The sizzle when that thin patty hits the skillet? Music. Add a hit of tangy sauce, a crunch of lettuce, and suddenly you’re holding a fast-food favorite gone low carb. These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers keep all the yumnone of the bun. It’s comfort food reimagined, and it’s having a big moment for folks craving satisfaction without the carbs.
You’ll smash seasoned beef into sizzling, crispy edges. Layer with cheddar, pickles, shredded iceberg, and a creamy Big Mac–style sauce that happens to be keto-friendly. It’s like biting into nostalgiawith a healthy twist. Ready in under 30 minutes and no fancy tools needed. This dish fits right into your list of low carb smash burgers that actually feel indulgent.
I first whipped these up during a summer cabin trip back in 2021after a grocery mix-up left us with too much ground beef and zero buns. My brother-in-law took one bite and said, “This tastes illegal.” Trick is using parchment when smashing so the patties crisp, not crumble. After over a decade creating and testing recipes, this one stays in rotation year-round.
Joe Rooney
Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers: Delicious Low Carb Recipe
These keto big mac smash burgers are a tasty, low carb smash burgers option that packs a flavorful punch. Featuring a creamy keto big mac sauce, they make for high protein keto meals perfect for any cookout or quick dinner. Enjoy this smash burger with sauce recipe that’s both satisfying and keto-friendly.
In a bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix thoroughly.
Divide the seasoned meat into 8 equal portions.
Flatten one portion of meat onto the top side of a tortilla, covering it completely.
Do the same for the remaining meat and tortillas.
Place each tortilla with meat side down onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, pressing down with a spatula to smash the burger thin.
Flip each burger over, place a slice of American cheese on top, then cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese has melted.
Meanwhile, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles, yellow mustard, sugar-free ketchup, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl; mix well.
Spread the prepared keto Big Mac sauce evenly over each smash burger.
Top the burgers with shredded lettuce and add two dill pickle slices on each before serving.
Notes
Each burger contains approximately 365 calories and 2 grams net carbs, making it ideal for low carb and keto diets.
Why You’ll Love These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
These burgers offer the perfect blend of classic fast-food flavor and low-carb practicality. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite:
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps.
Low Carb and Guilt-Free: Only 2 grams of net carbs per burger, allowing you to enjoy without breaking your keto goals.
All the Flavor: Crispy-edged smash burgers topped with a rich keto Big Mac sauce, plus the crunch of pickles and lettuce.
Family-Friendly: These hit the spot for everyone, keto or notpicky eaters included!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s explore the key ingredients that bring these burgers to life:
Ground Beef: The star of the show. Choose 80/20 for the juiciest burgers.
Keto Zero Carb Tortillas: The clever bun swap that keeps it low carb.
American Cheese: Melts beautifully over the smash patties.
Keto Big Mac Sauce: A creamy, tangy mix of mayo, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, and spices.
Toppings: Don’t forget shredded lettuce and dill pickle slices for that iconic Big Mac crunch and tang.
Ingredient
Purpose
Ground Beef
Main protein, forms the patties.
Keto Zero Carb Tortillas
Low-carb bun alternative for structure.
Keto Big Mac Sauce
Adds classic creamy, tangy flavor.
American Cheese
Melts for that gooey, indulgent finish.
Shredded Lettuce & Pickles
Freshness and crunch.
Pro Tip:
For an extra treat, double the sauce and save some extra on the side for dippingit’s perfect with Keto Smash Burger Tacos or other easy keto meals!
How to Make Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers Step-by-Step
This recipe comes together quickly, so gather your ingredients and get ready to smash some burgers!
Mix the Meat: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Portion and Press: Roll the mixture into 8 equal balls. Flatten each ball onto the front of a keto tortilla, creating a thin, even layer.
Cook and Smash: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla-side up in the skillet and press down firmly with a spatula to create those signature crispy edges. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
Flip and Top: Flip the patties, add a slice of American cheese to each, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted.
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together the mayo, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, diced dill pickles, vinegar, and spices to create the ultimate keto Big Mac sauce.
Assemble: Spread a generous amount of sauce over the burgers, then layer with shredded lettuce and extra dill pickles before serving immediately.
Step
Timing
Mix Meat & Portion
5 minutes
Press & Sear
3–4 minutes (per side)
Add Toppings
2 minutes
Make Sauce
3 minutes
Total Time
23 minutes
Tips, Tweaks, and Troubleshooting
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned smash burger pro, these tips will help you achieve perfect results:
For Crispy Edges: Smashing firmly with a spatula is crucialdon’t skip this step to achieve that desirable crispy crust!
Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before spreading.
Swaps: If you’re out of keto tortillas, consider using crisp lettuce wraps or transforming these into tasty keto smash burger tacos.
Cooking Troubles: If you find the patties are sticking, try using parchment paper for easier smashing, and always ensure your skillet is adequately hot before cooking.
Serving and Storage Ideas
While these burgers are best enjoyed fresh from the skillet, any leftovers can be stored wisely for later enjoyment!
Serving Suggestions: Pair these delicious burgers with a crisp side salad or your favorite roasted low-carb vegetables to complete your high-protein keto meal.
Storing Leftovers: Keep cooked patties and sauce stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat patties in a hot skillet.
Freezing Raw Patties: To freeze, stack raw patties with parchment paper between each to prevent sticking. They can be cooked directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy!
Storage Method
How Long
Tips
Fridge (Cooked)
3 days
Store sauce separately to keep fresh.
Freezer (Raw Patties)
3 months
Use parchment to prevent sticking.
Expert Says
This Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers recipe cleverly balances fats and proteins, essential for maintaining ketosis while satisfying those classic burger cravings. The high-heat smash technique caramelizes the meat’s surface, enhancing flavor through the Maillard reaction, which deepens taste without adding extra carbs.
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Perfecting My Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Crafting these Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers to perfection involved a few delicious rounds in the kitchen. Initial attempts focused on perfecting the seasoning and identifying the ideal low-carb bun substitute. Through careful trial and error, I finally developed a recipe that perfectly balances flavor and texture, capturing that irresistible classic Big Mac experience.
FAQs ( Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers )
Can I make Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and Big Mac sauce a day in advance and refrigerate them separately. When ready, reheat the patties briefly in a skillet to maintain juiciness. Assemble just before serving to keep the textures fresh and the flavors vibrant.
What is the best ground beef to use?
Choose ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal juiciness and flavor. This fat content helps create a crispy, caramelized crust when smashing the patties, essential for this recipe’s authentic taste and texture.
How do I store leftover burgers?
Store leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties on a skillet over medium heat to retain moisture, and freshen up the sauce if needed before serving again.
Can I substitute the buns for low-carb options?
Absolutely. Lettuce wraps or low-carb keto buns work well to keep this meal compliant with keto goals. Choose sturdy, fresh leaves or your favorite low-carb bread alternative to hold the burger and sauce without falling apart.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Pair the smash burger with simple keto-friendly sides like cauliflower fries, celery sticks with ranch, or a fresh green salad. These low-carb options complement the rich flavors without adding unnecessary carbs, keeping the meal balanced.
Conclusion
These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers come together quickly, delivering crispy, savory comfort without the carb overload. You’ll adore how the melty cheese and tangy sauce create a truly satisfying homemade meal that feels like an indulgence.
Consider doubling the Big Mac sauce for extra dipping or drizzling over a simple side salad. For a lighter option, swap the tortillas for crisp lettuce wraps. Here’s a tip from my kitchen: always ensure your skillet is hot and use parchment paper for perfectly crispy smash edges. Leftovers reheat wonderfully with a quick sizzle in a skillet.
Did this recipe evoke any cherished burger memories or inspire your own creative twists? I’d love to see your kitchen creationssnap a pic and share them! Save this recipe for family gatherings or a satisfying solo indulgence; it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.
