This Keto Big Mac Burger has everything you love about the fast-food original, only low carb, juicier, and packed with real flavor. With melty cheese, crisp lettuce, and plenty of sauce, this burger seriously outshines the drive-thru version.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Keto Big Mac Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Homemade Big Mac
• 🔪 How to Make Low Carb Big Mac
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Big Mac Cheeseburger
• 💡 Tips
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Why is it Called a Big Mac?
• Why Do I Need Two Bottom Buns?
• What’s The Best Way to Toast Keto Buns?
• Can I Use Lettuce as the Middle Layer Instead of a Bun?
• Why Does Mine Taste Slightly Different Than the Real Thing?
• 🍽️ More Tasty Ground Beef Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Keto Big Mac Recipe

• That famous classic hamburger everyone loves
• Made into a healthy low carb copycat version
• Juicy beef, crisp lettuce, pickles and melted cheese
• Serve on a Keto friendly fluffy bun
• Hearty and satisfying

This low carb version of the classic Big Mac is just too good not to try. While there are a lot of low carb burger recipes out there, this one nails the same classic flavors you get from the golden arches! It’s saucy, cheesy, and stacked exactly like the real thing, only with better ingredients and a fluffy keto-friendly bun.

You’ll get double, juicy beef patties, crisp shredded lettuce, pickles, cheese….it’s all here, right down to the Big Mac sauce and sesame seed bun. The only difference? You can enjoy every bite without falling off your low carb goals.

Want the flavor but not the Keto bun? Be sure and try this fresh and flavorful Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad.

🛒 Ingredients for Homemade Big Mac

• Ground beef: I go with 85% grass-fed for the right balance of fat and flavor.
• Keto Hamburger Bun: I use homemade but you can use your favorite brand.
• Big Mac Sauce: This is non-negotiable. Make it ahead so the flavors pop.
• Lettuce: Go with iceberg for that crisp crunch you expect.
• Cheese: Optional, but it totally makes it.
• Dill pickle slices: The tanginess add to that signature flavor.
• Finely diced onions: Adds bite and rounds out the whole burger.
• Salt: Just enough to bring out the flavor in the meat.
• Ground black pepper: Balances the salt and gives the patties a little bite.
• Sesame seeds: Optional but can be added with an egg wash for the authentic bun look

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Air fryer

🔪 How to Make Low Carb Big Mac

Prepare the Big Mac Sauce and set it aside to allow the flavors to meld.  If you make the full recipe, you will have plenty of sauce leftover.  You can either reduce the recipe, or simply use the leftover sauce over a salad, casserole or as a dipping sauce.

Season the ground beef with the salt and pepper, then divide into 2 equally sized pieces (1.5 ounces each).  Fry them in a skillet over medium heat until they are cooked to your liking.

If you like sesame seeds on your bun that gives it a more authentic Big Mac look, you can brush some egg wash over the top bun and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.  Pop it, along with the 2 bottom buns in the air fryer @ 325°F for 2-3 minutes.

Take one bottom bun and spoon a tablespoon over the top.

Add half of the shredded lettuce.

Add the slice of cheddar cheese.

Place one burger patty on top of the cheese, then add half the onions over the burger.

Add the second bun, more Big Mac Sauce, shredded lettuce and pickles on top. 

Then add the second burger patty and top with the remaining onions and the top bun.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: You can store leftover patties, buns, and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The Big Mac sauce will keep in the fridge about 1 week.

Freezer: Don’t freeze assembled burgers because the texture does not hold up well. But, you can freeze the cooked burger patties for up to 2 months. Wrap buns tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

🍴 What to Serve with Big Mac Cheeseburger

This double cheeseburger goes great with any of these classic Keto burger sides.

• Eggplant Fries
• Keto Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Halloumi Fries
• Avocado Fries
• Easy Homemade Pickles

💡 Tips

• Make the sauce first so the flavors have time to meld while you cook the burgers.
• Use 85% lean beef for juicy, flavorful patties that don’t dry out.
• Smash the patties thin so they cook quickly and fit better in the layers.
• Toast the bun in the air fryer so it holds up to the sauce without getting soggy.
• Let the burger patties rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking so the juices stay inside.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Veggies: Add sliced tomato or jalapeños if you want to switch it up.

• Cheese: Swap cheddar for American or even pepper jack for some heat.

• Beef: Try ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking to change up the protein.

• Bunless: Make it a lettuce wrap if you’re skipping buns altogether.

• Onions: Use grilled onions instead of raw for a milder flavor.

• Buns: Make sliders using these Keto Dinner Rolls instead of full-size burgers.

Why is it Called a Big Mac?

The name “Big Mac” was coined by an advertising secretary at McDonald’s in the 1960s. It stuck because it perfectly described the larger, layered burger that stood out from other fast-food burgers at the time.

Why Do I Need Two Bottom Buns?

That middle bun layer is what makes a Big Mac a Big Mac. It helps hold everything together and separates the patties, giving you those signature stacked bites.

What’s The Best Way to Toast Keto Buns?

The air fryer is your best friend here. A quick 2–3 minutes at 325°F crisps them up without drying them out.

Can I Use Lettuce as the Middle Layer Instead of a Bun?

Yes! If you're skipping the second bun, try using a crisp piece of lettuce to add structure and keep that layered feel.

Why Does Mine Taste Slightly Different Than the Real Thing?

Most fast-food versions use rehydrated onions, thinner patties, and different buns. While this version comes very close, it uses real ingredients, so it tastes cleaner and more flavorful…on purpose.

🍽️ More Tasty Ground Beef Recipes

• Italian Meatballs
• Instant Pot Chili
• Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
• Beef Stroganoff Casserole
• Swedish Meatballs
• Cheeseburger Salad