This fun burger brings the Big Mac flavors right to your table, without all the carbs! It’s juicy beef, special sauce, and cheese—what’s not to love?
Honestly, I can’t resist those big, cheesy bites! I love making these when I want a quick dinner that feels like a treat. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A blend of 80/20 fat gives the best flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but you may need to add some fat (like olive oil) to keep it juicy.
Cheese: I prefer cheddar for a sharp taste, but you can switch to American if you want that classic fast-food flavor. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
Low-Carb Tortillas: These are great for wrapping your burger. If you can’t find them, you could use lettuce wraps or even substitute with almond flour tortillas for a homemade touch.
Special Sauce: The beauty of this sauce is you can adjust it! If you don’t have sugar-free ketchup, a bit of regular ketchup works too, but it will add carbs. You can also swap the dill pickles with sweet relish if that’s your style!
How Can I Get Perfectly Crispy Smash Burgers?
The key to a great smash burger is the cooking technique. You’ll want to start with a hot skillet to sear the beef correctly:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high until it’s very hot before you add the beef. A good sear is essential for flavor!
- Don’t rush the smashing. When you put the beef on the skillet, press it down firmly with a spatula but don’t overwork it; keep it thick enough for juiciness.
- Let the patties cook undisturbed until they’re brown and crusty—this takes about 2-3 minutes. Then flip and immediately top with cheese.
This method ensures your burgers are crispy outside and juicy inside, giving you that delicious fast-food feel every time!
How to Make Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 4 low-carb tortillas or keto-friendly flatbreads (to use as buns)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 8 dill pickle slices
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles or sweet relish (sugar-free if possible)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10-12 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the special sauce and preparing the ingredients, and then the cooking goes really fast. Get ready for a delicious meal in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, chopped pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until everything is well combined. Set this delicious sauce aside to let the flavors meld together while you cook the burgers.
2. Shape the Beef Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a loose ball. Remember not to compress the meat too much; you want juicy burgers!
3. Cook the Beef Patties:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place each beef ball onto the skillet. Using a spatula, smash each ball down to form thin patties. Season each patty with salt and pepper on top.
4. Add Cheese & Cook:
Let the patties cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges turn brown and crispy. Flip each patty over and place a slice of cheese on top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked to your desired doneness.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the patties are cooking, warm the low-carb tortillas or keto flatbreads in another pan or microwave for a few seconds until they become pliable and slightly toasted.
6. Assemble Your Burger:
To build your burger, lay one tortilla flat on a plate. Spread a generous amount of the special sauce on it. Place one cheeseburger patty on top, add a handful of shredded lettuce, and top with 2 dill pickle slices.
7. Build Layers (Optional):
If you’re feeling extra hungry or want a double smash burger, simply repeat the layering with another tortilla, one more patty, and additional toppings as desired!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are ready to devour! Plate them up and enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac without the carbs. It’s a tasty meal that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle!
This recipe captures the essence of a classic Big Mac, using keto-friendly ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy every bite of this guilt-free burger!
FAQ for Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burger Recipe
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! While the flavor will change, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Just be aware that lean meats can be drier, so consider adding a bit of olive oil to keep them juicy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can enjoy them cold or reheated; either way, they taste great!
Can I Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The special sauce can be mixed up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to ensure the freshest taste when you’re ready to assemble your burgers.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, bacon, avocado, or jalapeños can add delicious variety. Just remember to check the carb counts if you’re sticking to a strict keto plan!
