These Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are a fun twist on the classic! Juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and a zesty sauce come together without the carbs.
Who needs a bun when you have all that tasty flavor? I love piling on the toppings—feel free to get a little wild with them! 🍔
Making these burgers is super easy! Just smash the patties, cook them up, and enjoy a keto-friendly meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works, but the burgers may be less juicy. For a unique twist, try a mix of ground turkey or chicken.
Cheese: Cheddar is great here, but American cheese melts beautifully and adds that classic taste. If you’re avoiding dairy, look for vegan cheese slices that melt well.
Keto Tortillas or Lettuce Wraps: Low-carb tortillas are a solid choice. If you can’t find them, using large lettuce leaves like iceberg or romaine works well for a fresh, crunchy option.
Big Mac Sauce: The homemade sauce is easy and delicious! For a healthier twist, you could swap regular mayo with a Greek yogurt or avocado-based mayo.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Smash Patties?
The key to great smash burgers is in how you cook them! Start by heating your skillet to medium-high before adding the beef. Here’s how to make sure they’re perfect:
- Shape the ground beef into balls, not patties, so that you can smash them perfectly.
- When you place the beef onto the skillet, use a sturdy spatula to press down hard! This creates a great crust.
- Don’t move them around too much; let them cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges turn crispy before flipping.
- Adding cheese during the last minute helps it melt nicely on top.
Perfect smash burgers should be crispy on the outside and juicy inside for the ultimate flavor experience!
Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 4 low-carb keto tortillas or lettuce wraps (for bun substitute)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 8 dill pickle slices
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (sugar-free)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing up the sauce and forming the patties, then just cook them up in a skillet and assemble! It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a keto meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Big Mac Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth. Pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. This will give the flavors time to blend together.
2. Form and Cook the Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, roughly 4 ounces each. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add butter or oil. Place the beef portions onto the hot surface, then immediately smash them down with a spatula to create thin patties. Don’t forget to season them with salt and pepper!
3. Flip the Patties:
Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes on one side until their edges are nice and crispy and you see juices rising to the top, then flip them over.
4. Add the Cheese:
Put a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking so it can melt perfectly. Once the cheese is melty, remove the patties from the heat and set aside.
5. Prepare the Bun Substitute:
Warm the keto tortillas briefly in the same skillet or microwave—they’ll serve as your burger “buns.”
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of the Big Mac sauce on one side of a tortilla. Add a cheesy beef patty, then top it with dill pickle slices and shredded lettuce. You can drizzle a bit more sauce on top if you wish!
7. Top It Off:
Place another tortilla on top and gently press down to hold everything together. Voila, you have your keto Big Mac Smash Burger!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
These burgers are best served right away while they’re hot and juicy. Enjoy your delicious, keto-friendly meal packed with flavor!
FAQ for Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative, but keep in mind it may result in a slightly different flavor and texture. You may want to add a little olive oil to keep the patties juicy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, simply substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. You can also skip the cheese altogether, and load up on extra toppings like avocado for creaminess!
What Are Some Good Storage Tips for Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover patties and assembled burgers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or a skillet before serving. For best results, consider reheating the patties in a skillet to maintain their juiciness!
Can I Freeze These Burgers for Later?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
