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- 25 min
2 net carbs
Low-Carb Burger
The best low-carb burger recipe! Made on the grill or stovetop, there’s nothing like a juicy cheeseburger.
- Recipe last updated: May 27, 2024
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Low-Carb Burger
- Last Updated: May 27, 2024
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The Best Low-Carb Burger [Keto]
*Net carbs are per serving
Ingredients
Burger
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ¼ cup crushed pork rinds, (or almond flour)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspon back pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Optional Toppings
- cheese
- bacon
- avocado
- tomato
- onion
- pickles
- jalapenos
- fried egg
- cilantro
- mayonnaise
- mustard
- ketchup
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add all of the burger ingredients - ground beef, crushed pork rinds (or almond flour), milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix together with your hands or wooden spoon until well combined.
- Divide meat into 6 sections. Shape each section into a flat patty about 1/2” thick.
- Grill or pan-fry each burger for 3-4 minutes per side until burgers reach desired internal temperature.
- Serve on a lettuce leaf with optional toppings: cheese, bacon, avocado, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapenos, fried egg, cilantro, mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. Adjust toppings to your preference.
Video
Nutrition
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Notes
Recipe Variations
- Meat substitutions – We prefer to use 80% or 85% lean ground beef for this recipe. You can use ground turkey or ground chicken if preferred.
- Burger toppings – You can adjust the burger toppings to your preference. If you don’t care for something, you can omit it and add something you prefer instead. This recipe is very flexible and can be customized to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition calculations for this recipe are for the burger patty only and do not include any of the optional toppings. Because everyone’s preferences for the perfect cheeseburger are different, it is easiest to use the nutrition for the beef patty and then add your toppings separately. If you are following Total Diabetes Wellness guide for a low-carb, high-fat diet, adding any (or all) of the optional toppings will not change the carbohydrate content of this meal significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use lettuce in place of a bun?
No, you don’t have to use lettuce if you don’t care to. You can enjoy this low-carb cheeseburger without any type of bun or bun substitute if preferred. Other tasty bun substitutes include grilled portabello mushrooms or grilled eggplant. We don’t recommend most commercially made “low-carb” or “keto” buns or bread, as oftentimes these items contain more carbs than they advertise, and they may spike your blood sugar more than expected.
Can I leave out any of the burger ingredients?
We highly suggest trying this recipe as written before making adjustments. This recipe creates the juiciest, well-seasoned burgers with a truly delicious flavor.
Is this low-carb burger recipe Keto?
Yes! Each burger patty is only 2 grams of net carbs. Enjoy this recipe of keto burgers without worrying eating too many carbs.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
Yes, these burgers are gluten-free. As always, double check all of your ingredient labels to be sure there isn’t any gluten containing ingredients in the brands you use.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
- Make-ahead: To make burgers ahead of time, mix the meat ingredients together and shape each burger patty. Separate the burger patties with parchment paper to keep them from sticking.
- Storing leftovers: Store leftover burgers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers should be eaten within 3-4 days.
- Freezing instructions: These burgers freeze well! Assemble up through shaping the burger patties, separate patties with parchment paper, and store in an air-tight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Reheat burgers on the stovetop, oven, or in the microwave. Burgers should only be reheated once. More than once, the meat will turn rubbery and won’t taste fresh.
Additional Details
Indulging in delicious meals doesn’t have to be a challenge when managing diabetes. With the diabetes-friendly low-carb burger recipe, you can enjoy a scrumptious burger without worrying about blood sugar spikes. Crafted with care and tailored for individuals with diabetes, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between taste and health.
Burgers are the epitome of comfort food, and this low-carb burger recipe brings all the satisfaction of a classic burger without the guilt. By selecting ingredients mindfully and preparing them with culinary finesse, this recipe ensures that you can relish the joy of a burger while keeping your carbohydrate intake in check.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The success of this low-carb burger lies in the careful choice of ingredients, each serving a specific purpose to enhance flavor and reduce carbohydrates. The star of the show is ground beef, a protein-rich base that provides indulgence without excessive fat. A harmonious blend of aromatic spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder infuses the patty with a burst of delectable flavors.
To maintain its low-carb nature, this recipe opts for almond flour as a binder instead of traditional bread crumbs. Almond flour not only adds a delightful nutty essence but also preserves the burger’s diabetic-friendly attributes. It’s a smart choice for those who want to manage their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing texture or taste.
Crafting the Culinary Masterpiece
The process of creating this diabetes-friendly low-carb burger is a journey that mirrors the steps of crafting a classic burger, ensuring you get the best of both worlds. Once the ingredients are mixed according to the recipe’s guidance, it’s time to shape the mixture into patties and cook them to perfection. As the patties sizzle on the skillet, an irresistible aroma fills the air, reminiscent of your favorite burger joints.
The end result? A juicy, flavorful patty that’s ready to be paired with your preferred low-carb bun or lettuce wrap. It’s a burger experience that doesn’t compromise on taste or health, proving that you can savor every bite while keeping your diabetes management goals intact.
Benefits for Individuals with Diabetes
Managing diabetes requires a thoughtful approach to food choices, and this diabetes-friendly low-carb burger recipe offers several benefits tailored to those needs:
- Blood Sugar Control: By utilizing low-carb ingredients like almond flour and flavorful spices, this recipe helps minimize the impact on blood sugar levels. You can enjoy the burger without worrying about sudden spikes that could affect your well-being.
- High-Quality Protein: Lean ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. Protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, making it an integral part of diabetes-friendly meals.
- Nutrient Density: The combination of lean beef and almond flour ensures that each bite of the burger packs a nutrient punch. Nutrient-dense meals are essential for individuals with diabetes, as they provide essential vitamins and minerals without excessive carbohydrates.
- Satisfying and Delicious: Perhaps most importantly, this low-carb burger recipe doesn’t compromise on taste. It delivers all the satisfaction of a classic burger while adhering to the principles of diabetes management.
Serve Up Your Creation
Once your diabetes-friendly low-carb burger is cooked to perfection, it’s time to get creative with your serving options. Here are a few ideas to elevate your burger experience:
- Lettuce Wraps: Embrace the low-carb theme by serving your patty in crisp lettuce wraps. The refreshing crunch of lettuce complements the juicy burger beautifully.
- Low-Carb Buns: If you’re craving the feel of a traditional burger, opt for low-carb buns or whole-grain options. These buns are designed to keep your carbohydrate intake in check.
- Veggie Toppings: Load up on diabetes-friendly veggies like sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. These toppings add freshness, crunch, and extra nutrients to your burger.
- Healthy Condiments: Choose condiments like mustard, sugar-free ketchup, or Greek yogurt-based sauces. These options add flavor without excess sugars.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Burger
While the diabetes-friendly low-carb burger is a star on its own, choosing the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Here are some delightful pairings to consider:
- Zucchini Fries: Swap traditional potato fries for zucchini fries. Slice zucchini into sticks, coat with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake until crispy.
- Cauliflower Salad: Whip up a refreshing cauliflower salad with chopped cauliflower florets, diced cucumbers, red onion, and a light vinaigrette.
- Avocado Slices: Enhance the creaminess of your burger with slices of ripe avocado. They’re rich in healthy fats and add a luxurious texture to your meal.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: Prepare a tangy dip using plain Greek yogurt as a base. Mix in minced garlic, chopped dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing accompaniment.
Remember, the key is to choose sides that complement the flavors of the burger while maintaining a low-carb approach. These pairings not only add variety to your plate but also contribute to a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
The diabetes-friendly low-carb burger recipe is a testament to the fact that managing diabetes doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. With careful ingredient selection, skillful preparation, and creative serving choices, you can create a burger experience that aligns with your dietary needs and tantalizes your taste buds. This recipe is a reminder that you can savor the pleasures of food while making health-conscious decisions, proving that a fulfilling and delicious journey is possible on your diabetes management path.
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