This keto Five Guys–style burger is messy, melty, and made to satisfy even the fiercest fast-food craving.
To me, if I’m going to splurge on any food, it’s going to be my favorite food, and that’s a good, juicy, cheesy burger. Nothing quite satisfies me like a good burger. And this burger is proof that you can still enjoy your comfort cravings when you’re eating the keto way.
What I had in mind was creating the most ecstatic burger experience possible … something that felt indulgent, like Five Guys’ burgers do. You know the ones I mean, with those juicy smashed patties, sizzling onions, gooey cheese, and just enough sauce to make it all decadently delicous. But I wanted that kind of burger experience without the buns, sugary condiments, or high carb count. So, I set out to recreate that Five Guys’ burger magic in a keto-friendly burger.
What came out of the skillet was nothing short of spectacular. Seasoned ground beef gets topped with perfectly caramelized onions and melty cheese, then wrapped in cold, crisp lettuce leaves instead of a bun. It’s everything you love about a fast-food burger—the fatty juices just running down your chin, that chewy bite of a hamburger cooked to your taste, the grilled onions just making everything taste all smoky, tangy, and just right, not to mention all that melty cheddar cheese.
When you’re craving a good burger and eating keto, don’t DoorDash it. Make your own and enjoy a juicy, melty Five Guys-style burger in 25 minutes flat.
Wrap it, bowl it, stack it
You already know you’re skipping the bun, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on flavor. Here are some delicious keto-approved ways to enjoy this burger:
Lettuce-wrapped with fixins: Stick with the crisp iceberg leaves as your “bun” and pile on toppings like sugar-free pickles, avocado slices, jalapeños, or a fried egg. The lettuce adds crunch without carbs.
Burger bowl style: Chop up your cooked patty and build a burger bowl with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sautéed onions, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar. Drizzle with your favorite keto burger sauce for a fork-and-knife meal.
Double stack with bacon: Double up your patties and layer with cheese, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon. It’s like ordering the biggest burger on the menu—but better for you.
Super-melt style: Skip the lettuce and serve your patty open-faced over grilled mushrooms or a slice of roasted eggplant for a hearty knife-and-fork option.
Stuff some in an avocado: Halve an avocado and scoop in slices of your cooked burger, melted cheese, and fried onions. You get creamy, crunchy, and meaty in every bite.
Pair any of these with a keto coleslaw or roasted vegetable side, and you’ve got yourself a proper meal that feels anything but restrictive.
How do I store leftovers?
Place cooked patties in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the lettuce and toppings separate so they stay fresh. To freeze, wrap individual cooked patties tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and either warm them in a skillet over medium heat or nuke them in the microwave till heated through.
Similar recipes to try
If this Five Guys–style keto burger left you craving even more great keto cheeseburger dishes, try these next. First, you can stop all Big Mac cravings in their tracks with this amazing Keto Big Mac Salad. I also highly recommend these Keto Taco Cheeseburgers. These zesty little burgers turn up the heat with jalapeño and chipotle hot sauce all melted together under a layer of gooey cheese. Finally, for some cheeseburger lovin’ from the oven, try this Keto Cheeseburger Pie, featuring layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a savory egg-based crust.
Keto Burger Recipe – Five Guys-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons meat seasoning or all-purpose seasoning
- 2 slices cheese
- 8-10 slices iceberg lettuce
Instructions
- Heat the oil and fry the onions at a low temperature until they become golden brown. Once the onions are done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Divide the ground beef into four equal parts and shape into patties. Season your patties with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasoning. Fry them for 7-8 minutes to get medium-cooked burgers. Or fry/grill to your desired level of doneness.
- It's time for the cheese! If you're cooking your patties on a grill, add the cheese slices on top of two of the burgers 3 minutes before they're fully cooked. If possible, close the lid to encourage steam. If you're using a frying pan, add the cheese and cover the pan with a lid for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- When the patties are ready, place each cheese-topped patty on a few slices of lettuce, followed by the second non-cheesy patty, some fried onions, and any other desired toppings. Finish off with another layer of lettuce.
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