The sizzle of ground beef hitting a screaming hot skillet never gets old. These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers capture every bit of that iconic fast-food flavor without the carbs. They’ve become my go-to when burger cravings hit hard but I’m staying low carb.
Picture two thin beef patties with crispy, caramelized edges stacked high with lettuce, pickles, and that tangy special sauce. The secret is smashing the beef paper-thin so it gets those lacy, crunchy bits around the edges. Skip the bun, pile everything on butter lettuce cups, and you’ve got a high protein keto meal that satisfies completely.
Started perfecting this recipe back in 2018 when I went keto for the first time. My husband took one bite and said it tasted better than the drive-through original. The game-changer was letting the patties develop that deep crust before flippingpatience pays off. Now it’s our Friday night tradition.
PrintKeto Big Mac Smash Burgers: Delicious Low Carb Recipe
Enjoy keto big mac smash burgers that are perfect for any meal. These low carb smash burgers are topped with a tasty sauce and make satisfying high protein keto meals. Ideal for a quick and delicious dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 8 burgers 1x
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
- 8 Street Taco-Sized Keto Zero Carb Tortillas
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 8 slices American Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Lettuce
- 1/2 cup Dill Pickle Slices
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Finely chopped Dill Pickles
- 1 1/2 tsp Yellow Mustard
- 3 tsp Sugar-Free Ketchup
- 1/4 tsp Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Combine the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing well by hand.
- Divide the beef mixture into eight equal portions.
- Flatten each portion on top of a tortilla until fully covered.
- Place each tortilla with beef side down on the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing them flat with a spatula.
- Turn the burgers over, add a slice of American cheese on top, and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the tortillas crisp and the cheese melts.
- Mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
- Spread the sauce on each burger, then add shredded lettuce and two pickle slices to finish.
Notes
- Calories: 365 Net Carbs: 2 Net Carbs Per Servings
Nutrition
- Calories: 365 kcal
Why You’ll Love These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers bring back every nostalgic bite of that iconic fast-food favorite without derailing your low-carb lifestyle. The magic lies in pressing the ground beef flat against a hot skillet, creating irresistible crispy, caramelized edges with every bite.
At just 2 net carbs per burger, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts when you want something satisfying but guilt-free. The combination of melted American cheese, tangy pickles, and that signature sauce delivers the exact flavor profile you crave.
Even better: These come together in under 25 minutes, making them one of the easiest keto burgers you’ll ever make. No need to form perfect patties or worry about thicknessthe messier, the better!
What Makes These Low Carb Smash Burgers Special
The secret to perfect keto smash burgers lies in a clever technique and the right low-carb ingredients. Using street taco-sized keto tortillas instead of traditional buns keeps the carbs low while giving you that satisfying handheld experience we all love.
The ground beef is seasoned simply with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then pressed directly onto the tortillas before hitting the skillet. This technique creates an incredible crust while ensuring the inside remains juicy and flavorful.
- Zero carb tortillas: Your low-carb foundation that crisps up beautifully
- American cheese: Melts perfectly and adds that classic burger shop taste
- Fresh toppings: Shredded lettuce and dill pickles for crunch and tang
- Homemade sauce: A blend of mayonnaise, mustard, and spices that rivals any drive-through
The Perfect Big Mac Sauce (Keto-Friendly)
This homemade sauce truly transforms these burgers from good to absolutely crave-worthy. It’s a simple mixture of pantry staples that creates that tangy, slightly sweet flavor we all remember.
The combination of mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, yellow mustard, and sugar-free ketchup delivers all the complexity of the original, without any hidden carbs. A touch of vinegar and the perfect blend of spices beautifully rounds out the flavor.
Pro Tip: Make the sauce first and let it sit while you cook the burgers. This allows the flavors to meld, creating the best taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
The beauty of these high protein keto meals lies in their simplicity. Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heatensure it’s nice and hot to achieve that perfect sear.
Combine your ground beef with garlic powder and seasonings, then divide into 8 equal portions. Then comes the fun part: press each ball of meat directly onto a tortilla, covering the entire surface. Don’t worry about making them perfectly roundrustic is exactly what we’re aiming for!
| Step | Time | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Press meat onto tortillas | 2-3 minutes | Meat covers tortilla surface |
| Cook meat-side down | 3-4 minutes | Crispy, caramelized edges |
| Flip and add cheese | 2-3 minutes | Tortilla crisps, cheese melts |
Serving and Storage Tips
These burgers are best served immediately while the tortillas are still crispy and the cheese is melty. Top each burger with a generous spread of the homemade sauce, fresh shredded lettuce, and a couple of dill pickle slices.
For convenient meal prep, you can make the sauce up to a week ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cooked burgers keep well for 2-3 days and reheat beautifully in a skillet or air fryer, maintaining their crispness.
| Component | Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked burgers | Refrigerator, covered | 2-3 days |
| Big Mac sauce | Refrigerator, sealed jar | 1 week |
| Fresh toppings | Add just before serving | Best fresh |
Creative Variations and Swaps
Once you master the basic technique, these burgers become a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Try using different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a flavor twist, or add some crispy bacon for extra indulgence.
For those following different dietary needs, ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully with this smash burger method. You can even turn these into keto smash burger tacos by using smaller portions and folding the tortillas taco-style.
- Cheese swaps: Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack
- Meat alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options
- Extra toppings: Bacon, avocado, or sautéed onions
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture
Expert Says
These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are designed to balance high fat and moderate protein, promoting ketosis while satisfying classic flavor cravings. Using ground beef with a higher fat content helps maintain juicy patties and enhances satiety, making this recipe both delicious and perfectly aligned with low-carb dietary goals.
For more delicious keto recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Journey to Perfecting Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
After several kitchen experimentslike accidentally over-seasoning and a few too-thin pattiesI finally perfected this Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers recipe. It was a slow process, tweaking flavors and textures, but those lessons led to a version that feels just right: juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced for a comforting family meal.
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.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Win
These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers come together in just 25 minutes, and I promise, you’ll love the results every single time. The tortillas become wonderfully crispy, the beef develops those golden edges we all crave, and that homemade sauce? Pure magic! My kitchen always smells like a classic burger joint when I make these.
Here’s a favorite trick of mine for quick weeknight dinners: double the sauce recipe and keep it in an airtight jar for quick meals throughout the week. Try swapping in sharp cheddar for extra tang, or fold these taco-style for the kids. Leftover burgers reheat beautifully in a skilletjust a minute on each side brings back that perfect crispiness.
I’d love to see how yours turn out! Tag me in your photos, or tell me in the commentsdid you have a favorite burger joint growing up that brings back memories? There’s something so satisfying about recreating those flavors at home. Save this easy recipe for your next family dinner; I have a feeling it’ll quickly become a regular favorite.
