Some of the posts on our site may contain affiliate links. Clicking may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
A low-carb version of the classic Big Mac, featuring juicy smashed patties and a special sauce that keeps it keto-friendly while maintaining that iconic flavor.
Core Elements
The star of this dish is high-fat ground beef (80/20), which creates a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior when smashed. The special sauce and toppings recreate the Big Mac experience without the traditional carbs.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 800g (1.75 lbs) ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Special Sauce:
- 180ml (¾ cup) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For Assembly (Choose Your Base):
Option 1: Lettuce Wrap
- 8 large iceberg lettuce leaves
Option 2: Low-Carb Tortilla
- 4 low-carb tortillas (Mission Carb Balance or similar)
Additional Toppings:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 8 slices sugar-free American cheese
- 16 dill pickle slices
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed:
- Large cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle
- Metal spatula
- Parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen scale
Instructions:
- Prepare the Special Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients
- Mix well and refrigerate until needed
- Form the Patties:
- Divide beef into 8 equal portions (100g each)
- Form loose balls, don’t overwork the meat
- Place on parchment paper
- Cook the Burgers:
- Heat skillet over high heat (200°C/400°F)
- Place beef ball on hot surface
- Cover with parchment paper
- Smash firmly with spatula until very thin (about 10-12cm/4-5 inches)
- Season with salt and pepper
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy
- Flip, add cheese, cook 1 minute more
- Assembly:
For Lettuce Wrap:- Layer: lettuce leaf, burger patty with cheese
- Add special sauce, pickles, diced onions
- Top with another patty and lettuce leaf
For Low-Carb Tortilla:
- Warm tortilla slightly (10-15 seconds in microwave)
- Layer: tortilla, burger patty with cheese
- Add special sauce, pickles, diced onions
- Top with another patty
- Optional: add shredded lettuce for crunch
- Fold or roll tortilla
Timing:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispiness, ensure skillet is extremely hot
- Can substitute ground turkey for beef (adjust cooking time)
- Make sauce ahead for better flavor development
- Use cheese alternatives for dairy-free version
- Toast low-carb tortillas for extra crunch
- Cut tortillas in half and stack like a traditional Big Mac
Nutrition Information (per serving – 2 patties):
With Lettuce Wrap:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 52g
- Protein: 45g
- Total Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 890mg
With Low-Carb Tortilla (using Mission Carb Balance):
- Calories: 750
- Fat: 53g
- Protein: 47g
- Total Carbs: 19g
- Fiber: 15g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 1050mg
Suggested Pairings:
- Keto coleslaw
- Grilled asparagus
- Cauliflower “fries”
- Sugar-free pickle spears
- Keto-friendly tortilla chips
Plating Suggestions:
- Serve open-faced on a bed of shredded lettuce
- Wrap in large lettuce leaves or tortilla for easier handling
- Present sauce on the side for customization
- Garnish with additional pickles and fresh herbs
- For tortilla version, wrap in parchment paper for easier eating
KETO BIG MAC SMASH BURGERS
Description
A low-carb version of the classic Big Mac, featuring juicy smashed patties and a special sauce that keeps it keto-friendly while maintaining that iconic flavor.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
For the Special Sauce:
For Assembly:
Instructions
-
-
Prepare the Special Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients
- Mix well and refrigerate until needed
-
Form the Patties:
- Divide beef into 8 equal portions (100g each)
- Form loose balls, don't overwork the meat
- Place on parchment paper
-
Cook the Burgers:
- Heat skillet over high heat (200°C/400°F)
- Place beef ball on hot surface
- Cover with parchment paper
- Smash firmly with spatula until very thin (about 10-12cm/4-5 inches)
- Season with salt and pepper
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy
- Flip, add cheese, cook 1 minute more
-
Assembly:
- Layer: lettuce leaf, burger patty with cheese
- Add special sauce, pickles, diced onions
- Top with another patty and lettuce leaf
-
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 650kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 52g80%
- Cholesterol 180mg60%
- Sodium 890mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips and Variations:
Use cheese alternatives for dairy-free version
For extra crispiness, ensure skillet is extremely hot
Can substitute ground turkey for beef (adjust cooking time)
Make sauce ahead for better flavor development
Suggested Pairings:
- Keto coleslaw
- Grilled asparagus
- Cauliflower "fries"
- Sugar-free pickle spears
Plating Suggestions:
- Serve open-faced on a bed of shredded lettuce
- Wrap in large lettuce leaves for easier handling
- Present sauce on the side for customization
- Garnish with additional pickles and fresh herbs