Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe

If you’re craving all the delicious flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want something lighter (and buns just aren’t your thing), Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps are about to become your new obsession! You get everything: melty cheese, seasoned beef patties, tangy pickles, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty special sauce—neatly wrapped in crisp Boston lettuce leaves. It’s the ultimate combination of satisfying and fresh, finished in less than 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bunless but Brilliant: These wraps deliver that classic burger experience while keeping things light, fresh, and perfect for low-carb lifestyles.
  • Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Yes, seriously! From prepping to grilling to assembling, you can have dinner on the table in practically no time.
  • Customizable for Everyone: Whether you prefer beef, turkey, extra sauce, or more crunch, Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps can be tweaked for every palate and diet.
  • Packed with Flavor, Not Carbs: Enjoy juicy, cheesy burgers wrapped in crisp lettuce—every bite bursts with textures and tastes, all without the bread!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a handful of simple, colorful ingredients—each one truly pulling its weight—comes together to create truly craveable Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one is essential for these flavor-packed wraps.

  • Ground beef: The heart of your burger—juicy, rich, and the perfect protein base. Go with lean or regular, just be sure not to overwork it.
  • Salt & pepper: These two simple seasonings bring out the very best in your beef. Don’t underestimate their magic!
  • Grated cheddar cheese: Melts into luscious gooeyness between every double-stacked patty; the sharper, the better, for maximum flavor.
  • Boston lettuce: The ideal, sturdy-yet-tender leaf for wrapping up all your burger fixings—refreshing, crisp, and so easy to fold.
  • Plum tomatoes, sliced: Juicy and tangy-sweet, they add a beautiful fresh layer and just the right pop of color.
  • Red onion, sliced: A few thin rings add mild bite and a gentle crunch that balances out all the creamy and savory elements.
  • Sliced pickles: For bright, salty tang and crunch in every bite—a truly unskippable classic burger component.
  • Special sauce: Creamy, smoky, a touch garlicky, and the ultimate flavor bomb for these wraps. (It’s just light mayo, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and paprika mixed up!)
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Part of the magic of these Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps is just how adaptable the recipe is! Don’t be afraid to experiment—mix and match the proteins, cheese, or even the kind of lettuce to fit your mood or whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

  • Turkey burgers: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey if you’re after a lighter option. It still grills up juicy and delicious!
  • Dairy-free cheese: Use your favorite plant-based cheese for a lactose-free or vegan version—everything else stays scrumptious and satisfying.
  • Romaine or iceberg lettuce: If you can’t find Boston lettuce, both make fantastic, crisp alternatives that hold up beautifully.
  • Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pepper jack cheese for a little heat that wakes up every bite.

How to Make Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prep the Sauce and Veggies

Start by whisking together the special sauce ingredients—light mayo (or sour cream), BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and paprika—in a bowl. Set that aside, then prepare your veggie toppings: wash and dry the lettuce leaves, slice up those tomatoes and onions, and get your pickles ready for action. The fresh veggies will really make these wraps pop!

Step 2: Season and Shape the Patties

Add the salt and pepper to the ground beef, mixing just until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Form the beef into eight thin patties, about 1/4 inch thick each—thinner than your usual burger because you’ll be doubling them up for that super-melty, cheesy center!

Step 3: Grill and Cheese

Preheat your barbecue (or grill pan!) to medium-high heat, then cook the patties for just 1–2 minutes per side—these will cook fast! Remove the patties from the grill, add some cheddar between two patties, and stack them up sandwich-style for double the cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Wraps

Lay out your lettuce leaves on plates, then layer on two slices of pickles and two slices of tomato. Pile on your cheesy burger patties, top with a few red onion rings, and finish with a generous drizzle of that crave-worthy special sauce. Each wrap is ready to eat—no bun required!

Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps

  • Lettuce Selection Matters: Choose Boston (or butter) lettuce with leaves large and sturdy enough to hold your burger and toppings—this prevents mess and makes wrapping easy!
  • Super Thin Patties: Keep patties thin (no more than 1/4 inch!) so they cook quickly and don’t overpower the fresh veggies or get too thick for wrapping.
  • Stack High, Not Wide: Layering two thin patties with melty cheddar in between creates maximum flavor in every bite without making your wrap hard to handle.
  • Dressing on the Side (Optional): If packing for lunch or meal prep, keep the special sauce separate and drizzle it on just before eating to maintain crisp, perky lettuce!

How to Serve Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps

Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika right before serving to brighten up the presentation. For even more flavor, a thin layer of avocado slices or a hit of fresh chopped herbs (like parsley or chives) really take these Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps over the top!

Side Dishes

These wraps are full of flavor and need sides that hold their own but won’t weigh you down! Try pairing with crisp sweet potato fries, a bright cucumber salad, or a stack of crunchy veggie sticks to keep things light, colorful, and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps on a platter layered with extra lettuce leaves, and tuck all the toppings (and special sauce) in little bowls for a serve-yourself burger bar. Perfect for parties, summer BBQs, or an easy weeknight “build-your-own” dinner that gets everyone excited.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For the freshest leftovers, keep all components—burger patties, sauce, and veggies—stored separately in airtight containers in your fridge. Assemble fresh wraps right before eating so the lettuce stays crunchy and the flavors shine.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked burger patties on a tray until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag or lidded container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months; simply reheat from frozen whenever burger cravings strike!

Reheating

Microwave your patties in 20-second bursts or pop them in a hot skillet until just heated through. Then, pile into your lettuce wraps with veggies and sauce for a lunch or dinner that’s as good as day one.

FAQs

  1. Can I use another type of lettuce for these wraps?

    Absolutely! While Boston lettuce is tender yet sturdy, romaine or iceberg leaves are both great alternatives. Just choose leaves that are large enough to wrap your fillings securely and don’t tear easily.

  2. How do you keep lettuce wraps from getting soggy?

    Make sure your lettuce is washed and thoroughly dried before assembling. If prepping ahead, store each component separately and assemble just before serving—this keeps the lettuce crisp and perky!

  3. Can I meal prep Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps?

    Yes! Grill the patties ahead of time, prepare all veggies and sauce, and refrigerate everything in separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble—the wraps stay fresh and delicious.

  4. What’s the best way to transport these for lunch?

    Pack the cooked patties, lettuce leaves, and toppings separately in containers, and keep the sauce in a small sealed jar. Assemble right before eating for mess-free, ultra-fresh lettuce wraps on the go.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to try a burger night that’s bold, fresh, and downright addictive, don’t wait another minute—Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps are here to turn your comfort food cravings into a colorful, feel-good meal. Dive in and discover just how satisfying (and fun!) a homemade, bunless burger can be. Enjoy!

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Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 121 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Grilling
  • Method: Grilling
  • 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. The juicy beef patties with melted cheese, fresh veggies, and a flavorful special sauce make for a satisfying low-carb meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Ground Beef Patties:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Special Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup light mayo (or sour cream)
  • 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 head Boston lettuce
  • 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, sliced
  • 6 sliced pickles

Instructions

  1. Preheat the BBQ: Preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat. Prepare the special sauce by mixing all the ingredients together and prepare the veggies.
  2. Season and Grill Patties: Combine salt and pepper with ground beef. Shape into thin patties and grill for 1-2 minutes per side. Add cheese between patties while grilling.
  3. Assemble the Wraps: Place lettuce leaves on plates, top with pickles and tomatoes. Add the beef patties with melted cheese, red onions, and drizzle with special sauce.
  4. Serve: Enjoy your 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.
  • Pair with sweet potato fries as a side.
  • Store leftovers separately for up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat patties in the microwave and assemble fresh wraps.
  • You can freeze the beef patties for up to 3 months and cook directly from frozen.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approx. 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 570mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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