All the flavors of a Big Mac β without the bun! Low-carb, high-protein, and perfect for meal prep.
π Ingredients (Serves 4)
π₯© Beef Layer
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
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Β½ tsp salt
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Β½ tsp black pepper
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Β½ tsp garlic powder
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Β½ tsp onion powder
π₯ Salad Base
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4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
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1 cup shredded iceberg (optional, for crunch)
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Β½ cup diced red onion
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Β½ cup dill pickle slices, chopped
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Β½ cup cherry tomatoes (optional; slightly higher carbs)
π₯£ Keto βSpecial Sauceβ
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Β½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
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1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
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1β2 tbsp pickle relish (sugar-free)
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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Β½ tsp paprika
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Pinch garlic powder
Mix until smooth and chill 20β30 minutes for best flavor.
π©βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
1οΈβ£ Cook the Beef
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Heat skillet over medium.
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Add ground beef and seasonings.
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Cook 6β8 minutes until browned.
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Drain excess grease (leave a little for flavor).
2οΈβ£ Prepare the Salad
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In a large bowl, add lettuce, onion, pickles, cheese (and tomatoes if using).
3οΈβ£ Assemble
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Divide salad into bowls.
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Top with warm beef.
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Drizzle generously with keto special sauce.
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Optional: sprinkle sesame seeds for βbunβ flavor.
π₯ Pro Tips
β Use 85/15 beef for good flavor without excess grease.
β Chill the sauce β it thickens and tastes better.
β Add crispy turkey bacon for extra crunch.
β Keep beef separate for meal prep (reheat fresh).
πΆ Flavor Variations
π₯ Avocado Boost
Add sliced avocado (adds healthy fats).
πΆ Spicy Version
Add jalapeΓ±os or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
π§ Double Cheeseburger
Use both cheddar + mozzarella.
π Meal Prep & Storage
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Store beef and salad separately.
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Fridge: up to 4 days.
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Do not freeze (lettuce wilts).
π’ Nutrition (Approx Per Serving)
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Calories: 450β550
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Protein: 28β35g
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Net Carbs: 5β7g
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Fat: 35β40g
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Keto Friendly β
π₯£ How to Make the Sauce Taste Exactly Like Big Mac
Add these small touches:
β Β½ tsp onion powder
β Β½ tsp garlic powder
β 1 tsp finely minced white onion
β Tiny splash of pickle juice
Let it chill 30β60 minutes before serving.
π₯© Best Beef Options
| Beef Type | Result |
|---|---|
| 80/20 | Juiciest, higher fat |
| 85/15 | Balanced keto option |
| 90/10 | Leaner, lower calories |
For extra flavor: cook beef with 1 tbsp butter.
π₯ Ways to Increase Healthy Fats (If Needed for Keto)
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Add sliced avocado
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Add 1 tbsp olive oil drizzle
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Use extra cheese
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Add chopped macadamia nuts
π₯ Make It a Full Keto Bowl
Add:
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Cauliflower rice (small portion)
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Crispy bacon bits
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Fried egg on top
βοΈ Lower-Calorie Version
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Use lean 90/10 beef
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Use light mayo
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Reduce cheese to Β½ cup
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Skip avocado
Drops calories by ~120β150 per serving.
π Meal Prep Strategy
β Store beef separately
β Store sauce separately
β Chop lettuce fresh every 2β3 days
β Reheat beef before serving
Best eaten within 4 days.
π©Ί Is It Anti-Inflammatory?
Partially:
β Grass-fed beef improves omega balance
β Olive oil-based mayo better choice
β Processed cheese & mayo are not strongly anti-inflammatory
For healthier version:
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Use olive oil + Greek yogurt sauce mix
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Use raw cheddar
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Add spinach for extra antioxidants
π’ Weight Watchers Estimate
Per serving:
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10β14 points (depends on mayo & beef fat %)
