Juicy beef. Melty cheese. Tangy sauce. All the Big Mac vibes—without the bun, carbs, or guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is not your average burger recipe. This is what happens when you combine the iconic flavor of a fast food classic with the innovation of keto cooking. Let’s break down why these Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are about to become your new obsession:

1. It’s Fast Food Reimagined – Without the Guilt

We all crave that nostalgic, savory flavor of a Big Mac from time to time. But those buns? That sugar-laden sauce? They’re a keto nightmare. This recipe brings everything you love—crispy edges, juicy meat, melty cheese, tangy sauce—while keeping the carb count ridiculously low. It’s basically a keto-friendly miracle.

2. Quick, Easy, and Fun to Make

These burgers come together in under 25 minutes. No deep frying, no oven required, no fancy equipment. Just a skillet, some ground beef, and a dream. The smash burger method adds a satisfying “chef-y” flair to your kitchen routine—without adding time or stress.

3. Zero Carb Tortilla Hack = Game-Changer

Instead of burger buns, we use small zero-carb tortillas as a base—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. They hold everything together beautifully and give you the satisfaction of a bun without the carbs. Win-win.

4. That Sauce Tho…

Let’s not pretend the Big Mac isn’t mostly about that sauce. This homemade keto version? Creamy, tangy, just sweet enough, and better than the original. And yes, you’ll want to put it on everything.

Introduction: When Fast Food Meets Keto Genius

Imagine this: You’re sitting at home, scrolling through food delivery apps, your mouth watering for something indulgent, something cheesy, meaty, messy… maybe a Big Mac. But then reality hits—you’re on keto. The bun? A no-go. The sauce? Hidden sugars galore. The solution?

You make your own. But better. Smarter. Low-carb and flavor-packed.

Enter: Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers.

These aren’t just burgers. They’re statements. Bold, juicy, and ridiculously satisfying, they bring together the crispy-meaty-melty joy of a classic smash burger with the crave-worthy tang of Big Mac sauce—all without a single regret.

You’ll be smashing, flipping, stacking, and devouring in no time. Ready to recreate the fast food experience you love, while staying true to your goals?

Let’s get cookin’.

Ingredients with Measurements

You don’t need a drive-thru. You just need these simple, keto-friendly ingredients and a skillet. That’s it.

For the Burgers

8 street taco-sized zero-carb tortillas
1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for juiciness)
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste
8 slices American cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce

1/2 cup dill pickle slices

For the Keto Big Mac Sauce

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles

1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
3 tsp sugar-free ketchup
1/4 tsp white vinegar

1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers

No special tools. No complicated steps. Just a quick, sizzling journey to burger perfection.

Step 1: Prep Your Skillet

Preheat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. A well-heated surface is key to the smash part of this burger.

Tip: If you have a griddle or flat top, this is the perfect time to break it out!

Step 2: Mix the Beef

In a bowl, combine:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix gently with your hands. You don’t want to overwork it, just enough to distribute the seasoning.

Step 3: Form Your Meatballs

Divide the beef into 8 equal portions and roll them into loose meatballs. Don’t flatten yet! That’s coming up in the next step.

Step 4: Smash Time

Place a tortilla flat on your counter. Put one meatball in the center. Then, using your hand or a flat-bottomed plate, smash the beef until it covers most of the tortilla surface.

Repeat for all 8 tortillas. You’ll end up with 8 raw smash burgers ready for the pan.

Step 5: Cook the Smash Burgers

Place 2–3 burgers, meat-side down, into the hot skillet.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms.

Flip the whole thing (meat should now be facing up).
Immediately top with a slice of American cheese.
Cook for 2-3 more minutes, until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden and crisp.

Remove and repeat for the rest.

Pro Tip: Press gently after flipping if you like that ultra-thin, crispy edge!

Step 6: Make the Big Mac Sauce

While your burgers cook, mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl:

1/3 cup mayo

1 tbsp chopped pickles
1.5 tsp mustard
3 tsp sugar-free ketchup

1/4 tsp vinegar
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 7: Assemble Your Keto Masterpiece

Take one smash burger tortilla, cheese side up. Top with:

A generous spoonful of sauce
Shredded lettuce
Pickle slices

Top with another smash burger or eat it open-faced for fewer calories. Enjoy immediately!

Different Ways to Present & Serve

These burgers are so versatile you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion.

1. Double Trouble Style

Make it a double smash! Stack two burgers on top of each other with extra sauce and lettuce in the middle. Serve wrapped in parchment for that fast-food feel.

2. Mini Sliders

Use smaller portions of meat and cut tortillas into quarters. Serve on a tray with toothpicks for keto party sliders.

3. Open-Faced Burger Boats

Serve each smash burger like a taco or open-faced wrap. Pile high with toppings for a low-carb burger “boat.”

4. Burger Bowls

Skip the tortillas and serve all components in a bowl—beef, lettuce, pickles, cheese, and sauce drizzled on top. It’s like a deconstructed burger salad!

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

If you’re thinking of making these ahead for meal prep or saving leftovers—great idea!

Storing:

Store the cooked smash burgers separately from the sauce and toppings.
Use airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Freeze cooked patties (without toppings or sauce) between layers of parchment.
Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best texture.

Reheating:

Skillet: Medium heat until warmed through (best texture)
Air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
Microwave: 1–2 minutes (less crisp, but still tasty)

FAQs: Everything You Want to Know

1. Are these burgers really zero carb?

The tortillas used are labeled as “zero carb” due to high fiber, but always check your brand. Each burger has about 2g net carbs.

2. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! While American cheese gives it that authentic Big Mac flavor, cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack also work beautifully.

3. Can I skip the tortillas?

Definitely. Just smash the meat directly onto the skillet and serve as a lettuce wrap or burger bowl.

4. How thin should I smash the burgers?

About 1/4 inch thick. You want them thin enough to crisp but thick enough to stay juicy.

5. Is the sauce really keto?

Yep! The version here uses sugar-free ketchup and no sweeteners with carbs. Perfectly keto-friendly.

6. Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes! It lasts up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavor actually gets better after a day.

7. What’s the best skillet to use?

A cast iron skillet gets the best sear, but a non-stick pan works too—just make sure it’s hot.

8. How do I make it spicy?

Add hot sauce or a few slices of jalapeños to the burger—or mix some sriracha into the Big Mac sauce!

9. Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Sure! Just note that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add a little fat (like avocado oil) to keep it juicy.

10. What sides go well with this?

Try:

Cauliflower tots
Zucchini fries

Cabbage slaw
Pickle spears
A bubbly keto root beer!

Final Thoughts: Smash Your Cravings Without Breaking Keto

These Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers are everything we love about indulgent fast food—turned on its head. They’re crispy, juicy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. But more importantly, they’re low-carb, easy to make, and 100% satisfying.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, party platters, or meal prepping like a boss, this recipe proves you can eat like a burger-loving rebel and still stay on track.

So go ahead. Stack it high, sauce it up, and smash that first bite. You’ve earned it.