If you're a fan of the iconic Big Mac but are watching your carb intake, then this Keto Big Mac Smash Burger recipe is for you. It delivers all the flavors you crave in a fun, taco form, and it's quick and easy to make. These burgers combine the essence of the Big Mac, from the special sauce to the crispy pickles, all within a keto-friendly taco shell.
These keto smash burgers are tasty by themselves, but you can also serve them for dinner or at parties.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Big Mac Flavor, Keto-Friendly: Captures the essence of the Big Mac, from the special sauce to the crispy pickles, all within a keto-friendly taco shell.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Low Carb, High Protein: Each taco contains just 2.6 grams of net carbs and 36.4 grams of protein.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the toppings and ingredients to your liking.
- Satisfying and Flavorful: A delightful blend of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these delicious Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers:
For the Burgers
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of 80/20, 85%, or 90% ground beef. Ground turkey can also be used. Remember that fattier meat is tastier but shrinks more during cooking.
- Steak Seasoning: To enhance the flavor of the beef. Salt and black pepper can be used if steak seasoning is unavailable.
- Keto Tortillas: La Banderita street taco tortillas or other low-carb tortillas.
- Cheese Slices: American cheese for its meltiness, but sharp cheddar or dairy-free cheese slices can be substituted.
- Lettuce: Romaine lettuce for its crunch, but iceberg lettuce works too.
- Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and flavor, but yellow or white onions can be used as well.
- Dill Pickle Slices: Dill pickles have the fewest carbs.
For the Low Carb Special Sauce
- Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce. Greek yogurt can also be used.
- Catalina French Dressing: Adds sweetness and tang. Low-carb ketchup or tomato paste can be substituted.
- Swerve Sweetener: Or any other low-carb sweetener, to balance the flavors.
- Minced Dill Pickles: For that classic Big Mac tang.
- Minced Onion: Adds a savory bite.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: For acidity. White vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used instead.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds a tangy flavor.
- Relish: Sweet pickle relish adds to the tanginess of the sauce.
- Pickle Juice: For a vinegary-briny flavor.
- Coconut Aminos: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Paprika: Contributes a smoky note.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers:
Preparing the Special Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Catalina French dressing (or low carb ketchup), Swerve sweetener, minced dill pickles, minced onion, apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar), yellow mustard, relish, pickle juice, coconut aminos, paprika, and salt and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. Transfer to a glass jar storage container, such as a mason jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
Assembling the Smash Burgers
- Divide the ground beef into equal portions (about 4 ounces each).
- Place each portion of ground meat on a keto tortilla and spread it thinly and evenly to the edges, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Sprinkle steak seasoning (or salt, pepper, and garlic powder) liberally over the meat.
Cooking the Smash Burgers
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the tortillas, meat side down, in the hot skillet. If using a smaller skillet, cook one burger at a time. If using a larger skillet or griddle, cook multiple burgers at once.
- Turn the heat down to medium heat. Press down on the tortillas with a spatula to ensure the meat sizzles and makes good contact with the pan.
- Cook for 2-5 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and has a golden crust.
Adding Cheese and Finishing Touches
- Flip the burgers and place a slice of cheese on top of the cooked meat.
- Turn off the heat and cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the lid and slide the smash burger onto a plate.
Topping and Serving
- Top each burger with a generous spoonful or two of the special sauce, shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, and dill pickle slices.
- Fold in half and eat like a taco!
- If desired, add a bit of hot sauce for some heat, or sesame seeds for added flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Tortillas: If you don’t care about carbs you can use small flour tortillas or even hamburger buns.
- Cheese: You can replace the American cheese slices with other easy-melting cheese such as provolone or mozzarella.
- Add Some Heat: Top them with some hot sauce of jalapeño slices.
- Get Funky: You could add something like a fried egg, pineapple, mac & cheese, maple syrup, peanut butter, or kimchi.
- Make ‘Em Lighter: You can swap in a lighter ground meat like ground turkey or ground chicken. Additionally, light or reduced fat alternatives can be used for the cheese and mayo.
- Gluten Free: If you have a gluten intolerance or Celiac’s disease these tacos are something you can still enjoy.
- Dairy Free: Skip the cheese or use a vegan slice.
- Don’t Overcook: Gluten-free tortillas can get too crispy and may not fold if left too long.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these tacos with a green salad, keto creamy southwest coleslaw, or low carb potato salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with french fries for the kids and Parmesan Smashed Potatoes for the adults.
- Consider a burger taco bar, where everyone can assemble their perfect meal with a variety of toppings and condiments.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- You can make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Store leftover burgers with the tortillas and keep the toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
- Reheat leftovers in a hot pan on the stove.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. Each taco has approximately:
Read also: Smash Burger Recipe
- 2.6 grams of net carbs
- 36.4 grams of protein
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide