Say goodbye to boring keto meals and hello to these delicious Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers! With perfectly seared beef patties, melty American cheese, and a rich, tangy homemade Big Mac sauce, this low carb twist on the classic fast food favorite is a total game changer. Served on a crispy, zero carb tortilla, every bite is packed with flavor and crunch.
The best part? You can whip up these smash burgers in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to your favorite burger, these Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers will hit the spot without the guilt!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Burgers:
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 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
Directions:
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat.
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 8 equal portions.
- Press one portion of the meat mixture onto the surface of each tortilla, spreading it evenly to cover the entire tortilla.
- Place the tortillas meat side down onto the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes while pressing them down with a spatula to flatten the burger.
- Flip the burgers over, top each with a slice of American cheese, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tortilla crisps and the cheese melts.
- In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Spread a generous amount of the Big Mac sauce over each smash burger.
- Top each burger with shredded lettuce and two dill pickle slices. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 8
Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers: The Ultimate Low-Carb Fast-Food Fix
If you love the classic flavors of a Big Mac but want to stay on track with your keto or low carb lifestyle, these Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are exactly what you need. They deliver all the flavors of the iconic burger juicy beef, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and that signature tangy sauce without the unnecessary carbs. By using zero carb tortillas instead of traditional buns, this recipe keeps things deliciously low carb while maintaining the satisfaction of a real burger experience.
Smash burgers have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their crispy, seared exterior and juicy, flavorful center. The technique of “smashing” the beef onto a hot griddle maximizes the browning effect, creating a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the overall flavor. In this keto friendly version, we take that same technique and apply it to tortillas, making them both the burger base and the bun substitute.
Why Smash Burgers Are a Game-Changer on Keto
A traditional Big Mac contains around 45 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the sesame seed bun. For those following a ketogenic diet, this amount of carbs could easily knock them out of ketosis. That’s where keto-friendly smash burgers come in! By replacing the bun with a zero-carb tortilla, we effectively eliminate nearly all the carbs while still maintaining a structure that holds all the classic toppings together.
Unlike regular burgers that can sometimes be too thick and difficult to cook evenly, smash burgers offer a perfect solution:
- Thin patties cook quickly, locking in moisture and flavor.
- More surface area = more crispy, golden-brown goodness on the edges.
- The tortillas act as a base, preventing the mess that typically comes with bunless burgers.
The Secret Behind Big Mac Sauce
One of the key elements that make a Big Mac so irresistible is its creamy, tangy, slightly sweet sauce. While the official recipe remains a secret, most copycat versions include mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and a few special seasonings. For this keto friendly version, we ensure that all the ingredients are sugar-free, keeping the net carbs as low as possible.
The sauce isn’t just great on burgers it’s also a fantastic dipping sauce for veggies, keto fries, or grilled chicken. You can even make extra and store it in the fridge for up to a week, allowing you to add a delicious kick to other meals throughout the week.
Perfect for Meal Prep & Quick Dinners
One of the best things about Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers is how easy they are to prepare. With a total cook time of under 25 minutes, they make an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for busy schedules.
Tips for Meal Prepping:
- Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container.
- Shape the beef portions ahead of time and store them in the fridge so you can cook them fresh when needed.
- Keep shredded lettuce and pickles prepped in a container to save time.
Since these burgers are best enjoyed fresh, meal prep works best when you store the individual components separately and assemble everything just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Keto Smash Burgers
While these burgers are satisfying on their own, adding a side dish can turn them into a complete meal. Here are some delicious low-carb side dishes that pair perfectly with Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers:
- Keto Fries – Made from zucchini, turnips, or jicama, these crispy alternatives to French fries will satisfy your craving for a classic burger and fries combo.
- Keto Coleslaw – A refreshing, crunchy slaw made with a sugar free dressing balances out the richness of the burgers.
- Avocado Salad – Fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil make for a nutritious and flavorful side dish.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Mash – If you’re craving a “comfort food” experience, a creamy mashed cauliflower dish is an excellent alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Keto Onion Rings – Coated with almond flour and Parmesan cheese, these crispy onion rings are the perfect companion to your smash burgers.
Why These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers Are a Must-Try
If you’re still wondering whether to give this recipe a try, here are some key reasons why it’s a winner:
Only 2g net carbs per serving – Compared to the high carb fast food version, this keto alternative lets you enjoy a classic burger guilt free.
Fast and easy to make – With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a restaurant quality burger at home in less than 30 minutes.
Customizable – Want to add bacon? Extra cheese? Jalapeños for a spicy kick? These smash burgers can be adapted to your personal preferences while staying low carb.
Satisfying and delicious – The crispy, golden brown tortilla combined with the juicy beef and creamy sauce creates a flavor packed bite every time.
Common Questions About Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Can I Use a Different Wrap Instead of Tortillas?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of tortillas, you can use lettuce wraps for an even lower carb option, or try keto friendly cloud bread or chaffles (cheese waffles) as a bun alternative.
Can I Make These Burgers Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the American cheese or swap it for a dairy free cheese alternative. The sauce can be made dairy free by using avocado mayo instead of traditional mayo.
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you love a little heat, add some sriracha, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the burger mix or sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Instead of cooking the burgers on a skillet, you can place them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tortillas may not crisp as much as they do in a skillet, but the beef will still get that delicious sear.
Conclusion: A Keto-Friendly Big Mac Without the Guilt
If you’ve been missing the flavors of a Big Mac on keto, this Keto Big Mac Smash Burger recipe is your perfect solution. With all the delicious layers of a classic Big Mac seasoned beef, melted cheese, crispy lettuce, tangy sauce, and pickles this recipe captures the essence of the beloved fast food burger while staying low carb.
The quick cooking time, minimal ingredients, and incredible flavor make these burgers a fantastic go to meal for both beginners and seasoned keto eaters alike. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a fresh batch for a family dinner, these smash burgers will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your low-carb lifestyle.
So next time you’re in the mood for a juicy, flavorful burger, skip the drive thru and whip up these Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers instead you won’t regret it!