Get the great taste of a Big Mac without the carbs

Kate Elliott

Contributing Writer

Even those who are super strict with their eating plan have a craving once in a while. And when that craving is a Big Mac, it can be hard to beat. Juicy patties in between soft pieces of bun with the tangy taste of pickles and special sauce can conjure up a craving just by simply thinking about all the perfection. But when you're trying to follow a low-carb diet, those are off-limits. That is, until you try the recipe that follows.

The patties are kept very simple in this recipe. After all, it's really all about that special sauce. As for that bun? That gets tossed out completely and in its place are two fresh and crisp lettuce leaves. This is so much better than those weird looks you might get ordering a Big Mac with no bun at the drive-thru!

Cooktop Cove

Low-Carb Big Macs

15 minutes

40 minutes

55 minutes

1 pound ground beef

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 tablespoon relish

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

4 leaves of butter lettuce, whole

1 tomato, sliced

2 pickles, sliced

In a large bowl, mix ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, combining it with your hands.

Shape into four patties. Place on a plate covered with aluminum foil, cover the patties, and put in the freezer for 30 minutes.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, relish, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Mix well, ocver with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge.

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet set over medium-high heat.

Add the patties and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until patties are cooked through.

Top with cheddar cheese, cover and cook to let cheese melt, about three more minutes.

Set out two pieces of lettuce, overlapping slightly.

Add two tomato slices and pickles in the center, and place two patties on top side by side.

Drizzle with the sauce from the fridge.

Repeat Steps 7 to 9 for the second serving.

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