Crispy Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Juicy Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps Recipe: Bun-Free Delight!

Burger enthusiasts crave these delectable cheeseburger lettuce wraps that redefine low-carb comfort food.

Crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves cradle perfectly seasoned ground beef and melted cheese for a mouthwatering meal.

Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch without the heavy bread.

The protein-packed combination brings bold flavors and nutritious ingredients together in one delightful package.

Fresh crisp lettuce provides the perfect vessel for juicy, well-seasoned meat and gooey cheese.

These wraps offer a lighter alternative to traditional burgers that won’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

You’ll devour these wraps faster than you can say “healthy dinner hack.” Prepare to transform your weeknight meal routine with this simple yet sensational recipe.

Everything Needed For Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

For Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for a healthier twist, ensuring maximum flavor and minimal grease.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the beef.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that add depth and complexity to the meat's flavor profile.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy, umami punch that elevates the beef's richness.
  • Ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a glazed texture for the meat.
For Sauce:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides a smooth, rich foundation for the condiment.
  • Mustard: Introduces a zesty, sharp note to balance the other sauce ingredients.
  • Ketchup: Contributes sweetness and classic burger-style flavor.
  • Pickle Juice: Adds a surprising tang and bright, acidic undertone to the sauce.
For Wrap:
  • Lettuce: Crisp, fresh wrapper that replaces traditional bread, offering a low-carb and light alternative for a healthier meal option.

Tools That Help With Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

  • Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef evenly and developing rich flavors.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients quickly and smoothly.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce components into a creamy, well-mixed condiment.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for breaking up beef while cooking and ensuring even browning.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately portioning seasonings and sauce ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Ideal for any prep work needed before cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 372 kcal

Servings: 5

Easy Way To Make Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

  • Brown Savory Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Season with zesty spices like garlic and onion powder, creating a mouthwatering aroma. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Cook until meat turns perfectly crispy and golden brown.

  • Whip Up Tangy Condiment

Quickly blend creamy mayonnaise with zingy mustard and a touch of ketchup. Splash in pickle juice for an unexpected burst of flavor. Stir until smooth and well-combined, creating a delectable sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Craft Lettuce Wraps

Grab crisp lettuce leaves and gently fill them with the seared, seasoned meat. Drizzle the homemade sauce generously over the top. Roll up the leaves, creating a fresh, low-carb alternative to traditional burgers that’s both satisfying and light.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Plate your lettuce wraps and garnish with extra sauce if desired. These protein-packed bundles are perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner that feels both indulgent and healthy. Dig in and savor every delicious bite!

Fun Ideas For Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

  • Low-Carb Champion: Replace traditional burger buns with crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb alternative that cuts down on calories and adds extra crunch.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for those avoiding dairy while maintaining rich, savory flavors.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Cook ground beef in larger batches and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making quick weeknight meals a breeze.
  • Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and texture without compromising the classic cheeseburger taste.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Incorporate sriracha, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños into the beef or sauce for those craving an extra kick of heat.

How To Enjoy Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

  • Burger Bliss Platter: Create a colorful spread with crisp lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and extra sauce on the side, letting guests build their own perfect lettuce-wrapped burger.
  • Keto-Friendly Feast: Serve alongside cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad for a low-carb meal that's packed with flavor and keeps you feeling satisfied.
  • Movie Night Munchies: Cut the lettuce wraps into smaller bite-sized pieces, secure with toothpicks, and offer as a crowd-pleasing appetizer during game nights or movie marathons.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Store the cooked beef and sauce separately in airtight containers, keeping lettuce leaves crisp, for an easy grab-and-go lunch option throughout the week.

How To Store Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

  • Refrigeration Ritual: Store cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and ready for quick meal assembly.
  • Wrap-and-Pack Strategy: Separate lettuce leaves and sauce in different containers to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess when preparing lunch or meal prep.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze the cooked ground beef in portion-sized containers for easy future meals, lasting up to 2 months when properly sealed.
  • Smart Sauce Storage: Keep the homemade sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week, perfect for multiple meals and quick flavor boosts.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Crispy Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Juicy cheeseburger lettuce wraps deliver classic burger flavors without bread. Crisp lettuce cups cradle seasoned beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings for a low-carb meal you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 large butter lettuce or romaine leaves
  • 1 small tomato, sliced
  • ½ cup pickles, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp ketchup (or sugar-free option)
  • ½ tsp pickle juice (or vinegar)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Heat a large skillet to medium-high, creating an optimal surface for transforming ground beef with dynamic seasonings of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Flavor Development: Crumble beef into the sizzling pan, introducing Worcestershire sauce and ketchup while continuously stirring to prevent burning and develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
  3. Cooking Process: Break down the meat into uniform pieces, cooking for 6-7 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown color and ensuring complete doneness, then drain excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
  4. Sauce Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice in a separate bowl until smooth, crafting a creamy, zesty condiment with balanced flavor profiles.
  5. Plating Technique: Carefully separate pristine lettuce leaves, spooning the hot, seasoned beef into the center of each leaf, creating a low-carb, vibrant presentation.
  6. Final Touch: Drizzle the prepared sauce directly over the beef or serve alongside as a personalized dipping option, enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier lettuce wrap without compromising flavor.
  • Perfect Meat Browning: Break ground beef into tiny crumbles during cooking to ensure even seasoning and prevent large chunks that might make wrapping difficult.
  • Sauce Customization: Adjust signature sauce ingredients based on dietary preferences – use Greek yogurt for lower-fat version or add hot sauce for extra kick.
  • Lettuce Leaf Preparation: Select fresh, sturdy lettuce leaves like iceberg or butter lettuce that can hold ingredients without tearing and provide crisp texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 372
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 705 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star