If you’re craving the classic taste of a Big Mac but want to keep it low-carb, these Easy Keto Smash Burgers are perfect! Juicy beef patties, special sauce, and all the toppings make this burger a hit.
These burgers are quick and fun to make. Just smash the patties for that crispy edge—trust me, it’s worth it! I love serving them with lettuce wraps instead of buns for a tasty, guilt-free meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I suggest using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use 90/10 beef, but keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent dryness.
Cheese: Cheddar is great for this burger, but American cheese melts beautifully too. If you want a dairy-free option, you could use vegan cheese slices.
Keto-Friendly Flatbreads: Low-carb tortillas are perfect to keep this keto. If you can’t find them, you can use lettuce leaves or even cauliflower thins as buns for a different twist.
Big Mac Sauce: I love this homemade version, but you can use a store-bought sugar-free dressing too. Look for options labeled “keto” or “low-carb” to stay on track.
How Do You Make the Perfect Smash Burgers?
Getting that crispy edge on your smash burgers is key to achieving an amazing flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high. A hot skillet is essential for a good sear.
- Divide the beef into smaller portions. Keep them very loosely packed to avoid tough burgers.
- Smash those burgers down! Use a spatula or a burger press to create that signature thin patty. This increases surface area and enhances browning.
- Don’t skip the seasoning. Salt and pepper should be on both sides for the best taste.
- Cook until the edges start to brown and the juices rise. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully, add cheese right after flipping for melting.
These tips will help you achieve juicy, flavorful smash burgers that remind you of the Big Mac, but in a keto-friendly way!
Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 8 low-carb tortillas or keto-friendly flatbreads (to use as buns)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 8 large dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a few minutes for cooking. With everything combined, you’re looking at around 20-25 minutes from start to finish for a satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Big Mac Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until it’s all smooth and well combined. Set it aside while you cook the burgers.
2. Form and Cook the Smash Burgers:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions—about 2 ounces each. Heat a large skillet or griddle on medium-high heat and add butter or oil to the pan.
Now, take a portion of beef and place it in the skillet. Smash it flat with a spatula to form a 3-4 inch diameter patty. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to season.
Let the patties cook for 2-3 minutes, until they’re crispy brown on the bottom, then flip them over. Right after you flip, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
3. Warm the Keto Buns:
While the patties are cooking, it’s time to warm your low-carb tortillas or keto flatbreads. You can do this in another pan or quickly in the microwave—just enough to make them pliable, and toasting them lightly adds a nice touch!
4. Assemble the Burgers:
Take one of the warmed tortillas or flatbreads and lay it flat. Spread a spoonful of your delicious Big Mac sauce over it. Then, add a smash burger patty with that gooey melted cheese.
Add your toppings: a handful of shredded lettuce and a couple of pickle slices on top. Then, place another tortilla or flatbread on top and repeat with another layer of sauce and a second smash burger. If you’re feeling extra, double the patties and stack them high using more flatbreads or another layer to create that famous “Big Mac” effect. Finish with some more lettuce, pickles, and perhaps another dash of sauce if you like before topping it all with the final piece of the bun.
5. Serve:
Your Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are ready to devour! Serve them immediately with some delicious keto-friendly sides like crispy pork rinds or a nice fresh side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this guilt-free take on a classic!
Dig in and savor the delightful flavors of your homemade, keto-inspired Big Mac smash burgers!
FAQ for Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that poultry can be drier, so you may want to use a mix of dark and light meat or add a splash of olive oil to maintain juiciness!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and enjoy your burger fresh again!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The Big Mac sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, you can whip up your burgers even quicker!
What Can I Use Instead of Low-Carb Tortillas?
If you can’t find low-carb tortillas, lettuce wraps work great as a bun alternative. You can also use cauliflower thins or make your own keto-friendly bread if you have a favorite recipe!
