For those following a ketogenic diet, burgers can still be a delicious and satisfying meal option. By ditching the traditional bun and making a few smart substitutions, you can enjoy a flavorful and guilt-free burger experience. This guide explores various keto burger recipes, from creamy mushroom-smothered patties to innovative bunless creations, providing a wealth of ideas for your next low-carb feast.
Creamy Keto Burger Steak with Mushroom Gravy
This recipe transforms a simple hamburger into a comforting and flavorful dish with a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. It’s an excellent way to dress up ground beef and enjoy a low-carb meal without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (80/20 is recommended, but leaner can be used)
- Fresh mushrooms (white button, baby portobellos, or your favorite variety)
- Heavy cream
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss/gouda)
- Beef broth (or water/beef bouillon)
- Fresh garlic (or garlic powder)
- Butter
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, onion powder, thyme)
Instructions:
- Form the ground beef into patties.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat and cook the burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Drain off excess grease.
- In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and sauté the mushroom slices until golden brown. Add crushed garlic.
- Reduce heat to medium and add cream cheese, heavy cream, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the mushrooms.
- Once the cream cheese is melted, add the Gruyere cheese and mix well until melted.
- Stir in sour cream and water or broth to combine.
- Pour the mushroom sauce over the burgers and cook for a few minutes until the burgers are cooked through.
Tips and Notes:
- The sauce can be thinned with more heavy cream or beef broth if desired.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or a green salad for a complete low-carb meal.
- For those not on a low-carb diet, serve over egg noodles or white rice.
Keto Sheet Pan Burgers with Bacon and Jalapeño
This recipe offers a unique and easy way to make burgers for a crowd. Baking the burgers on a sheet pan infuses them with the flavors of bacon, jalapeños, and onions, creating a craveable and satisfying meal.
Key Features:
- Easy to make on a sheet pan
- Loaded with bacon, jalapeños, and onions
- Features a creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet burger sauce
Sauce Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha
- Worcestershire sauce
- Sweetener
Instructions:
- Combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, and sweetener in a bowl and mix well.
- Spread bacon grease on a sheet pan.
- Arrange jalapeños and onions on the sheet pan.
- Form ground beef into patties and place on the sheet pan.
- Bake until the burgers are cooked through and the vegetables are caramelized.
- Serve with lettuce buns and the special sauce.
Keto Double Double "Protein" Style Copycat Burger
Inspired by the popular In-N-Out burger, this recipe offers a keto-friendly take on the classic "protein style" burger, wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. The smash burger technique creates a crispy, flavorful patty that is sure to satisfy.
Key Elements:
- Smash burger style for a crispy, all-over char
- Uses lettuce as a bun
- Includes a special sauce
Sauce Ingredients:
- Mayo
- Sugar-free ketchup
- Mustard
- Diced pickles
- Pickle juice
- Salt
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Measure out 2 oz of ground beef per patty and roll into meatballs. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle to high heat.
- Place two meatballs onto the hot surface and smash them flat with a wide spatula or potato masher.
- Optional: Baste the top with mustard before flipping.
- As the edges brown, flip the patties and add cheese to one of the burgers. Stack the second patty over it.
- Assemble the burger with lettuce as the bottom bun, sliced onion, the double-stacked burger patty, tomato, pickles, and the special sauce. Top with another lettuce bun.
Bunless Burgers
For a truly low-carb experience, bunless burgers are an excellent choice. These recipes focus on flavorful patties and creative toppings, eliminating the need for any bread substitutes.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Key Considerations:
- Use high-quality ground beef or turkey
- Choose flavorful toppings and sauces
- Consider adding an egg to the patty for added moisture and binding
Topping Ideas:
- Red onions
- Tomatoes
- Bacon
- Ketchup (low-carb or Whole30)
- Grilled vegetables
- Homemade mayo
Instructions:
- Combine ground beef with seasonings and form into patties.
- Cook the burgers in a skillet or on a grill until they reach the desired doneness.
- Top with your favorite toppings and wrap in lettuce leaves.
Ranch Seasoned Keto Burgers
This simple recipe uses ranch seasoning to add a burst of flavor to the burger patties, making them a versatile and delicious option for any keto meal.
Ingredients:
- Beef mince (80/20 fatty beef mince recommended)
- Ranch seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the mince into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the ranch seasoning and mix with your hands until well combined.
- Form the mince into large patties.
- Season each side of the burger liberally with salt and pepper.
- Grill, barbecue, or pan-fry the burger patties to your liking.
General Tips for Keto Burgers
- Choose the right ground beef: While leaner ground beef can be used, a higher fat content (80/20) will result in a juicier and more flavorful burger.
- Don't overwork the meat: Overmixing the ground beef can result in a tough burger. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined.
- Season generously: Don't be afraid to season your burger patties with salt, pepper, and other spices.
- Use a hot pan or grill: This will help to create a nice sear on the outside of the burger.
- Don't press down on the patties while cooking: This will squeeze out the juices and result in a dry burger.
- Let the burgers rest: After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful burger.
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