So you want a Big Mac, but you don’t want the bun, the carbs, or the regret that comes after. Same. That’s exactly why Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers exist. You get all the classic flavors you love, but none of the stuff that breaks your keto plan.
These burgers are juicy, crispy, cheesy, and dripping with that famous special sauce. They cook fast, taste amazing, and feel like a cheat meal even though they’re not. I make these when I want comfort food without falling off track.
If you miss fast food but love low-carb meals, this recipe is about to become your favorite dinner.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
Let’s be honest. Regular burgers are great, but keto burgers need to be exciting. These deliver.
-
All the Big Mac flavor
-
No bun, no carbs
-
Crispy smash-burger edges
-
Easy to make at home
-
Way better than drive-thru
IMO, the smash method is what makes these special. Thin patties cook fast and get crispy. Add the sauce and cheese, and suddenly keto feels fun again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy. Just simple, keto-friendly ingredients.
For the Burgers
-
Ground beef (80/20 works best)
-
Salt
-
Black pepper
-
Garlic powder
For Toppings
-
Cheddar cheese slices
-
Dill pickles
-
Shredded lettuce
-
Onion, finely chopped
For the Keto Big Mac Sauce
-
Mayonnaise
-
Sugar-free ketchup
-
Yellow mustard
-
Pickle relish (sugar-free)
-
White vinegar
-
Paprika
Yes, the sauce matters. Don’t skip it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, and paprika. Stir well. Chill it while you cook the burgers.
2. Prep the Beef
Divide ground beef into small balls. Don’t overwork it. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat the Pan
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it get hot. Really hot.
4. Smash the Burgers
Place beef balls in the skillet. Smash them flat with a spatula. Cook until crispy on the bottom.
5. Flip and Add Cheese
Flip each patty. Add cheese right away. Cook until melted and juicy.
6. Assemble
Top patties with lettuce, onion, pickles, and plenty of sauce. Stack if you want. Eat with a fork or lettuce wrap.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these and your burgers will be perfect.
-
Using lean beef – Dry burgers are sad.
-
Smashing too late – Smash right away.
-
Crowding the pan – Cook in batches.
-
Skipping the sauce – That’s the Big Mac part.
-
Cooking on low heat – You need crisp edges.
Trust the process.
Alternatives & Substitutions
This recipe is flexible.
-
Use ground turkey if you want leaner meat.
-
Swap cheddar for American cheese.
-
Use lettuce wraps instead of plates.
-
Add bacon if you want extra flavor.
-
Make it dairy-free with no cheese.
FYI, leftovers taste great cold too.
Helpful Tips
-
Use a cast-iron skillet
-
Smash once, not twice
-
Keep patties thin
-
Serve immediately
Simple steps = better burgers.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
-
Let the pan heat fully.
-
Press hard when smashing.
-
Season after smashing for better crust.
-
Chill sauce for stronger flavor.
These small tips change everything.
Serving Suggestions
Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers go great with:
-
Cauliflower fries
-
Keto coleslaw
-
Zucchini fries
-
Pickle spears
-
Simple side salad
They also work great for keto meal prep.
Storage and Reheating Tips
-
Store burgers and sauce separately.
-
Keep in the fridge up to 3 days.
-
Reheat burgers in a skillet.
-
Avoid microwaving if possible.
Fresh is best, but leftovers still work.
Easy Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers Recipes
Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Lettuce chopped
- Dill pickles
- Onion finely chopped
- Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp sugar-free pickle relish
- 1 tsp vinegar
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Mix sauce ingredients and chill.
- Form beef into balls.
- Heat skillet over high heat.
- Smash beef balls into patties.
- Cook until crispy.
- Flip and add cheese.
- Top with sauce and toppings.
Notes
Nutritional Facts (Approx.)
Calories: 520Fat: 42g
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
FAQ on Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Are these really keto?
Yes. Very low carb and high fat.
Can I eat these without lettuce wraps?
Yes. A fork works just fine.
Can I meal prep them?
Yes. Store sauce separately.
What beef works best?
80/20 ground beef gives the best flavor.
Can I grill them instead?
Smash burgers work best in a pan.
Is the sauce keto-friendly?
Yes, if you use sugar-free ketchup and relish.
Final Thoughts on Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers prove you don’t need carbs to enjoy comfort food. They’re juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor. You get all the fast-food vibes without breaking your goals.
If you miss burgers on keto, this recipe is your answer. Make it once, and it will stay in your rotation. Now go fire up that skillet and enjoy every bite.
