Keto Breakfast SmashBurger Tacos

These tacos take the parts of a breakfast burger, a seasoned beef patty, melted cheese and a fried egg, and put them in a lettuce leaf instead of a bun or tortilla. A runny yolk works as the sauce. The recipe makes 4 servings of 2 tacos each, with about 5 grams of carbohydrates and 30 grams of protein per serving.

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The whole thing takes 25 minutes: 10 minutes of prep and 15 of cooking, which makes it workable for a weekday morning. The tacos are also easy to customize, so a different topping changes the flavor each time you make them.

What You Need

Amounts are in the recipe card. The list is short, and each item has a job.

• Ground beef (1 pound): the base, seasoned and formed into patties.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper: the seasoning for the beef. Garlic powder and onion powder (1 teaspoon each) give a savory, slightly sweet flavor.
• Avocado oil (1 tablespoon): for cooking the patties. It has a high smoke point and a mild flavor.
• Eggs (4 large): fried and set on top of each patty.
• Shredded cheese (1 cup): melts over the patty and adds creaminess.
• Lettuce leaves (8): the low-carb stand-in for taco shells, with a fresh crunch.

Why Lettuce Instead of Tortillas

The lettuce leaf is what makes this a keto recipe. It holds a patty, an egg and cheese, and it adds a cool, crisp contrast to the hot beef. Eight leaves cover the 4 servings of 2 tacos. The seasoning, with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, is what gives the patties their burger flavor.

Getting the Patties and Eggs Right

Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the beef, form the patties, and fry the eggs in a separate pan while the patties cook.

Handle the beef gently. Overworking the meat makes the patties less tender, so shape them lightly. Letting the formed patties rest for a couple of minutes before cooking helps them keep their juices. They cook in the skillet for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until browned.

Use a non-stick pan for the eggs. Cooking them sunny-side up keeps the yolks runny, which gives you a sauce for the tacos. For a firmer yolk, cook them longer or flip them for over-easy eggs.

Build each taco from the bottom up. A patty goes in each lettuce leaf, then the egg and the cheese. Serve right away.

Swaps and Toppings

• Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a leaner version, as long as it is seasoned well.
• Avocado slices add creaminess, and cilantro or green onions add fresh flavor.
• Low-carb salsa, hot sauce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños or sour cream all work as extra toppings.
• Dairy-free: leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese.

Serving and Making Ahead

Avocado slices or a simple green salad go well next to the tacos, and a spoonful of low-carb salsa adds a bit of heat. The tacos work for breakfast or brunch.

To prepare ahead, make a larger batch of patties and cook the eggs, then keep them separately in the fridge. Assemble fresh tacos through the week. The patties can also be reheated and served with scrambled eggs.

How Long It Takes

Prep takes 10 minutes, which covers seasoning the meat and cracking the eggs. Cooking takes about 15 minutes, and the total is 25 minutes. Prepping the ingredients the night before makes a morning shorter still.

Nutrition per Serving

One serving, which is two tacos, has approximately 450 calories, 35 grams of fat (12 grams saturated), 5 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, 30 grams of protein and 800 milligrams of sodium.

FAQ

What are these tacos made of?

Seasoned ground beef patties, fried eggs and shredded cheese, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. They are low in carbohydrates.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes. Leave out the shredded cheese or use a dairy-free cheese. The beef and eggs still carry the flavor.

Can I meal prep these tacos?

Yes. Make the patties and cook the eggs ahead, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble the tacos fresh each morning.

What toppings work well?

Avocado, diced tomatoes and low-carb salsa. Fresh cilantro or green onions also add flavor.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us