These Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are a fun twist on a classic! With juicy beef patties topped with cheese, lettuce, pickles, and a tangy sauce, they’re deliciously satisfying.
Who needs a bun when you can enjoy all those yummy flavors in every bite? I love to whip these up for a quick dinner and serve them with a side of crispy veggies. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a perfect balance of meat and fat. This gives you juicy burgers! If you prefer leaner meat, 90/10 works too, but they may be a bit drier. You could also use ground turkey for a lighter option.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds great flavor and melts nicely. However, feel free to swap it for Swiss or provolone if you like something different. Just make sure your cheese is keto-friendly!
Low-Carb Tortillas: These keep the burger low-carb and fun to eat! If you can’t find them, you could use lettuce wraps for a fresher option. Try romaine or iceberg leaves for that ‘bun’ feel.
Pickles: Dill pickles add a nice crunch! If you’re not a fan, consider substituting with sliced jalapeños for spice or omit them altogether.
Special Sauce: This sauce made with mayo, ketchup, and mustard is a key flavor highlight. Use Greek yogurt or avocado mayo as a healthier alternative for the mayo if desired.
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash on My Burgers?
Smashing the burgers is crucial to achieving that crispy outer layer and juicy center. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a hot skillet. Make sure it’s preheated so the beef sears immediately.
- Form your meat into a loose ball and place it on the skillet. Don’t let it sit too long before smashing!
- Use a spatula to apply even pressure when smashing to ensure a uniform patty.
- Cook without moving for a couple of minutes to develop a nice crust before flipping.
Keep it simple, and remember—try not to press down too hard after the initial smash, as you’ll lose those precious juices!
Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 small dill pickle slices
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4 low-carb tortillas or keto-friendly flatbreads (to use as buns)
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, for a total of about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. This will be your delicious Big Mac style sauce! Set it aside.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get crispy burgers!
3. Form the Beef Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a loose ball. This will help create those lovely smash burgers.
4. Smash and Cook the Patties:
Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet. Use a spatula or a heavy flat object to smash each ball down into a thin patty. Don’t be shy—make it flat!
5. Season and Finish Cooking:
Sprinkle salt and pepper on top of the patties. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving them until the edges are brown and crispy.
6. Add Cheese:
Flip each patty and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each one. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through.
7. Prepare the Flatbreads:
While the patties are cooking, lightly heat the low-carb tortillas or keto flatbreads on another pan or in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just to soften them up.
8. Assemble the Burgers:
Take one flatbread, spread a spoonful of the special sauce on it, and layer on some shredded lettuce. Add a cheesy beef patty, then a few slices of pickles, and finally, top with another flatbread to create your burger.
9. Repeat and Serve:
Repeat the assembly for the remaining ingredients until you have four tasty smash burgers ready to go!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers right away and dig in! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey for a leaner option! Just be aware that turkey may result in slightly drier patties, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or bacon fat while cooking to maintain juiciness.
What Can I Substitute for the Low-Carb Tortillas?
If you can’t find low-carb tortillas, lettuce wraps are a great alternative. Big leaves of romaine or iceberg work really well to hold all the burger fillings while keeping it low-carb!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place any uneaten burgers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use a microwave or skillet on low heat until warmed through.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the special sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to make sure everything is mixed well again!
