Save It 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.
Save It 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
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.
Save It 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.
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.