Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping low-carb burger, look no further: Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are about to steal your heart (and your dinner plans)! This recipe brilliantly transforms the beloved flavors of everyone’s favorite iconic fast-food burger into a juicy, cheesy, and completely keto meal. With crispy-edged smash patties, plenty of melty American cheese, zesty homemade sauce, and all the essential fixings, layered on golden keto tortillas instead of buns, these burgers deliver maximum flavor without the carb overload. Trust me, you won’t believe just how simple and satisfying Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are to whip up at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays an important role in building that crave-worthy burger experience. From the cool crunch of the lettuce to the special sauce, it all layers up into burger magic!

• Street Taco-Sized Keto Zero Carb Tortillas: These make the perfect bun swap, crisping up beautifully and bringing the whole burger together, keto style.
• Ground Beef: The foundation for juicy, flavorful burger patties—go for 80/20 for maximum tenderness.
• American Cheese: Melts into dreamy, gooey perfection and gives that classic cheeseburger flavor everyone loves.
• Shredded Lettuce: Adds crisp freshness and a nice contrast to the savory burger and rich sauce.
• Dill Pickle Slices: These tangy slices bring in that signature Big Mac zing.
• Garlic Powder (for the beef): A dash of garlic brings out even more meaty flavor in the burger.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the unmistakable Big Mac–inspired sauce.
• Finely Chopped Dill Pickles: Stirred straight into the sauce, they deliver extra punch and texture.
• Yellow Mustard: Adds tang and a subtle sharpness to balance the sauce.
• Sugar-Free Ketchup: Keeps things keto while adding tomato sweetness to the sauce.
• Vinegar: Just a splash for a bright, balanced finish in the sauce mix.
• Paprika: Lends depth, color, and gentle warmth to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder (for the sauce): Layered flavor boosts that bring everything together.
• Onion Powder: A hint of allium sharpness to round out the sauce’s flavor profile.

How to Make Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers

Step 1: Heat Your Skillet

Start by placing your favorite heavy skillet (cast iron is perfect here) over medium-high heat. Allow it to get nice and hot—this is essential for achieving those craveable crispy edges when you smash your patties.

Step 2: Season and Mix the Beef

In a mixing bowl, add your ground beef, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use clean hands to knead and combine everything, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed for full flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Form Your Burger Balls

Divide your seasoned beef mixture into eight equal balls. This step makes portioning super simple and ensures that each Keto Big Mac Smash Burger gets just the right amount of juicy meat.

Step 4: Press the Beef onto the Tortillas

Take a beef ball and press it firmly and evenly onto one of your keto tortillas—go all the way to the edges! This is what gives each smash burger its signature thin, crisped patty layered right onto its tortilla “bun.”

Step 5: Repeat the Tortilla Smash

Continue pressing the rest of your beef balls onto the remaining tortillas. Once you get the hang of it, this goes quickly and really amps up the “smash” part of the Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers name!

Step 6: Cook the Burger Tortillas

Place the prepared tortillas meat side down into your preheated skillet. Smash each one even flatter with a spatula for maximum crispy bits, then cook for 3-4 minutes until the beef develops golden-brown edges.

Step 7: Flip, Cheese, and Finish

Flip each smash burger over so the tortilla side is down, lay on a slice of American cheese, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. The cheese will melt into creamy puddles while the tortilla crisps up on the bottom—simply irresistible.

Step 8: Make the Special Sauce

While your burgers finish cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This homemade sauce absolutely nails that nostalgic, tangy flavor—don’t skip it.

Step 9: Sauce Every Burger

Generously spread a spoonful of your special sauce over each smash burger, letting it ooze to the edges. Trust me, this is the upgrade that makes these Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers out-of-this-world delicious.

Step 10: Stack with Lettuce and Pickles

Top each burger with a handful of shredded lettuce and two dill pickle slices. These finishing touches add crunch and brightness, echoing the classic along with your personal keto twist. Serve and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers

Garnishes

Garnishing your smash burgers is half the fun! Sprinkle on extra shredded lettuce for even more crunch, add a few more pickle slices on the side, or dust with a pinch of paprika or sesame seeds to channel that burger joint look. If you want to get fancy, a quick dash of smoked paprika over the sauce amps up both color and aroma.

Side Dishes

These burgers practically beg for a good side. Keep it keto by pairing with celery sticks, cucumber spears, or zucchini fries air-fried to a crisp. For more of a comfort food vibe, serve with a heap of creamy coleslaw or some roasted cauliflower tots. Each side makes your Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers feel like a full-blown meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd (or just want to impress at dinner), arrange the smash burgers on a platter with swirls of special sauce in individual dipping ramekins. Or, stack two burgers and secure with a skewer for a towering “double decker” effect. You can even cut them into quarters and pass around as party sliders—nobody can resist picking one up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the burgers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The toppings can go in a separate container so they stay fresh and crisp. Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers keep well for up to three days, perfect for speedy lunches.

Freezing

Want to get ahead on meal prep? Freeze the cooked smash burgers (without lettuce or sauce) separated by parchment in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply defrost and reheat, then add toppings and sauce fresh before serving.

Reheating

To maintain that delicious crispy texture, reheat your burger tortillas and patties in a hot skillet for a few minutes per side, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add your sauce, lettuce, and pickles after reheating for the best flavor and crunch.

FAQs

Can I use different cheese for these Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts into that classic nostalgic gooeyness, feel free to substitute cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss for your own flavor twist. Just be sure the cheese slices are thin enough to melt quickly as the burgers finish cooking.

How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Smashing the beef directly onto the tortillas and crisping both sides in a hot skillet helps keep them sturdy and golden. Avoid overloading the burgers with sauce or watery toppings, and always add the lettuce and pickles after reheating to keep everything fresh.

What ground beef is best for smash burgers?

For the juiciest Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers, use ground beef with at least 20% fat (look for 80/20). The higher fat content means more flavor and a better crust when smashing and searing in the pan.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The special sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to five days. Store it in a covered jar or container, and give it a good stir before using—it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Are there store-bought options for keto tortillas I should look for?

Yes! Look for “zero carb” or “keto-friendly” street taco-sized tortillas in the refrigerated or bread aisle of your grocery store. Brands may vary, so check the nutrition label to ensure they fit your macros. You can also make your own if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

If you love big, bold flavors and want a fun, easy way to enjoy your fast-food favorites at home, these Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers need to be on your menu! They’re fast, filling, and just plain joyful to eat. Don’t be surprised if they become a regular weeknight request—dig in and enjoy every bite!

Print