Lettuce Wrapped Burger
Enjoy a delicious and healthy low-carb burger experience with this simple lettuce-wrapped recipe, complete with an optional homemade burger sauce and caramelized onions. Perfect for a keto-friendly dinner!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Griddle (optional)
- Burger Press (optional)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion diced (for optional caramelized onions)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for optional caramelized onions)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean/fat ratio for juicy burgers)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 16-20 large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves (about 4-5 per burger, your fresh "buns"!)
- 1 small tomato thinly sliced
- 1 pickle thinly sliced
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- Low-carb burger sauce (use your favorite or make a quick homemade one below!)
Quick Homemade Low-Carb Burger Sauce (optional)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickles
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- For Optional Caramelized Onions: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful deep golden color, about 20-25 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare Your Burger Patties: Gently divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Roll them loosely into balls – no need to overwork the meat!
- Heat Your Skillet: Place a griddle or a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Let it get very hot to achieve a great sear.
- Cook the Burgers: Carefully place each beef ball onto the screaming hot skillet, one at a time. Using a burger press or a heavy spatula (with a piece of parchment paper underneath to prevent sticking), press each ball down firmly until it's about ¼-inch thick. Season the tops generously with salt and pepper.
- Flip and Melt: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are nicely browned. Flip each burger patty. Immediately place a slice of cheese on top of each one. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burger reaches your desired doneness.
- Make the Quick Low-Carb Burger Sauce (if desired): In a small bowl, simply whisk together all the sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, chopped pickles, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, and paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Your Healthy Wraps: Take 4 or 5 large lettuce leaves and stack them neatly – these will be your fresh, crunchy "buns." Place a hot burger patty on top of the lettuce stack. Generously add a dollop of your low-carb burger sauce, a spoonful of caramelized onions (if you made them), a slice of tomato, and a slice of pickle. Carefully wrap the lettuce leaves around your burger and enjoy your juicy, flavorful, and healthy creation!
Notes
Nutrition Information per serving: Calories: 292 kcal, Total Carbs: 4g, Net Carbs: 3g, Fats: 17g, Protein: 29g.
