If you’re craving a classic burger experience without the extra carbs, this Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a game changer. It delivers all the juicy, savory flavors you love in a burger but swaps out the bun for crisp, refreshing Boston lettuce leaves. With a creamy, tangy special sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh, colorful toppings, these wraps are satisfying, vibrant, and perfect for a quick lunch or family dinner that doesn’t derail your healthy eating goals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component adds a distinct layer of flavor, from the seasoned beef patties to the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables. These few essentials come together effortlessly to create a winning meal.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose 80/20 for juiciness without being too fatty.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the beef’s natural flavor perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the patties.
- 1/2 cup light mayo (or sour cream): Forms the creamy base of the special sauce.
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce: Brings a smoky-sweet tang to the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and appealing color to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese: Melts deliciously between the patties for gooey goodness.
- 1 head Boston lettuce: Crisp, sturdy leaves serve as the perfect bun replacement.
- 2 plum tomatoes, sliced: Offer juicy, sweet freshness in every bite.
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that balances richness.
- 6 sliced pickles: Provide a tangy, briny contrast to the savory components.
How to Make Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Special Sauce
Start by preheating your BBQ grill to medium-high heat so it’s ready when your patties are formed. While the grill heats up, whip together the special sauce by combining the light mayo (or sour cream), BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. This sauce will tie all the flavors together wonderfully and add a creamy, zesty layer to your wraps. Then, prepare your vegetables by slicing the tomatoes, red onions, and pickles, setting them aside for easy assembly later.
Step 2: Season and Shape the Beef Patties
Grab your ground beef and mix in the salt and pepper gently but thoroughly. This straightforward seasoning enhances the beef without overwhelming it. Divide the meat into thin patties, shaping them carefully so they’re even and can cook quickly and consistently. Thin patties will get that perfect sear on the grill and let the cheese melt nicely when added.
Step 3: Grill and Assemble
Place the patties on the hot grill and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes per side — you want a nice char and juicy interior. When flipping, add the grated cheddar cheese on one patty and cover it with another patty to create a melty cheese layer inside your burger. After grilling, lay out the Boston lettuce leaves on your serving plates, then build your wraps with pickles, sliced tomatoes, the cheesy beef patties, red onions, and a generous drizzle of that tasty special sauce you made earlier.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Now comes the best part: digging in! These wraps have everything you love about burgers — juicy meat, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and crisp veggies — without the carbs from a traditional bun. They’re easy to eat, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for anyone watching their carb intake but still craving big flavor.
How to Serve Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to elevate your wraps with garnishes like fresh chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the sauce for extra texture and flavor. A dash of hot sauce can also give a welcome spicy kick that complements the smoky BBQ notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these wraps with simple, healthy sides to keep everything low carb and fresh. Think a crisp cucumber salad, roasted asparagus, or even some crunchy kale chips. These sides will balance out the richness of the burger while keeping your meal colorful and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Wraps look fantastic when served on a wooden board with the ingredients lined up like a mini burger bar. Let guests build their own wraps or serve each pre-assembled on a large lettuce leaf with a skewer to hold everything in place. It turns dinner into an interactive and fun experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled patties without the lettuce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep your sliced veggies and sauce separate for the freshest assembly later so the lettuce stays crisp and the flavors vibrant.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cooked patties individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain their juicy texture.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, making sure the cheese inside gets melty again. Avoid reheating lettuce leaves to keep them crisp; add fresh leaves when serving leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! While Boston lettuce is ideal for its sturdy, soft leaves, you can also use butter lettuce, romaine, or even iceberg if you prefer a crisper texture. Just make sure the leaves are large enough to hold all the fillings.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe is great for meal prep. Keep the components separate and assemble fresh each day to avoid soggy lettuce. The patties and sauce store well and save time on busy days.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the recipe further, though these meats have less fat and can be less juicy. Adding a little olive oil or finely chopped onion to the mixture can help maintain moisture.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, then add cheese and cover the pan to melt it just like you would on the grill.
How spicy is the special sauce?
The special sauce in this recipe is mild and tangy, with a hint of smokiness. If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a delicious way to enjoy burger night without the guilt or carbs of traditional buns. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to whip up any time you want that classic burger satisfaction with a healthy twist. Give it a try—I promise these wraps will become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Low Carb Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious low carb burger lettuce wraps featuring grilled beef patties with melted cheddar cheese, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade BBQ mayo sauce wrapped in crisp Boston lettuce leaves. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that’s gluten-free and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
For the Special Sauce
- 1/2 cup light mayo (or sour cream)
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
For the Wraps and Toppings
- 1 head Boston lettuce
- 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced
- 6 sliced pickles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sauce: Preheat the BBQ grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix the light mayo (or sour cream), BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and paprika thoroughly to create the special tangy sauce. Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes, red onion, and pickles, and wash the Boston lettuce leaves carefully.
- Form and Grill Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt and pepper evenly. Shape the mixture into thin burger patties. Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for 1-2 minutes on one side. Flip the patties, quickly add the grated cheddar cheese on top of half of them, and place the remaining patties on top to melt the cheese between. Continue grilling for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Lay out the lettuce leaves on plates. Top with sliced pickles and tomatoes. Add the grilled cheeseburger patties on top, then scatter the red onion slices over, and finally drizzle generously with the special BBQ mayo sauce for a flavorful finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the lettuce wraps fresh and enjoy a low-carb, delicious burger experience without the bun that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option.
Notes
- Use light mayo or sour cream for a lower-fat creamy sauce option.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne to the burger mix.
- Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce leaves well to prevent sogginess.
- These wraps are perfect for gluten-free and low-carb diets.
- Feel free to add avocado slices or mustard as additional toppings.
