Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Burger Patties:

  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if cooking on stovetop)

For the Lettuce Wrap:

  • 8 large iceberg lettuce leaves (or butter lettuce for softer wraps)

Cheese Options:

  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • or Swiss, American, pepper jack, or provolone

Toppings:

  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sliced pickles
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup sautéed mushrooms (optional)
  • 4 slices cooked bacon (optional)

Burger Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended):

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Selecting the Right Ground Beef

For the juiciest burgers, choose an 80/20 ground beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat content ensures moisture and flavor. Leaner beef may result in a drier patty, which is less forgiving without a bun.

2. Seasoning the Meat Properly

Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix using your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can create dense burgers.

3. Forming the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape into patties about ¾-inch thick. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during cooking.

4. Preparing the Lettuce Leaves

Carefully separate large, intact lettuce leaves. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. For best structure, use double layers of lettuce per burger.

5. Making the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.

6. Cooking Method – Grill Option

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grates. Place patties on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness.

7. Cooking Method – Stovetop Option

Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness.

8. Adding the Cheese

During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cover loosely with a lid to allow melting.

9. Resting the Patties

Remove burgers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. This step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist bite.

10. Assembling the Burger

Lay two overlapping lettuce leaves on a plate. Spread a spoonful of burger sauce in the center. Place the patty on top.

11. Layering Toppings Strategically

Add tomato slices first, followed by onion, pickles, avocado, mushrooms, or bacon. Layering correctly helps stabilize the wrap.

12. Wrapping Technique

Fold the sides inward, then roll from bottom to top like a burrito. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Professional Tips for Perfect Lettuce Wrap Burgers

One essential tip is to keep the lettuce dry. Excess moisture causes slipping and tearing. Pat leaves thoroughly before assembling.

Chill lettuce leaves before use for extra crispness. Cold lettuce enhances contrast against a hot burger.

Use double layers for structural integrity. This prevents tearing and makes the wrap easier to handle.

Avoid overly thick patties. Thinner patties are easier to wrap securely.

If meal prepping, store lettuce and patties separately until ready to assemble.

Nutritional Benefits

Lettuce wrap burgers significantly reduce carbohydrate intake compared to traditional buns. A typical burger bun contains 20–25 grams of carbs, whereas lettuce contains minimal carbohydrates and calories.

This makes lettuce wraps suitable for:

  • Keto diets
  • Low-carb plans
  • Gluten-free diets
  • Calorie-conscious eating

They are also rich in protein, healthy fats (if using quality beef), and essential micronutrients from fresh vegetables.