Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers

When my family and I decided to go on a keto diet, we thought we’d have to give up some of our favorite comfort foods—burgers being one of them. But this Keto Big Mac Smash Burger has been an absolute game-changer. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful burger patty, topped with melty cheese, tangy sauce, and fresh veggies, all while sticking to your low-carb lifestyle! It’s the best of both worlds—tasty and keto-friendly, and let me tell you, my family was all smiles when we first tried it.

What’s great about these smash burgers is how well they satisfy the craving for that classic burger taste, without the bun or unnecessary carbs. The layers of turkey bacon, chicken ham, and all the fixings really hit the spot. It’s become a weekend staple in our house, especially when we’re in the mood for something fun, indulgent, and quick to make. The best part? It’s much healthier than a regular fast-food Big Mac, yet still feels like a treat. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your family’s tastes, so you can really make it your own.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at everything you’ll need to bring this keto Big Mac smash burger to life. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, but they all come together beautifully to recreate that beloved burger flavor.

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 fat content for juicy burgers)
• 4 slices of turkey bacon
• 4 slices of chicken ham
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or any keto-friendly cheese)
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (sugar-free)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish (no sugar added)
• 2 tablespoons diced onions
• 4 large lettuce leaves (to use as the “bun”)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Smash Burger Patties
Start by dividing your ground beef into four equal portions. You’ll want to gently form each portion into a ball, but don’t pack it too tightly. Smash burgers work best when the meat is loosely shaped so that it sears well in the pan.

Next, heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place one of the beef balls onto the skillet and use a spatula to smash it down until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. The key here is to press hard enough so that the burger forms crispy edges. Cook the patty for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip it over and add a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patty reaches your desired doneness. Repeat this process for the other three patties.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon and Chicken Ham
While your smash burger patties are cooking, you can start working on the turkey bacon and chicken ham. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon slices and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re crispy. Once done, set them aside on a plate.

In the same pan, quickly heat up the chicken ham slices. You don’t need to cook them long—just 1 minute on each side should be enough to get them warm and slightly browned. Set them aside with the turkey bacon.

Step 3: Make the Keto Special Sauce
This burger wouldn’t be complete without a special sauce. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, and dill pickle relish. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined. You can also season it with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and a little sweet—perfect for drizzling over your smash burgers. You can even double the recipe for the sauce if you like extra on your burgers or want some for dipping veggies on the side.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
Now comes the fun part—assembling your Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers! Lay a large lettuce leaf down on each serving plate, and place your first smash burger patty on top. Add a slice of chicken ham, a piece of crispy turkey bacon, a dollop of the keto special sauce, and some diced onions. Then, repeat the layers if you’re making a double burger. Finish it off with a second lettuce leaf to act as the top bun.

If you like extra veggies, you can add sliced tomatoes, pickles, or even avocado to the layers. The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is, so feel free to get creative with your toppings!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Macros per serving:
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 4g (depending on the specific ingredients)
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

Here’s how you can serve these smash burgers to take them to the next level:

• Wrap each burger in parchment paper for a diner-style presentation.
• Serve alongside zucchini fries or cauliflower tots for a low-carb side.
• Add a bowl of mixed greens with olive oil and vinegar to round out the meal.
• Serve with a dollop of extra sauce on the side for dipping veggies or fries.
• Keep it simple with a side of pickles or olives to complement the burger flavors.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t overwork the meat: When forming your patties, make sure not to compact the beef too much. Lightly form it into balls to ensure a juicy, tender burger.
2. Use a hot skillet: A high heat will help create those signature crispy edges on the smash burgers.
3. Press down hard with the spatula: The harder you smash the patties, the better the texture. Use a large, sturdy spatula to press down on the burgers.
4. Customize the sauce: Adjust the mayo-mustard-ketchup ratio to suit your taste. If you like it creamier, add more mayo. If you prefer it tangy, go heavy on the mustard.
5. Prep in advance: You can cook the bacon and ham ahead of time to make the assembly quicker when it’s time to serve.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun ways to change up the Keto Big Mac Smash Burger recipe to suit your preferences:

• Cheese swap: Instead of cheddar, try Swiss cheese, gouda, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Smash Burger: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your special sauce to give it a spicy kick.
• Avocado-Lover’s Smash Burger: Layer some creamy avocado slices between the patties for a delicious and nutritious addition.
• Mushroom Lover’s Burger: Sauté some mushrooms in butter and add them between the layers for a richer, earthier flavor.
• Bacon & Blue Cheese Smash Burger: Add crumbled blue cheese and extra turkey bacon for a decadent twist on the classic burger.

Health Benefits Notes

This Keto Big Mac Smash Burger recipe is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

• Low Carb: With only about 3g of net carbs per serving, this burger is perfect for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet.
• High Protein: Thanks to the beef, turkey bacon, and chicken ham, each burger is packed with muscle-building protein.
• Healthy Fats: The use of olive oil, cheese, and avocado (if added) ensures that you’re getting a good amount of healthy fats, which are essential for keto diets.
• No Bun, No Problem: By using lettuce instead of a traditional bun, you cut down on refined carbs while still enjoying a substantial, satisfying meal.
• Rich in Nutrients: The veggies, particularly the lettuce and onions, add essential vitamins and minerals to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re looking to make this meal a bit more special or add variety, here are a few ways to elevate your Keto Big Mac Smash Burger:

• Pair with a keto-friendly dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or sugar-free BBQ sauce.
• Serve with keto coleslaw on the side to add a creamy, crunchy contrast to the burger.
• Accompany with grilled vegetables, like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers.
• Offer a small side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the burger.
• Top the burger with a fried egg for an extra layer of flavor and protein.

Freezing and Storage

One of the great things about this recipe is that you can easily make it ahead of time and store the components separately. Here’s how:

• Store the patties: You can cook the patties ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each patty in parchment paper and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to serve.
• Freeze the sauce separately: The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen in small containers for up to 2 months.
• Turkey bacon and ham: These can also be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for about 3 days. Just give them a quick reheat before adding to your burger.

Special Equipment

Here’s a quick list of equipment that will make cooking these smash burgers easier:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan: Ideal for getting that perfect sear on your burgers.
• Heavy Spatula: To really smash down the burgers and achieve the right texture.
• Tongs: For easily flipping the turkey bacon and ham slices.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For whipping up the keto special sauce.
• Lettuce or Cabbage Wraps: You can use large leaves of lettuce or cabbage to hold your burgers together if you don’t want to go bun-less entirely.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef, but the flavor and fat content will be different. Make sure to use dark meat turkey to keep the burgers juicy.
2. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can cook the patties and other components ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer.
3. How do I keep the patties from sticking to the pan?
   Use a hot, well-oiled skillet to prevent sticking. Cast iron pans work best for smash burgers.
4. Can I use another type of lettuce for the “bun”?
   Yes, you can use iceberg lettuce, butter lettuce, or even large cabbage leaves.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free condiments like ketchup and mustard.
6. What can I use instead of turkey bacon?
   You can use regular bacon or beef bacon if you prefer. Just be mindful of the fat content if you’re sticking to keto guidelines.
7. How do I add more flavor to the patties?
   You can season the patties with spices like garlic powder, paprika, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
8. What’s the best cheese for a keto burger?
   Any full-fat cheese like cheddar, gouda, or Swiss will work great in this recipe.
9. Can I grill these burgers instead of using a skillet?
   Yes, you can grill the burgers. Just make sure to press them down firmly on the grill to get that “smash” effect.
10. What other keto-friendly sides go well with this burger?
    Zucchini fries, cauliflower mash, or a mixed green salad are all great keto-friendly options to serve alongside your burger.

This Keto Big Mac Smash Burger is the ultimate way to enjoy a classic burger flavor while sticking to your low-carb goals. It’s fast, easy, and sure to please the whole family!

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