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Crispy Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Crispy Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps Recipe


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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