Keto Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

These satisfying wraps deliver all the classic flavors you love without the carbs. Seasoned ground beef patties get topped with melted cheddar and a zesty homemade sauce, then tucked into crisp lettuce leaves along with tangy pickles and fresh vegetables. The entire meal comes together in just over half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious.

Updated on Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:32:56 GMT
Freshly grilled beef patties with melted cheddar tucked inside crisp iceberg lettuce wraps, topped with tangy pickles and creamy secret sauce. Save It
Freshly grilled beef patties with melted cheddar tucked inside crisp iceberg lettuce wraps, topped with tangy pickles and creamy secret sauce. | sunnyspoonful.com

Looking for a way to enjoy a classic American burger without the carb-heavy bun? These Keto Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps are the perfect solution. Featuring juicy beef patties, melted cheddar, and a creamy, keto-friendly secret sauce, this meal delivers all the satisfying flavors of a diner favorite in a fresh, low-carb package.

Freshly grilled beef patties with melted cheddar tucked inside crisp iceberg lettuce wraps, topped with tangy pickles and creamy secret sauce. Save It
Freshly grilled beef patties with melted cheddar tucked inside crisp iceberg lettuce wraps, topped with tangy pickles and creamy secret sauce. | sunnyspoonful.com

The secret to this recipe lies in the balance of the savory, well-seasoned beef and the tangy sauce. Using crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce provides the perfect vessel for the burger, offering a satisfying crunch that makes you forget the bun entirely.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 large head iceberg lettuce or romaine, leaves separated, washed, and patted dry
  • 8 dill pickle slices
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle relish (no sugar added)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
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Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.
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Instructions

Step 1
In a small bowl, mix all secret sauce ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2
In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3
Divide the beef into 4 equal parts and shape into patties slightly larger than your lettuce leaves.
Step 4
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
Step 5
In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and cover to melt.
Step 6
Arrange two large lettuce leaves per wrap on a plate, overlapping for extra support.
Step 7
Place a cheeseburger patty onto each lettuce bun. Top with secret sauce, pickle slices, red onion, and tomato if using.
Step 8
Fold the lettuce around the filling and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure your lettuce wraps stay crisp, make sure the leaves are completely dry after washing. If you find the lettuce is too stiff to fold, you can gently trim the thickest part of the rib from the back of the leaf.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to experiment with the toppings. Adding crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms can provide an extra layer of savory flavor. If cheddar isn't your favorite, swap it out for Swiss or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Serviervorschläge

These wraps are best served immediately while the patties are hot and the lettuce is cold. For a complete meal, pair them with a side of keto-friendly coleslaw or air-fried zucchini fries.

Keto cheeseburger lettuce wraps are plated with red onion and tomato, ideal for a low-carb dinner that tastes indulgent. Save It
Keto cheeseburger lettuce wraps are plated with red onion and tomato, ideal for a low-carb dinner that tastes indulgent. | sunnyspoonful.com

Whether you are strictly following a keto diet or just looking for a lighter dinner option, these cheeseburger lettuce wraps are sure to satisfy. They provide all the indulgence of a classic burger with none of the post-meal heaviness.

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Recipe FAQs

What type of lettuce works best?

Iceberg lettuce provides the ideal crunch and structural integrity, though romaine makes a suitable alternative with slightly more flexibility.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely—the sauce actually benefits from resting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Avoid overmixing the ground beef and shape patties slightly larger than your lettuce leaves since they shrink during cooking. Letting them rest for a few minutes before cooking also helps.

What other toppings can I add?

Crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, or jalapeños all complement the flavors beautifully while keeping everything low-carb.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep cooked patties and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat patties gently and assemble fresh with crisp lettuce.

Can I freeze the uncooked patties?

Yes, shape the patties and freeze them between parchment paper for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Keto Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

Flavorful beef patties with cheese and special sauce nestled in crunchy lettuce for a lighter twist on a classic favorite.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Duration
35 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Hearty Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Free From Gluten, Low Carbohydrate

What You'll Need

Cheeseburgers

01 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 4 slices cheddar cheese

Lettuce Wraps

01 1 large head iceberg lettuce or romaine, leaves separated and patted dry

Toppings

01 8 dill pickle slices
02 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 1 medium tomato, sliced (optional)

Secret Sauce

01 0.25 cup mayonnaise
02 1 tablespoon sugar-free ketchup
03 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish with no added sugar
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
07 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
08 Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the secret sauce: Combine mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Mix until fully integrated and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 02

Season and mix the ground beef: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder using minimal handling to avoid overworking the meat.

Step 03

Form burger patties: Divide the seasoned beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly larger than your lettuce leaves to account for shrinkage during cooking.

Step 04

Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for 3 to 4 minutes per side until reaching desired doneness.

Step 05

Melt the cheese: During the final minute of cooking, place one slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt completely.

Step 06

Assemble the lettuce base: Arrange two large lettuce leaves per wrap on a serving plate, overlapping them slightly to create a sturdy foundation for the burger.

Step 07

Build and dress the wraps: Place a cooked cheeseburger patty on the overlapped lettuce leaves. Top with secret sauce, dill pickle slices, red onion, and tomato if desired.

Step 08

Fold and serve: Fold the lettuce leaves around the cheeseburger filling and serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the cheese is warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs from mayonnaise
  • Contains milk and dairy from cheddar cheese
  • Contains mustard
  • May contain soy depending on mayonnaise and ketchup brands used

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 390
  • Fats: 29 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 4 grams
  • Proteins: 28 grams