Chef Mitchell - Professional Chef
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Institute Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"Growing up, my kids were obsessed with Big Macs, but I wanted to create a healthier, more convenient version we could enjoy at home. After countless attempts to recreate that iconic special sauce, I finally nailed it! These wraps have become our go-to quick dinner that satisfies those fast-food cravings without leaving the house."

Chef Mitchell specializes in creating healthier versions of classic comfort foods and fast-food favorites. With over a decade in professional kitchens, he's mastered the art of copycat recipes that taste just like the originals.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Four Big Mac wraps cut in half and arranged on a wooden cutting board, showing layers of seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and special sauce in flour tortillas

Why You'll Love These Big Mac Wraps

These Big Mac wraps capture all the nostalgic flavors of the iconic McDonald's burger in a more convenient, customizable format. The secret lies in the homemade special sauce that perfectly replicates that tangy, creamy flavor we all remember. Unlike the original, you control the quality of ingredients and can add extra veggies or adjust seasonings to your taste.

What makes these wraps superior to the classic burger is their portability and mess-free eating experience. They're perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or quick dinners when you want comfort food without the fuss. Plus, using tortillas instead of buns reduces carbs while providing a sturdy vessel that won't fall apart in your hands.

💡 Professional Tip

Let the special sauce rest for at least 10 minutes before using - this allows the flavors to meld and creates that authentic Big Mac taste that's impossible to achieve with fresh-mixed sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can prepare the special sauce up to 3 days ahead and cook the beef the day before. However, assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy. If you must prep ahead, wrap each assembled wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Absolutely! Ground turkey (85/15 blend) works great as a leaner alternative. Add an extra teaspoon of paprika and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor, as turkey is naturally milder than beef.

The key is using room temperature tortillas and not overfilling them. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable, keep fillings to about 1 cup total per wrap, and roll tightly. Letting the assembled wrap rest seam-side down for 2-3 minutes helps seal it.

While pickle relish is crucial for authentic Big Mac flavor, you can substitute finely minced dill pickles (about 3 tablespoons) plus 1 teaspoon sugar. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will be very close to the original.

The ground beef is done when it's no longer pink and has reached an internal temperature of 160°F. It should be browned all over with some crispy edges. The wrap is ready when it holds together without the filling spilling out when cut in half.

Serve with classic McDonald's-style sides like crispy french fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad. For a healthier option, try baked sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, or fresh fruit. A cold soda or milkshake completes the nostalgic experience.

Yes! Replace the ground beef with seasoned plant-based ground meat, seasoned lentils, or crumbled firm tofu. Cook with the same spices and add a tablespoon of soy sauce for umami depth. The special sauce and other toppings remain the same.

Store leftover cooked beef and special sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Don't store assembled wraps as they'll become soggy. Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat and assemble fresh wraps when ready to eat.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Soggy Wraps

Problem: The tortilla becomes wet and tears easily during assembly or eating.

Solution: Pat the cooked beef dry with paper towels before using, and don't over-sauce the wrap. Use a thin layer of sauce and place lettuce as a barrier between wet ingredients and the tortilla.

✅

Bland Beef

Problem: The ground beef lacks the distinctive Big Mac flavor profile.

Solution: Season the beef while cooking with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Don't drain all the fat - leave about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Cook until some edges are slightly crispy.

✅

Wraps Won't Stay Closed

Problem: The filled tortillas unroll or burst open when handled.

Prevention: Use larger tortillas (10-12 inch), don't overfill, and roll very tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed and let rest seam-side down for 3 minutes before cutting.

✅

Special Sauce Too Thin

Problem: The sauce is runny and makes the wrap soggy.

Recovery: Use full-fat mayonnaise and drain excess liquid from pickle relish before mixing. Refrigerate the sauce for 30 minutes to thicken, or add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon cold water.

✅

Cheese Won't Melt

Problem: The cheese slice remains cold and doesn't integrate with other ingredients.

Prevention: Place the cheese slice on the warm beef immediately after cooking, or microwave the assembled wrap for 15-20 seconds to slightly melt the cheese before serving.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: Add more mustard or a pinch of salt to the special sauce to balance sweetness from the relish.

Too Salty: Add a teaspoon of sugar to the special sauce and increase the lettuce and tomato to dilute saltiness.

Bland: Increase garlic powder and onion powder in both the sauce and beef seasoning, and add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat.

Organized ingredients for Big Mac wraps including ground beef, flour tortillas, lettuce, cheese slices, and special sauce ingredients laid out on a marble counter

Choosing the Best Ingredients

The success of these Big Mac wraps starts with selecting quality ingredients that mirror the original flavors. For the ground beef, choose an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness - leaner beef will result in dry, less flavorful wraps. The fat content is crucial for achieving that signature McDonald's taste and texture.

When it comes to tortillas, opt for large (10-12 inch) flour tortillas that are soft and pliable. Avoid corn tortillas as they're too fragile and have a different flavor profile. For the cheese, American cheese slices are non-negotiable - they provide the creamy, mild flavor that's essential to the Big Mac experience. Don't substitute with cheddar or other sharp cheeses.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 ground chuck for optimal flavor and juiciness - leaner options will result in dry, less flavorful filling.
  • Pickle Relish: Use sweet pickle relish, not dill, for authentic Big Mac flavor. Drain excess liquid before mixing into the special sauce.
  • Iceberg Lettuce: Iceberg provides the signature crunch and mild flavor - don't substitute with romaine or other lettuce varieties for authenticity.
Ground beef cooking in a large skillet with golden-brown color and slight crispy edges, being seasoned with spices

Mastering the Assembly Technique

The key to perfect Big Mac wraps lies in the assembly order and technique. Start with a thin layer of special sauce down the center of the tortilla, leaving 2 inches on each side for folding. Layer the warm beef next, followed by the cheese slice so it slightly melts from the heat. The lettuce acts as a barrier to prevent other ingredients from making the tortilla soggy.

When rolling the wrap, fold in the sides first, then roll tightly from the bottom up, keeping constant pressure to ensure a secure wrap. The tortilla should be warm and pliable - cold tortillas will crack and tear. If your tortillas are straight from the refrigerator, warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a dry skillet for better flexibility.

Perfect Wrap Rolling

Place fillings in the bottom third of the tortilla, fold in both sides about 2 inches, then roll tightly from bottom to top while tucking in the filling. Apply gentle pressure throughout the rolling process to create a compact, secure wrap that won't unroll when cut.

Big Mac Wraps - Easy Copycat McDonald's Recipe

Prep 15 min
Cook 10 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Special Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    Use full-fat for best texture
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
    Drain excess liquid before using
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
    Classic yellow mustard, not Dijon
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
    Adds tangy brightness
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    Not fresh garlic for smooth sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
    Complements the garlic flavor

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
    Perfect fat ratio for flavor and juiciness
  • 4 large flour tortillas
    10-12 inch size works best
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
    Provides signature crunch
  • 4 slices American cheese
    Essential for authentic flavor
  • 1 medium onion, diced
    Yellow or white onion preferred
  • 1 large tomato, diced
    Remove seeds to prevent sogginess
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
    Pat dry before using
  • 1 tsp paprika
    Adds color and mild smokiness

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside to let flavors meld.

  2. Step 2

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

  3. Step 3

    Warm tortillas in microwave for 30 seconds or in a dry skillet for 1 minute per side until pliable.

  4. Step 4

    Spread 2 tablespoons of special sauce down the center of each tortilla. Add 1/4 of the cooked beef, cheese slice, lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickles.

  5. Step 5

    Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from bottom to top. Cut in half diagonally and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store leftover cooked beef and special sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble wraps fresh to prevent sogginess. Reheat beef in a skillet before using.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with french fries, onion rings, or a side salad. For a complete McDonald's experience, pair with a cold soda or milkshake. Great for lunch boxes or picnics.

Variations

Try using ground turkey, plant-based meat, or seasoned lentils for different dietary needs. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more nutrition and flavor.