If you love Big Macs but want to keep it low-carb, these Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are perfect! Juicy beef patties, cheese, and all the classic toppings come together beautifully.
Making these burgers is a blast! You can add your favorite sauces, and trust me, they taste even better than they look. I like to enjoy mine with a side of crispy veggies—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use an 80/20 blend for perfect juiciness, but you can opt for leaner beef if you prefer. Just know it might be a bit drier. If you’re vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat or beans!
Cheese: American cheese is classic, but feel free to swap in cheddar or Swiss for a different taste. Just ensure they’re meltable for that gooey effect!
Tortillas: Low-carb tortillas are essential here. If you can’t find them, try using lettuce wraps instead or check for other keto bread options in your grocery store.
Big Mac Sauce: The sauce gives the burger its signature taste! If you’re in a pinch, use store-bought sugar-free sauces to save time. Homemade is great, but any flavorful mayo or dressing will work.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Smash Burger?
The key to a great smash burger is the cooking technique! Here’s how to get that delicious crispy edge while keeping the meat juicy:
- Start with cold ground beef. This helps retain moisture during cooking.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat to ensure proper searing. The better the heat, the crispier the edges!
- Smash the beef balls down quickly but gently. A burger press or spatula works perfectly. Don’t worry, the more you smash, the higher the crust will rise.
- Don’t move the patties too soon! Let them sear before flipping, around 2-3 minutes. Once they’re browned, they’ll easily release from the pan.
With these steps, you’ll have smash burgers that are not only delicious but also have that classic fast-food flavor while staying keto-friendly!
Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 low-carb tortillas or keto-friendly flatbreads (to use as buns)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 8 dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking, making it a quick meal option. You’ll get to enjoy juicy, flavorful burgers with a keto twist in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Big Mac Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until it’s smooth and set it aside for later—it’s going to be the star of the show!
2. Form the Beef Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a loose ball—don’t compact it too hard, as we want tender patties.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add your butter or oil. Once hot, place the beef balls onto the skillet and immediately smash them down flat with a spatula or burger press. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the edges to turn brown and crispy. Then, flip the patties and add a slice of American cheese on top of each one. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is gooey and the burger is cooked through!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
In the same skillet or a separate pan, lightly toast the low-carb tortillas or flatbreads until they are warm and slightly crisp. This will give your burger a nice texture!
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Now for the fun part! Spread a spoonful of the Big Mac sauce onto one tortilla. Place a cheeseburger patty on top, followed by a handful of shredded lettuce and two pickle slices. Add another dollop of sauce and cover it with a second tortilla to mimic the famous double-layered look of a Big Mac.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in right away for the best experience! These burgers pair well with keto-friendly sides like roasted veggies or a fresh salad. Enjoy your tasty, low-carb creation!
This recipe perfectly captures the classic Big Mac flavors while keeping it keto-friendly with low-carb buns and no sugar added to the sauce. Get ready to savor those crispy edges and juicy interiors just like at your favorite fast-food spot—right in your kitchen!
FAQ for Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, but keep in mind that it may result in a drier burger. The 80/20 blend is recommended for a juicier and more flavorful pattie.
What Can I Substitute for Low-Carb Tortillas?
If you can’t find low-carb tortillas, consider using lettuce wraps or almond flour tortillas as an alternative. You can also look for other keto bread options available in stores.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, ensuring the tortillas stay crisp if possible.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Big Mac sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes assembling your burgers quicker!