zero carb lettuce wrap burgers

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Intensity/Difficulty: Easy

Description

Who says you can’t enjoy a juicy, satisfying burger while sticking to a zero-carb or keto lifestyle? Say goodbye to the dry, crumbly lettuce wraps of the past and hello to the Ultimate Zero-Carb Lettuce Wrap Burger. This isn’t just a sad patty between two leaves; it’s a carefully constructed, flavor-packed experience that holds together beautifully.

We’re focusing on high-quality, fatty beef for maximum flavor and juiciness, seasoned simply but perfectly. The “bun” is a sturdy, cup-shaped iceberg or butter lettuce leaf, chosen for its perfect crunch and ability to hold all the fillings without turning into a soggy mess. Piled high with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and all the classic toppings, this burger will satisfy your fast-food craving without kicking you out of ketosis. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family—even the ones eating carbs won’t miss the bun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-Carb & Keto Friendly: With less than 5g net carbs, it fits perfectly into a strict low-carb lifestyle.

• Incredibly Juicy: Using 80/20 ground beef ensures the patties stay moist and flavorful.

• Fully Customizable: Pile on your favorite keto-friendly toppings like avocado, pickles, or different cheeses.

• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in just 25 minutes—faster than takeout!

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Ingredient List

For the Patties:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) 80/20 ground beef (the fat is key for flavor and keeping it low-carb!)

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp butter or avocado oil, for frying

For the Lettuce Wraps:

• 1 large head of iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce (choose one with large, sturdy, cup-shaped leaves)

For the Fillings (Customize to your liking):

• 4 slices of cheddar cheese, American cheese, or pepper jack

• 8 slices of cooked bacon

• 1 large tomato, sliced (optional, adds minimal carbs)

• Pickles (dill pickles are typically zero-carb)

• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

• Avocado slices or guacamole

For the Special Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup

• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Prep the Lettuce: Carefully separate 8 of the largest, most cup-like leaves from the head of lettuce. Rinse them gently and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Any excess water will make your burger sad and soggy. Set aside.

2. Make the Special Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sugar-free ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Set aside.

3. Form the Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or the burgers will be tough. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into patties slightly wider than your lettuce leaves (they will shrink as they cook). Use your thumb to make a small dimple in the center of each patty—this prevents them from puffing up into meatballs on the grill.

4. Cook the Patties:

   • Skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the butter or avocado oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the patties in the pan (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium, or until they reach your desired doneness.

   • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the patties on the grates and grill for 3-4 minutes per side.

5. Add the Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. If using a skillet, you can cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt perfectly.

6. Assemble Your Burgers: Time to build! This is the fun part.

   • Take two sturdy lettuce leaves and place them slightly overlapping to form a sturdy “bun” base.

   • Spread a generous amount of the special sauce on the bottom leaves.

   • Place the cheesy burger patty on top of the sauce.

   • Add two slices of crispy bacon.

   • Layer on your toppings: a slice of tomato, onion, and pickles.

   • If you have a particularly large leaf, you can gently fold it over the top. Otherwise, use a second smaller leaf as the “top bun.”

   • Pro-Tip: Wrap the bottom leaf tightly around the fillings and then wrap the whole burger in a sheet of parchment paper or a large napkin to hold it all together. It makes eating it much easier!

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Nutrition Information

*(per serving, based on 4 servings, using 80/20 beef, cheddar cheese, bacon, and sauce. Excludes optional tomato and avocado)*

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used