While I’m not a McDonald’s fan (shocker), I am a huge fan of this viral Big Mac Smash Taco and I think you will be, too.

Of course, I had to add my own healthy-ish twist, which I often do to any burger I make personally at home. But before you write me off as one of those home cooks who blindly throws protein powder and cottage cheese in everything regardless of how they may alter or destroy any semblance of taste, rest assured: I am not that girl. When appropriately imperceptible, I will add, adjust or omit ingredients to make meals more nourishing on a cellular level. This might take the form of an open face sandwich, tuna salad made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo or swapping chickpea pasta for of the real thing.

Mind you, these are swaps I make *at home.* When I go to Italy, I eat it all and I don’t think twice. But when I’m watching Sex and the City for the 1,500th time alone on the couch, you can bet I’m making some sort of healthy substitution. In fact, one could argue (and I sometimes do) that my love for food and eating out is what helps me eat so healthy at home. Because food made in restaurants is built with butter and because I can’t afford to feel even the slightest twinge of guilt cleaning my plate of Carbone spicy rigatoni with the fluffy focaccia bread that could itself be a complete meal. I’ll take it one step further and say that you can’t afford that either. Life is simply too short to not savor those moments out at restaurants.

This doesn’t mean the food at home should be shit. It means he food at home should be healthier than the food outside the home.

Which brings me to the Healthy-ish Big Mac Smash Taco. This delicious burger “alternative”, if you can even call it that, is a game changer for those who want to indulge without overindulging. Packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients, the Healthy Big Mac Smash Taco offers all the classic flavor of a traditional burger but with added nutrients. With a leaner patty, nutrient-rich quinoa, loaded with lettuce and a tortilla instead of 2 buns, you can satisfy your cravings and feel good afterwards!

Why You’ll Love It 

Off the cuff, you’ll love it cause it’s different! I’m not saying this will replace the classic American cheeseburger by any means but let’s be honest, life can be incredibly redundant and repetitive. Why not mix it up and try something new?

The average store bought cheeseburger bun has about 120 calories. In comparison, a 6 inch tortilla usually has no more than 90. So, if you’re looking for a lower calorie option with less fluffy carbs, you might enjoy this alternative.

If you’re on a budget or have a larger group to feed, adding quinoa will allow you to feed more mouths without necessarily buying more beef, which is the most expensive ingredient. This would be especially helpful to you as you prioritize grass fed and finished beef, which is generally more expensive than conventionally processed alternatives.

The Big Mac Sauce is fire and if the only thing you take from this recipe is the recipe for that, you will be a better person for it.

Nutritious and healthy

Versatile and Customizable

Quick, Easy and Convenient

Recipe Cost Breakdown

     6 small tortillas: $1.74

     6 slices sharp cheddar cheese: $6.33

     3 slices pickles, per smash taco burger: $8.59

For the Patty

     1 cup fresh organic lettuce: $1.44

     1 lb 100% grass fed, grass finished beef: $11.99

     1 cup cooked quinoa: $3.49

     1 egg white: $0.53

     Avocado oil, for cooking: $1.35

For the Sauce: 

     ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise: $1.26

     1 tbsp sweet pickle relish: $0.07

     1 tbsp grated sweet onion: $0.06

     1 tsp yellow mustard: $0.06

     ¼ tsp white vinegar: $0.01

     ¼ tsp paprika: $0.05

     ¼  tsp onion powder: $0.06

     ⅛ tsp garlic powder: $0.03

Total Cost: $37.06

What You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowls, Measuring Cups

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