These Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are a tasty twist on the classic fast food favorite! Juicy beef patties are packed with flavor and topped with gooey cheese, pickles, and special sauce.
Who can resist a burger that brings all the Big Mac goodness without the carbs? I love how quick and fun they are to make—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the juiciest burgers. If you’re looking for leaner meat, 90/10 works too, but your burgers may not be as moist. For a keto twist, you can even try ground turkey or chicken!
Cheese: Traditional American cheese melts flawlessly, but feel free to swap it for cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for that gooey texture.
Low-Carb Tortillas/Buns: If you can’t find low-carb tortillas, try lettuce wraps for an even lighter option. Just be mindful that this may affect the way you hold the burger!
Condiments: The sugar-free ketchup is great for keeping it keto. If you don’t have it, you can make a quick version with tomato paste and an artificial sweetener. For a vegan option, replace mayo with avocado or a plant-based mayo.
How Do You Get Juicy Smash Burgers Every Time?
Cooking smash burgers is all about technique! The smashing part creates a crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet until it’s really hot. A hot surface is key to getting that nice sear.
- Form the beef into loose balls—don’t overwork it! Just gently shape it into a ball.
- Place the ball on the skillet, then smash it down firmly with a spatula. You want it thin but make sure not to press too hard.
- Season well with salt and pepper right after smashing so the seasoning sticks!
- Only flip the burgers once! Let them cook until they’re deeply browned before turning. This helps lock in the juices.
By following these steps, you’ll get those perfect, juicy smash burgers every time! Enjoy the rewarding crunch and flavor with each bite.
Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices American cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 8 dill pickle slices
- 4 low-carb tortillas or keto-friendly burger buns / wraps
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or a small pinch of cayenne for the special sauce
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at a total time of about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika or cayenne if you’re feeling spicy. Stir well until it’s nicely combined and then set it aside.
2. Form and Cook the Patties:
Take your ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a ball without packing it too tightly. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place each beef ball on the skillet and use a spatula to smash it down into a thin patty.
3. Season and Cook:
Sprinkle each patty generously with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the edges turn crispy and browned. Then, flip the patties over and throw a slice of cheese on each one. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked through.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While your patties are cooking, you can warm your low-carb tortillas or keto buns. Just pop them in a dry pan or give them a quick zap in the microwave until they are soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Take one warm tortilla and lay it flat. Put a nice spoonful of your prepared special sauce right in the center. Next, add one of your cheesy beef patties on top of the sauce.
6. Add Toppings:
Now, add two pickle slices and a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce right on top of that patty. If you want, you can add a bit more special sauce for extra flavor!
7. Wrap It Up:
Gently fold the tortilla over the fillings to form a burger shape. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. Serve your Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers immediately and enjoy all the fantastic flavors of a Big Mac without the carbs! Your taste buds won’t know the difference!
These burgers are juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for any keto meal! Enjoy! 🍔
FAQ
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is recommended for juiciness, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and juiciness may vary slightly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make these burgers dairy-free, simply omit the cheese and use a dairy-free mayo alternative in the special sauce. You can also try vegan cheese if you’d like that cheesy element!
Can I Meal Prep These Smash Burgers?
Yes! You can prepare the patties and sauce ahead of time. Store the uncooked patties in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the patties and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and then assemble your burgers fresh!
