Craving the bold, savory flavors of a classic Big Mac—without the carbs? These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers bring all the iconic fast-food flavor you love into a low-carb, high-protein dinner that’s just as satisfying. With only 2 grams of net carbs per serving, they’re the perfect dinner recipe for keto lovers, burger fans, or anyone looking for a quick and delicious twist on taco night.
Whether you’re grilling for a weekend cookout or need something quick on a busy weeknight, these smash burgers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Packed with juicy beef, melty cheese, crispy toppings, and drizzled with a creamy keto-friendly Big Mac sauce, this dinner is anything but boring.
Why You’ll Love These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
- Low-carb & keto-friendly: Just 2g net carbs per burger!
- Fast & easy: Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Customizable: Swap out proteins, cheeses, and toppings to suit your style.
- Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients for Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this crave-worthy low-carb dinner recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10 lean works best)
- 4–6 low-carb tortillas (or lettuce wraps for even fewer carbs)
- 4–6 slices of American cheese (or cheddar, Swiss, or Colby Jack)
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced onions
- Pickle slices
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat
Seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Burger seasoning (optional)
Keto Big Mac Sauce (Homemade)
Skip the store-bought Thousand Island and make your own keto version:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Dash of vinegar (optional)
Mix well and refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Make Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
1: Prep the Patties
Divide your ground beef into 6–8 small portions. Place each ball of beef on one side of a low-carb tortilla and press flat into a thin, even layer. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite burger seasoning.
2: Smash & Cook
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place each tortilla meat-side down onto the hot surface. Let cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef is browned and crispy.
3: Flip & Melt
Flip each tortilla so the beef is now on top. Let the tortilla crisp slightly for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and immediately place a slice of cheese on the hot burger.
4: Assemble
Top each cheesy smash burger with shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and a drizzle of homemade Keto Big Mac sauce.
5: Serve & Enjoy
Fold like a taco, serve hot, and dig in. These are great eaten with your hands or sliced into halves for easier sharing.
Tips for the Best Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
- Smash the meat thin so it cooks evenly and gets those irresistible crispy edges.
- Use small, low-carb tortillas (fajita size) for better portion control.
- Go for lean beef to avoid excess grease.
- Avoid overloading with sauce—a little goes a long way.Lettuce wraps make a great bun-free option if you want to skip tortillas altogether.
What to Serve with Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Looking to complete your low-carb meal? Here are some keto-friendly side dish ideas:
- Zucchini fries
- Cauliflower tots
- Loaded keto coleslaw
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Grilled asparagus or mushrooms
- Pickle chips or a side salad with ranch
How to Store & Reheat
To Store: Place leftover smash burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid storing with lettuce, pickles, or sauce—add those fresh when reheating.
To Reheat:
Microwave until warmed through (about 1–2 minutes), then reassemble with fresh toppings and sauce. You can also reheat in a skillet for a crisper texture.
FAQs About Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
- Can I make this recipe completely gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free, low-carb tortillas or serve the smash burgers in lettuce wraps for a totally gluten-free version.
- What protein alternatives can I use? Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well. Just be sure to smash them thin and cook thoroughly.
- Can I use regular cheese instead of American? Absolutely. Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or Colby Jack all melt beautifully in this recipe.
- Is Thousand Island dressing keto? Most store-bought versions contain added sugar. Making your own Big Mac sauce at home with keto-friendly ingredients is the best choice.
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Final Thoughts
These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are the perfect fusion of comfort food and low-carb living. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just need a satisfying dinner recipe for tonight, this dish brings all the nostalgia of fast food with none of the guilt. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—it’s a recipe you’ll be making again and again.
Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 8 soft taco size flour tortillas
- 8 slices American cheese
- 2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup thousand island dressing
- Pickle slices
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions. Spread each portion of ground beef on a tortilla. Press down and spread out into a thin layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place tortillas one at a time beef side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and browned.
- Flip the tortilla over and let cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and place a slice of cheese on top of the beef patty. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Top each taco with pickles, lettuce, onions and Thousand Island dressing. Fold over like a taco and serve!
Notes
- To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge without the pickles, lettuce, onion and dressing up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Heat in microwave to desired temperature, then add toppings.
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