Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Enjoy the iconic flavors of a Big Mac without the carbs with these delicious keto-friendly smash burgers, topped with homemade special sauce and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 lb 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 Substitute 85/15 for a leaner option
- Salt and black pepper To taste
- 4 slices 4 slices cheddar cheese Optional for a double-stack effect
- 4 large 4 large dill pickles, sliced
- 1/2 small 1/2 small onion, very thinly sliced Use minced for a more even bite
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce For crunch
- Butter or olive oil for the skillet
For the Keto "Special Sauce"
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup mayonnaise (full fat)
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup or tomato paste
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tsp 2 tsp sweetener like erythritol Adjust to taste
- 1 tsp 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tbsp 1-2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles or relish Sugar-free
- Pinch of garlic powder and onion powder
Instructions
Make the Sauce
- Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness. Chill while you cook.
Portion the Beef
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each) and loosely roll into balls. Don’t overwork the meat.
Heat Pan
- Warm a heavy skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-high until very hot. Add a little oil or butter.
Smash and Sear
- Place two beef balls in the skillet and press with a spatula to about 1/4-inch thickness. Hold pressure for 10–15 seconds to form a thin patty.
Season
- Immediately sprinkle salt and pepper on the exposed side.
Flip and Cheese
- Cook 2–3 minutes until edges brown, flip, and add a slice of cheese if using. Cook another 45–90 seconds until cheese melts and patty is done.
Remove and Rest
- Transfer patties to a plate and cover lightly to keep warm while you finish remaining patties.
Assemble
- On a lettuce wrap or low-carb bun, spread sauce, add a patty, then pickles, onions, shredded lettuce, and another patty. Top with more sauce and finish with the bun top or more lettuce.
Serve
- Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
For best enjoyment, serve these as classic double-stack smash burgers on crisp butter lettuce leaves for a true keto option, or use toasted low-carb buns if you prefer. Complement with low-carb sides such as air-fried zucchini fries or a creamy coleslaw. Store leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.