Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps are my go-to answer for those days when I’m craving a big, juicy burger—minus the carb-heavy bun. Crisp, vibrant lettuce wraps around savory grilled beef, tangy pickles, and all the fixings, with a smoky, creamy “special sauce” tying every bite together. It’s all the flavor you love, but fresher, lighter, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Burger Flavor—No Bun Required: You get all the classic burger juiciness and savory flavor, but in a lighter, low-carb package.
- Fast and Fuss-Free: Ready in as little as 25 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, backyard BBQs, or easy meal prep.
- Completely Customizable: Mix and match with your favorite sauces, cheeses, and toppings for endless delicious variations.
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Keto-Friendly: With no grains, these Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps are ideal for a wide range of diets—no flavor sacrifice, ever!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few simple staples—ground beef, crisp lettuce, a couple fresh veggies, and a creamy, smoky special sauce—come together to deliver serious burger satisfaction. Each ingredient has a job to do, bringing freshness, crunch, or indulgent richness to every bite.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Lean or regular, this forms the juicy burger base—choose a blend you love for optimal flavor.
- Salt & Pepper (1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper): Simple seasoning really lets the beef shine.
- Grated Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts right between the patties for a gooey, cheesy center—feel free to swap for your favorite cheese.
- Boston Lettuce (1 head): Soft, sturdy leaves make the perfect “wrap”—if you’re in a pinch, romaine or iceberg work too.
- Plum Tomatoes (2, sliced): Their sweet, firm flesh holds up beautifully in lettuce wraps, adding color and juiciness.
- Red Onion (1/2 small, sliced): Sharp, tangy, and a little bit crunchy for true burger shop vibes.
- Sliced Pickles (6 slices): The briny tang cuts through the richness—don’t skip them if you’re a pickle lover!
- Light Mayo or Sour Cream (1/2 cup): This forms the base of the dreamy special sauce, making it creamy without being too heavy.
- BBQ Sauce (1 tbsp): Smoky sweetness that gives the special sauce a classic, burger-joint flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp) & Paprika (1/2 tsp): A dash of each adds savory depth and gentle warmth to your sauce.
Variations
Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps are endlessly adaptable—and that’s part of their charm. Don’t hesitate to switch things up based on your cravings, what’s in the fridge, or your dietary preferences.
- Turkey or Chicken Patties: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter burger that’s just as satisfying.
- Vegan & Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based burger patties and a coconut yogurt-based sauce for a totally plant-powered wrap.
- Spicy Tex-Mex: Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a chipotle sauce for a bold, spicy twist.
- Greek-Style: Swap cheddar for feta, use tzatziki as sauce, and add cucumber and olives for Mediterranean flair.
How to Make Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Prep the Sauce and Veggies
Start off by mixing together the light mayo (or sour cream), BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and paprika to create that tangy, smoky “special sauce.” Slice your tomatoes, onions, and pickles, and gently separate the lettuce leaves so they’re ready to go. Laying out the toppings in advance makes assembly speedy and fun!
Step 2: Form and Grill the Burger Patties
In a bowl, season the ground beef evenly with salt and pepper. With damp hands, divide and flatten the meat into 8 very thin patties (about 1/4 inch thick)—they’ll cook lightning-fast and give you those crave-worthy double-layered, gooey cheese burgers. Grill on a preheated BBQ (or grill pan) for just 1–2 minutes per side, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Stack with Cheese and Double Up!
While the patties are still warm, place grated cheddar on one patty, then top with another to make a delicious double-stacked burger. Add more cheese between if you really want that melty, indulgent effect—it’s the “wow” factor in every bite!
Step 4: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
Lay out your lettuce leaves on serving plates. Layer on a couple pickle slices and two tomato slices first—this helps keep the bottom leaf crisp even once the hot patty goes on top. Add your double-stacked beef patty with melted cheese, sprinkle on red onions, and finish with a generous drizzle of special sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Devour!
Get a napkin ready; these Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps are juicy, fresh, and made to be eaten with your hands. Tuck in and enjoy that impossible-to-resist classic burger experience, refreshed with every crisp, colorful bite.
Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps
- Lettuce Selection Matters: For sturdy wraps that don’t tear, use Boston lettuce or large outer leaves of iceberg—layer 2 leaves for extra hold.
- Ultra-Thin Patties: Press your beef patties thin to cook quickly and stack easily, mimicking that irresistible “double” burger experience in every bite.
- Sauce Drizzle Magic: Drizzle the special sauce just before serving—if added too soon, lettuce can get soggy, so assemble right before eating.
- Cheese Placement Secret: Add cheese while patties are piping hot so it melts perfectly between layers, giving each bite that dreamy cheesy pull.
How to Serve Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Top these wraps off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, extra sliced scallions, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a restaurant-quality finish. A fresh crack of black pepper or a tiny dab of Dijon mustard can add an extra flavor pop just before serving!
Side Dishes
Serve your burger lettuce wraps alongside a heap of oven-baked sweet potato fries for some sweet and salty crunch, or a crisp cucumber salad to double down on the freshness. You can even add a pile of pickled veggies or a simple slaw if you want something a little tangy on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay out all the toppings buffet-style so everyone can build their own Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps—perfect for a burger bar! For a fun appetizer, use smaller lettuce leaves and mini patties to create “slider” wraps for parties and picnics. Don’t forget to secure the wraps with festive toothpicks for easy, mess-free eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For best results, store the cooked beef patties, fresh veggies, lettuce leaves, and special sauce in separate containers in the fridge. This keeps everything crisp and fresh. Assembled wraps are best enjoyed right away, but deconstructed parts stay good for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Burger patties freeze beautifully! Simply let them cool completely, stack with parchment between, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, cook or reheat straight from frozen—just add fresh toppings and lettuce.
Reheating
Warm leftover burger patties in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat. Freshen up the toppings and lettuce leaves before assembling so each wrap still bursts with vibrant flavor and satisfying crunch.
FAQs
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Can I make Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps without a grill?
Absolutely! You can cook the burger patties on any stovetop using a grill pan or skillet. Just heat it to medium-high and cook the thin patties for about 1–2 minutes per side, just as you would on a BBQ.
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What’s the best lettuce for burger wraps, and how do I keep it from tearing?
Boston or butter lettuce have large, sturdy, and flexible leaves—ideal for wrapping. Layer two leaves for extra reinforcement, or use big iceberg leaves for a nice crunch. Drying each leaf completely before assembling helps prevent rips.
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How do I prevent Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps from getting soggy?
Assemble just before eating, and put firmer veggies (like pickles and tomatoes) directly on the lettuce before the hot burger patty goes in. Always add the sauce last, right before serving, to keep everything crisp.
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Can I meal prep these wraps ahead of time?
Definitely—cook the patties and prep all toppings in advance, storing each component separately in airtight containers. When it’s time to eat, reheat the patties, add toppings, and wrap everything up fresh with lettuce for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a lighter take on a classic, these Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps are guaranteed to hit the spot—fast, fresh, and flipping delicious! Give them a try this week and experience all the savory, juicy burger magic, minus the bun. Enjoy every crunchy, saucy bite!
Print
Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional burgers, using lettuce instead of buns for a lighter meal option. Juicy beef patties with melted cheese, fresh veggies, and a flavorful special sauce are wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a satisfying and low-carb meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
For the Lettuce Wraps:
- 1 head Boston lettuce
- 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced
- 6 sliced pickles
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup light mayo (or sour cream)
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat BBQ: Preheat BBQ to medium-high. Mix ingredients for special sauce together and prep veggies.
- Prepare Beef Patties: Mix salt and pepper into ground beef. Form 8 thin patties and grill for 1-2 minutes per side. Add cheese between patties.
- Assemble Lettuce Wraps: Place lettuce leaves on plates, top with pickles, tomatoes, beef patties, red onions, and special sauce.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious low-carb burger lettuce wraps!
Notes
- For a healthier option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- If Boston lettuce is unavailable, use romaine or iceberg lettuce.
- Serve with sweet potato fries on the side.
- Store leftovers separately in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
- Beef patties can be frozen for up to 3 months and cooked from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 418 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1435mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 99mg
