Name: Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 street-taco–sized keto zero-carb tortillas; 1 lb 80/20 ground beef; 8 slices American cheese; 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; ½ cup dill pickle slices; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper (to taste); Big Mac Sauce; ⅓ cup mayonnaise (full-fat); 1 Tbsp finely minced dill pickles; 1 ½ tsp yellow mustard; 3 tsp sugar-free ketchup; ¼ tsp white (or apple-cider vinegar); ¼ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder

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I’ve been craving that iconic Big Mac flavor for months, but staying committed to my keto lifestyle meant finding a creative solution. After countless kitchen experiments, I finally cracked the code with these incredible Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers that deliver all the nostalgic taste with only 2 net carbs per serving!

What Makes These Burgers Special

The secret lies in using street taco-sized keto zero carb tortillas as our “bun” replacement. I know it sounds unconventional, but trust me on this one – when you press that seasoned ground beef directly onto the tortilla and smash it flat in the skillet, something magical happens. The tortilla gets perfectly crispy while the beef develops that coveted sear that makes smash burgers so irresistible.

What really sets these apart is my homemade Big Mac sauce. I spent weeks perfecting this combination of mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, and finely chopped dill pickles, plus a blend of spices that creates that unmistakable flavor we all remember. The sauce is so good, I always make extra to keep in the fridge for salads and other keto creations.

The Perfect Smash Technique

The key to achieving restaurant-quality results is all in the smashing technique. When I place those meat-topped tortillas into the hot skillet, I use my spatula to firmly press down, creating maximum contact with the cooking surface. This creates those beautiful crispy edges and locks in all the juicy flavors while keeping the tortilla perfectly crisp.

Pro tip: Don’t be tempted to flip too early! Let that first side develop a deep golden crust for 3-4 minutes before turning. The American cheese gets added during the final cooking stage, creating that perfect melty layer that brings everything together.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Smash Burgers:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Street Taco-Sized Keto Zero Carb Tortillas	8	Look for brands with 0-1g net carbs
Ground Beef	1 pound	80/20 blend works best for flavor
American Cheese	8 slices	Pre-sliced for even melting
Shredded Lettuce	1 cup	Iceberg lettuce preferred for crunch
Dill Pickle Slices	1/2 cup	Use your favorite brand
Garlic Powder	1/2 tsp	For seasoning the beef

For the Keto Big Mac Sauce:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Mayonnaise	1/3 cup	Full-fat for best texture
Finely Chopped Dill Pickles	1 tbsp	Mince very fine
Yellow Mustard	1 1/2 tsp	Classic yellow mustard preferred
Sugar-Free Ketchup	3 tsp	Check labels for hidden carbs
Vinegar	1/4 tsp	White or apple cider vinegar
Paprika	1/4 tsp	Adds subtle smokiness
Garlic Powder	1/4 tsp	For the sauce blend
Onion Powder	1/4 tsp	Enhances the savory flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

I always start by making the Big Mac sauce first since it gives the flavors time to meld together while I prepare the burgers. In a small bowl, I combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, yellow mustard, sugar-free ketchup, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. I whisk everything together until smooth and set it aside – this sauce keeps getting better as it sits!

Next, I heat my skillet over medium-high heat while I prepare the beef. In a mixing bowl, I combine the ground beef with garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. I gently knead the mixture just until combined – overmixing will make the burgers tough. Then I divide the seasoned beef into 8 evenly sized balls.

Here’s where the magic happens: I take one ball of the meat mixture and press it directly onto the front of a tortilla until it covers the entire surface. The meat should be pressed firmly but not packed too tightly. I repeat this process with all remaining meat and tortillas.

When my skillet is nice and hot, I place the tortillas meat-side down into the pan. This is the crucial smashing moment – I use my spatula to firmly press down on each tortilla, flattening the burger and creating maximum contact with the cooking surface. I cook them for 3-4 minutes without moving them, allowing that beautiful crust to develop.

After flipping the burgers over, I immediately top each one with a slice of American cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This final step crisps up the tortilla perfectly while melting the cheese to gooey perfection.

Assembly and Serving

Once my burgers are cooked to perfection, I spread a generous amount of that homemade Big Mac sauce over each one. The sauce adds that signature tangy-sweet flavor that makes these burgers taste just like the real deal. I top each burger with fresh shredded lettuce and two pickle slices, just like the original.

These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are absolutely best served immediately while they’re hot and the tortillas are still crispy. The contrast between the warm, juicy beef and the cool, crunchy lettuce creates the perfect bite every time.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the tortillas will soften after about a day, but they’re still delicious and perfectly safe to eat.

Pro tip: I always double the Big Mac sauce recipe because it’s so versatile! I use the extra as a salad dressing, a dip for hard-boiled eggs, or as a spread for keto roll-ups. It keeps in the fridge for up to a week.

What to Serve Alongside

These smash burgers are satisfying on their own, but they’re fantastic as part of a larger keto meal. I love serving them with crispy keto fried pickles, a fresh cucumber salad, or some roasted vegetables. For drinks, nothing beats a tall glass of sugar-free iced tea or sparkling water with lime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular tortillas instead of keto ones?
While you can use regular tortillas, they’ll significantly increase the carb count. The zero-carb tortillas are essential for keeping this recipe keto-friendly at just 2 net carbs per serving.

What if I can’t find sugar-free ketchup?
You can make your own by mixing tomato paste with a pinch of stevia or erythritol, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of onion powder. Many regular ketchups contain high amounts of sugar and corn syrup.

Can I make these on a grill instead of a skillet?
Absolutely! Use a flat-top grill or grill pan. The key is having a flat surface to properly smash the burgers and get that crispy sear.

How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the Big Mac sauce. Start small and adjust to your taste preference.

Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can season the ground beef and form it into balls up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. This actually helps the flavors develop even more.