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KETO BIG MAC SMASH BURGERS

Servings: 4 Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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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:

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients
    • Mix well and refrigerate until needed
  2. Form the Patties:
    • Divide beef into 8 equal portions (100g each)
    • Form loose balls, don’t overwork the meat
    • Place on parchment paper
  3. 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
  4. 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
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Keto

KETO BIG MAC SMASH BURGERS

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins
Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 4 Calories: 650
Dietary:

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

    1. Prepare the Special Sauce:

      • In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients
      • Mix well and refrigerate until needed
    2. Form the Patties:

      • Divide beef into 8 equal portions (100g each)
      • Form loose balls, don't overwork the meat
      • Place on parchment paper
    3. 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
    4. 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

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Why are these called "smash" burgers?

Smash burgers are made by literally smashing a ball of ground beef onto a hot cooking surface, creating a thin patty with crispy, caramelized edges and a juicy interior.

Can I make these ahead of time?

While the special sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead, the burgers are best served fresh off the griddle. The patties can be formed into balls and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What's the best type of ground beef to use?

80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for smash burgers as the higher fat content creates better flavor and helps achieve the desired crust.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While American cheese melts best, you can use any keto-friendly cheese like cheddar, provolone, or Swiss. Just be aware that some alternatives might not melt as smoothly.

What brands of low-carb tortillas do you recommend?

Mission Carb Balance, La Banderita Low Carb, or Mr. Tortilla are all good options. Always check the net carb count as brands can vary.

How long does the special sauce keep?

The sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze the cooked patties?

While possible, it's not recommended as the texture may change. If you must freeze them, separate patties with parchment paper and thaw in the refrigerator.

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