Keto Big Mac Smash Burger Recipe: Low-Carb Copycat Classic

Topped with a creamy keto Big Mac sauce you’ll love, these smash burgers contain just 2 grams net carbs each—ideal for cookouts and quick weeknight meals.

What Is a Smash Burger

Smash burgers are thin patties made by pressing loosely packed ground beef onto a hot skillet or griddle with a spatula. That smashing action produces a deeply caramelized, crispy edge and an intensely flavorful sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

In the recipe below I instruct you to smash the patties with a spatula—don’t skip that step. It’s what gives these burgers their signature texture and flavor.

Keto Smash Burger

A classic Big Mac stands out for two elements: a middle bread layer and its distinctive sauce. For a low-carb version I recreated both elements while keeping net carbs under 3 grams per burger.

Zero-carb street taco–sized tortillas replace traditional buns perfectly and form the middle layer, so you still get the familiar structure of a Big Mac without the carbs. The result is satisfying and very close to the original experience.

Keto Big Mac Sauce

The exact composition of the original Big Mac sauce is debated, but it’s generally a blend of mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickles with spices. My keto version relies on sugar-free ketchup and a few pantry spices to capture that iconic flavor.

Be sure to pick sugar-free ketchup when you shop—many conventional brands use corn syrup or other sugars.

Savings and Storage

These Big Mac smash burgers are best enjoyed hot from the skillet. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days; the tortillas will soften after a day but remain safe to eat. Consider doubling the sauce and storing extra in the fridge—it’s great on salads, as a dip for deviled eggs, or in roll-ups.

Serving Suggestions

These keto smash burgers are delicious on their own and also work well for parties. If you prefer a more traditional bun, serve them on keto dinner rolls sliced in half. Alternatively, wrap the burgers in large lettuce leaves or try keto Hawaiian rolls for a sweeter option.

Side dishes that pair nicely include a crisp cucumber Greek salad, guacamole deviled eggs, or fried pickles with cheese. Finish the meal with a cold glass of sugar-free sweet tea for a refreshing complement.

Keto Big Mac Smash Burger Recipe

Below are the ingredient list, timing, and directions for making Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers. Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card that follows.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Servings: 8
Net Carbs: 2 net carbs per burger

Ingredients

For the burgers

• Street taco-sized zero-carb tortillas
• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 slices American cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Keto Big Mac sauce

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles
• 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 3 teaspoons sugar-free ketchup
• 1/4 teaspoon vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then knead briefly to combine.
3. Divide the meat into eight even portions and roll each into a ball.
4. Place one meatball on the front of a tortilla and press it down until it spreads to cover the surface.
5. Repeat with the remaining meat and tortillas.
6. Place the tortillas meat-side down on the hot skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, pressing with a spatula to flatten each patty and create a good sear.
7. Flip the patties, top each with a slice of American cheese, and cook another 2–3 minutes until the tortilla crisps and the cheese melts.
8. Meanwhile, stir together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
9. Spread sauce over each burger, then top with shredded lettuce and two pickle slices per burger.

Pin this recipe for later and enjoy!

Keto Burger Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, try other low-carb burgers next: keto air fryer cheeseburger foil packets, spinach feta turkey burgers, low-carb Greek burgers with slaw, keto butter burgers, or sheet pan bacon cheeseburgers for more variety.