Description
These Healthy Big Mac Smash Tacos offer a low-carb twist on the classic fast-food favorite, combining lean ground beef cooked in a skillet with a flavorful homemade Big Mac sauce made from blended cottage cheese and light mayo. Served on low-carb tortillas and topped with shredded lettuce, minced onions, pickles, and a sprinkle of seasoning, these tacos come together quickly for a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun lunch.
Ingredients
Beef and Tacos
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean / 7% fat, 454g)
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 6 low carb tortillas (6" size, 43g each, example: Mission Carb Balance)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- American cheese slices or shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Vegetable Toppings
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded (72g)
- 1/4 cup sweet onion, minced (24g)
- 1 dill pickle, sliced (35g)
- Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning, for garnish
Big Mac Sauce
- 1/2 cup blended cottage cheese (120g)
- 3 Tbsp light mayonnaise (27g)
- 2 Tbsp pickle relish or grated/finely chopped dill pickle (30g)
- 1 tsp pickle juice (omit if using pickle relish)
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp sugar-free ketchup
- 3/4 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp monk fruit sweetener (or preferred sweetener)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Big Mac sauce: In a small bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese with light mayo, pickle relish (or chopped pickles), pickle juice if using, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, monk fruit sweetener, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. Mix well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Form the beef patties: Divide the ground beef into six equal balls. Using clean hands, flatten each ball into a thin patty about the size of your tortilla, almost reaching the edges. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the beef patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place the tortillas beef-side down in the skillet; depending on pan size, you may cook multiple patties at once. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is almost cooked through and has a nice sear.
- Flip and melt cheese: Flip the tortillas to the other side, reduce the heat to medium-low, and add a thin slice of American cheese or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of each beef patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or inverted baking pan to help the cheese melt, about 1 minute.
- Assemble the tacos: Using a spatula, carefully remove each smash taco from the skillet. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, minced sweet onions, a few dill pickle slices, and sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.
- Add the finishing touch: Drizzle the prepared Big Mac sauce over each taco generously. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy low-carb Big Mac Smash Tacos!
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare the Big Mac sauce at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow flavors to meld.
- You can use any low-carb tortillas you prefer; Mission Carb Balance is a good example.
- If you don't have a large skillet, cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Substitute American cheese with any cheese of your choice or omit for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the seasoning and sweetness of the Big Mac sauce to taste.
- To keep it keto-friendly, use sugar-free ketchup and your preferred low-carb sweetener.
