Juicy lettuce wrap burgers with a special sauce, fresh tomatoes, and onions—low-carb, keto-friendly, and packed with flavor! A healthy twist on a classic favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free alternative to traditional burgers
- Crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch to every bite
- Juicy beef patties paired with a tangy special sauce for maximum flavor
- Easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or iceberg)
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
Special Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon relish
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Directions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar, and paprika. Set aside.
- Form the patties: In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form into 4 equal patties.
- Cook the burgers: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. If using cheese, add a slice on top during the last minute of cooking.
- Assemble the wraps: Place a lettuce leaf on a plate, add a cooked patty, a slice of tomato, red onion, pickles, and a spoonful of special sauce.
- Wrap and serve: Fold the lettuce around the fillings, securing it like a wrap. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or hot sauce to the special sauce for extra heat.
- Avocado Boost: Slice up some avocado for added creaminess.
- Bacon Lover: Add crispy bacon strips for extra flavor.
- Different Protein: Use turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties as alternatives.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings separate to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Assemble fresh with lettuce and toppings before serving.
FAQs
How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?
Use crisp lettuce like iceberg or butter lettuce and pat it dry before assembling. Keeping the sauce separate until serving can also help.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the patties and toppings in advance, but assemble them just before eating to keep the lettuce fresh.
What kind of lettuce is best for wraps?
Butter lettuce and iceberg lettuce work best because they are sturdy and flexible.
Are lettuce wrap burgers keto-friendly?
Yes, they are naturally low in carbs and perfect for a keto diet.
Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based patty can be used instead of beef.
How do I make the sauce healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Can I freeze the cooked patties?
Yes, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What toppings can I add?
Try avocado, bacon, jalapeños, mushrooms, or different cheeses for variety.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What side dishes go well with lettuce wrap burgers?
Pair them with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Lettuce Wrap Burgers are a fresh and satisfying way to enjoy a classic burger without the bun. They are quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for a healthy meal option. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet or just looking for a lighter alternative, these burgers are a delicious choice. Try them today and enjoy a flavorful, guilt-free meal!
Print
Lettuce Wrap Burgers
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy lettuce wrap burgers with special sauce, fresh tomatoes & onions—low-carb, keto-friendly, & packed with flavor! A healthy twist!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 large lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
Special Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp relish
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Season ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form into 4 patties.
- Cook patties on a grill or skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Add cheese if desired.
- Place each patty on a lettuce leaf, top with tomato, onion, pickles, and special sauce.
- Wrap the lettuce around the fillings and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use butter lettuce or iceberg for best wrapping.
- Swap cheddar for dairy-free cheese to keep it dairy-free.
- Customize with avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
