Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

Cheeseburger lettuce wraps are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional burgers. They offer all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger—seasoned beef, melted cheese, and classic toppings—wrapped in crisp lettuce instead of a bun. Perfect for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets, these wraps are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – A great option for those cutting back on carbs.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable – Add your favorite burger toppings for a personalized meal.
  • Mess-Free – Wrapping the burger in lettuce makes it easier to eat than a traditional bun-free burger.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Cheddar cheese (sliced or shredded)
  • Butter or olive oil
  • Iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles
  • Red onion slices
  • Mustard, ketchup, or mayo (optional)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Lettuce – Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, keeping them whole and sturdy for wrapping.
  2. Cook the Beef – Heat a skillet over medium heat, add butter or olive oil, and cook the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until browned.
  3. Melt the Cheese – Reduce heat to low, place cheese slices over the beef, and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted.
  4. Assemble the Wraps – Lay out a large lettuce leaf, add a spoonful of cheesy beef, and top with tomato slices, pickles, and red onion. Drizzle with mustard, ketchup, or mayo if desired.
  5. Wrap & Serve – Fold the lettuce over the filling and enjoy immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version – Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Wrap – Crumble crispy bacon into the filling.
  • Avocado Lover’s Wrap – Add mashed avocado or guacamole.
  • Turkey or Chicken Option – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner wrap.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerate – Store the cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separate.
  • Reheat – Warm the beef in a skillet or microwave before assembling new wraps.
  • Freeze – Freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What’s the best lettuce for wraps?

Iceberg and romaine work best because they’re sturdy and crisp, making them easy to wrap around the filling.

How do I keep the lettuce from tearing?

Use large, whole leaves and gently pat them dry after washing. Double up the leaves if needed for extra strength.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the beef in advance, but assemble the wraps fresh to keep the lettuce crisp.

Are cheeseburger lettuce wraps keto-friendly?

Yes! These wraps are naturally low-carb and fit perfectly into a keto diet.

What toppings go well with lettuce wraps?

Tomatoes, pickles, onions, bacon, avocado, and different sauces all work great.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Just adjust the seasoning slightly to match your taste.

How do I prevent the wraps from being too messy?

Wrap them tightly and use parchment paper to hold everything together while eating.

What’s a good side dish for lettuce wraps?

Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a side salad pair well with these wraps.

Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?

Yes! Shredded cheese melts evenly into the beef and adds great flavor.

How do I add more flavor to the beef?

Try adding diced onions, mushrooms, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger lettuce wraps are a fun, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy a classic burger without the carbs. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a keto-friendly option, or just a fresh take on burgers, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try them today and enjoy a guilt-free, delicious meal!

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Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

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These cheeseburger lettuce wraps are a low-carb, high-protein alternative to traditional burgers. Juicy, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings wrapped in crisp lettuce—perfect for a quick and healthy meal!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
For the Beef:
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (or sugar-free option)
For the Wraps:
  • 8 large butter lettuce or romaine leaves
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 1 small tomato, sliced
  • ½ cup pickles, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce (Optional):

 

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • ½ teaspoon pickle juice (or vinegar)

Instructions

  • Cook the Beef:

    • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.
    • Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and fully cooked.
  • Prepare the Sauce (Optional):

    • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice.

 

  • Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:

    • Place cheese slices on warm beef in the skillet and let melt.
    • Lay out lettuce leaves and add a spoonful of beef to each.
    • Top with tomato slices, pickles, and red onion.
    • Drizzle with sauce, wrap tightly, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Want it spicy? Add sriracha or jalapeños to the sauce.
  • Make it extra crunchy with crispy bacon or fried onions.

 

  • Meal prep tip: Store cooked beef separately and assemble fresh for the best texture.

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