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This low-carb spin on the iconic Big Mac brings all those mouthwatering flavors without piling on carbs. We've swapped in carb-friendly tortillas as the foundation, creating smash burgers with crispy edges and juicy centers, all topped with that unforgettable special sauce we can't get enough of.
I first whipped these up when fast food cravings hit me hard during my keto journey's first weeks. These days my hubby asks for them every week, swearing they beat anything from the drive-through window.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: An 80/20 mix gives you the right fat balance for burgers that stay moist and tasty
- Zero carb tortillas: They make a wonderfully crunchy outside while keeping everything nicely together
- American cheese slices: They're perfect for that gooey melt and genuine fast food taste
- Shredded lettuce: Brings a crisp bite and that Big Mac texture we love
- Dill pickle slices: Adds a zesty kick that balances the rich flavors
- Mayonnaise: The smooth starter for our special sauce
- Sugar free ketchup: Gives you sweetness with no extra carbs
- Yellow mustard: Adds that signature zip to the special sauce
- Paprika, garlic, and onion powder: Build layers of taste in both your meat and sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix your beef:
- Put ground beef in a big bowl with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together with your hands but don't squeeze too much or you'll end up with tough burgers.
- Shape your patties:
- Split your seasoned meat into 8 equal balls. Getting them the same size matters so they all cook right. Try using a scale if you want them exactly the same.
- Build your smash burgers:
- Take one ball of meat and push it down on a low carb tortilla, spreading it to all edges. The meat should stick to the tortilla making one solid patty. Do this with all your meat and tortillas.
- Smash and cook them:
- Drop each one meat-side down in a hot pan. Push down hard with a spatula to flatten it against the hot surface. This makes those tasty crispy bits that make smash burgers so good. Let them cook about 3 to 4 minutes until they're nice and brown.
- Flip and add cheese:
- Carefully turn each burger so the tortilla touches the pan. Right away put a slice of American cheese on top. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the tortilla gets golden and crunchy while your cheese gets all melty.
- Whip up your sauce:
- While those burgers cook, mix all your sauce stuff in a small bowl until it's smooth. You can make this earlier and stick it in the fridge if you want the flavors to blend more.
- Put it all together:
- Smear plenty of special sauce on every burger. Add your lettuce and pickles on top. For that real Big Mac feel, arrange the pickles just like they do at the restaurant.
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The real magic happens when you don't rush the sauce. I always mix up twice what I need and let it chill in the fridge at least an hour before we eat. The flavors really come together, creating that Big Mac taste that has my family asking for seconds.
Prep Ahead Tips
These keto smash burgers work great for planning ahead. You can mix the meat and shape your patties up to a day early, just keep them separated with parchment in a sealed container in your fridge. The special sauce actually gets better overnight as the flavors mingle. On busy nights, you can even cook your burgers completely, let them cool, and keep them in the fridge up to three days. Just warm them in a pan or air fryer for a couple minutes to bring back that nice crunch.
Substitution Ideas
While we're sticking close to the classic Big Mac taste here, you've got plenty of ways to switch things up based on what you like or have around. If you can't do dairy, swap out the American cheese for your favorite non-dairy slices. Want to try another protein? Ground turkey or chicken works too, but you might need extra seasonings and some added fat to keep them juicy. Can't find zero-carb tortillas? Try making cheese crisps by melting cheese circles until they're firm, then build your burgers on those for an even lower-carb base.
Serving Suggestions
These keto smash burgers go really well with simple sides that keep your meal low in carbs. Air-fried radishes make a tasty stand-in for fries, especially if you toss them with garlic powder and parmesan after cooking. A basic side salad with a fatty dressing works perfectly alongside these burgers. Want the full fast-food experience? Make a keto-friendly shake using unsweetened almond milk, heavy cream, and sugar-free sweetener blended with ice and a handful of berries.
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These keto smash burgers offer a tasty, simple way to handle cravings while keeping your diet on track. Give them a try tonight and enjoy a fun, nostalgic meal without leaving home!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the zero-carb wraps for another option?
Sure, try cheese wraps, lettuce cups, or keto bread instead. Just know the zero-carb wraps give that special bun-like feel when they cook with the meat patty.
- → How long will extra sauce keep?
Any leftover sauce can go in a sealed container in your fridge for about a week. It actually tastes even better the next day, so making extra isn't a bad idea.
- → What's a good swap for American cheese?
Though American cheese gives that classic melt, you can try cheddar, pepper jack, or any meltable cheese that fits your keto plan. Remember that harder cheeses won't get as gooey when melted.
- → What's the point of pressing the burger onto the wrap?
This trick makes the meat stick to the wrap so it doesn't fall apart when you're eating. Plus, the wrap gets nice and crispy while soaking up all those yummy meat juices.
- → Can I make these burgers in advance?
They're really best hot off the pan when the wrap is crispy and the cheese is all melty. If you're in a rush, you can mix the meat and make the sauce ahead, then just cook and put everything together when you're ready to eat.
- → Are these truly keto-approved?
Yep, with zero-carb wraps and sugar-free sauces, these stay very low in carbs, making them great for keto diets. Always double-check the labels on your ingredients to be sure.