-Style), perfecting your tacos with a nonstick surface that won’t chip or flake. The pan uses innovative NeverStick Technology to provide excellent food release and clean up with less oil or butter than traditional pans.
This griddle pan has a hard-anodized exterior that is durable, scratch resistant and developed for high heat use. You can take it from the stovetop to the oven, perfect for finishing your burgers in the oven after searing on the griddle, or for baking taco shells to a brown beauty. The 11-inch size is great for cooking multiple patties and the premium design features ergonomic stainless steel handles and a tempered glass lid for maximum visibility and locking in moisture.
The heavy gauge 4.5 mm aluminum base guarantees even heating, so your burgers will cook evenly each time. The Ninja C30628 Griddle Pan is a must-have in your kitchen; it is versatile enough for searing, sautéing, or griddling your Smash Burger Tacos with ease. And with the oven safe to 500°F, it’s good for all kinds of cooking tasks in your kitchen.
The Art of Smash Burger Tacos
The Perfect Patty
First of all, let me tell you what makes these tacos so special: the smashed patty. First, I’ve mastered the art of achieving that ideal crust using the Ninja Double Stack XL’s precise temperature control. I form 2-ounce balls of 80/20 ground beef – and here’s the crucial part – you shouldn’t season them yet!
The meat’s texture can be affected by the salt if it’s added too early. Set your Ninja appliance to 450°F (or if it has a griddle, use that) and make sure it is completely preheated. Once you place your beef balls on the hot surface, immediately smash them down with a heavy-duty spatula. The thinner you can get them, the better that coveted crispy edge will be. To get that coveted crispy edge, the thinner you can get them the better.
I usually set it to about 1/4 inch thickness to achieve the perfect crust to juicy interior ratio. Here’s my pro tip that took me years to perfect: When smashing place a piece of parchment paper between your spatula and the meat. This is stuck and you can put maximum pressure on it without worrying about losing any of that precious beef. Only after smashing should you season generously with salt and pepper.
This is where timing comes in – you put the salt and pepper on the top side after smashing, and then after about 2 minutes you flip it when you start seeing the edges turn crispy. What I like best about using the Ninja Double Stack XL is that it holds the temperature constant throughout the cooking process, which is important for the Maillard reaction that produces that perfect crust.
The Secret Sauce
The traditional Big Mac sauce is also quite iconic, but here’s a Mexican inspired version I made to go with these tacos. Finally, after dozens of iterations, I think I’ve got it right with this:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons diced pickles (I prefer dill)
- 2 tablespoons white onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (my secret ingredient)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour before using. The flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a sauce that’s familiar yet unique. I often make a double batch because it disappears quickly and stays good in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tortilla Selection and Preparation
It has two levels of cooking which makes it suitable for warming the tortillas while preparing the patties. I have finally settled on the type of tortilla that I prefer after trying out a number of different kinds.
Here’s how to do it:
- Place tortillas on the upper level of your Ninja Double Stack XL.
- Select temperature 350°F.
- Warm for 30-45 seconds on each side.
- Watch for a slight char and the tortilla starting to puff.
- Remove and immediately wrap in a clean kitchen towel.
- Shut them in the towel and use within 5 minutes.
The biggest difference I’ve found is keeping them wrapped in the towel when you’re getting ready to use them not to crack when you go to put your tacos together. The steam that you create inside the towel is what keeps the tortillas warm and pliable.
Essential Toppings and Preparation
The patty and the sauce are the stars of the show, but the supporting ingredients are crucial for that Big Mac inspired experience:
- Lettuce: Cut iceberg lettuce very finely for the perfect crisp texture
- Onions: Cut up the white onions into small, uniform sized pieces.
- Pickles: I used dill pickles and cut them thin.
- Cheese: American cheese is traditional but you can get creative.
- Sesame seeds: For more taste, toast them in your Ninja oven.
- Optional: For extra spice, add some diced tomatoes and jalapeños.
Assembly: The Art of Layering
These tacos are magical because of the layering. I have also conducted a lot of experiments to come up with this method that has proved to be effective;
- Start with a warm tortilla.
- Shred some lettuce and put it in a small bed.
- Put the smashed patty in place.
- While the patty is still hot, put a slice of American cheese on top of it.
- Top with diced onions.
- Put some pickles on it.
- Apply the secret sauce on it.
- Top it with some toasted sesame seeds.
- Optional: You can also add some diced tomatoes and jalapeños if you want to.
Tips for Serving and Presentation
You can easily keep warm tortillas on top while cooking fresh patties below using the Ninja Double Stack XL’s dual cooking levels. Your Smart Finish feature means that for larger gatherings, everything comes out hot and ready at the same time. Consider these serving tips:
- You should cook any meat without arranging all the toppings.
- Choose to serve the sauce on the side.
- Keep your tortillas warm in the upper level of your Ninja oven.
- Lime wedges should be served on the side.
- You can put out little bowls of extra toppings.
Conclusion
Smash Burger Tacos are the epitome of what I look for in modern fusion food. Using the Ninja Double Stack XL or other Ninja appliances makes the process more consistent and fun, and you can spend more time perfecting the flavors than wrestling with temperature. Whether you’re a taco purist or a burger fanatic, these tacos are a perfect example of how you can combine the best of two food worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these without a Ninja appliance?
A: You can, of course; just use a traditional griddle or skillet instead. The Ninja Double Stack XL and other similar appliances work more effectively and uniformly than their traditional counterparts. They also make it easier to heat the tortillas while cooking the patties at the same time.
Q: What kind of beef is the best for smash burger tacos?
A: For this, I would suggest using 80/20 ground beef, that is 80% beef and 20% fat. This ratio will give you the much-needed fat for flavor and that great crust while keeping the meat from drying out. The consistent temperature of Ninja appliances is a big plus in achieving the ideal crust every time.
Q: Can I make the secret sauce in advance?
A: Yes, yes, yes! I would go as far to say that I think the flavors of the sauce will taste even better if it’s made the day before. The sauce can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Q: Why aren’t my patties very crispy?
A: If using a Ninja appliance, make sure that it is very hot, about 450°F, before putting the food in. Also, avoid making the patties too thick and don’t put too many pieces of food on the grill at one time. The Ninja Double Stack XL has a precise temperature control feature that can help in achieving the best crust on the food.
Q: Can you cook these tacos in advance for a party?
A: While you can certainly assemble and store the various parts of the tacos, I wouldn’t advise cooking the patties ahead of time. The Ninja Double Stack XL’s dual cooking levels are very useful in handling different components of the food at the same time, so that everything stays hot and ready to be served to your guests.
Last update on 2025-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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