Classic Beef Burger with Lettuce Wrap Recipe

Classic beef burger with lettuce wrap skips the bun without sacrificing any of the bold, juicy flavor. Crisp iceberg lettuce replaces the bread, cutting carbs dramatically while keeping every bite satisfying. Each serving delivers 34g of protein with only 6g of carbs, making this a go-to gluten-free, low-carb dinner.

Ingredients

Patties

• 600g ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Toppings and Wrap

• 8 large iceberg lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional, adds ~535 kcal)
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
• 4 dill pickle slices

Instructions

1. Combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Mix gently just until combined; do not overwork.
2. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions (about 150g each). Form into flat patties slightly wider than your palm, as they shrink during cooking.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat for 2 minutes until smoking hot.
4. Place patties in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without pressing down.
5. Flip and cook for 2-3 more minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C).
6. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last 1 minute of cooking. Cover the pan briefly to melt.
7. Rest patties on a wire rack for 3 minutes while you prep the lettuce cups.
8. Lay two overlapping large lettuce leaves flat. Place a patty in the center.
9. Top with tomato, red onion, pickles, mustard, and ketchup.
10. Fold the lettuce leaves up around the burger and secure with a toothpick if needed. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness; leaner blends tend to dry out without the bun's moisture absorption.
• Double the lettuce wrap to two leaves per side for a sturdier hold that won't fall apart mid-bite.
• Make-ahead option: form and season patties up to 24 hours in advance; store stacked with parchment paper between them in the fridge.
• Add sliced avocado (about 1/4 avocado per burger) for healthy fats and a creamy texture.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Swiss depending on preference; all melt well during the last minute of cooking.

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories: 535 kcal

Protein: 34g

Fat: 39.9g

Carbs: 9.4g

Fiber: 2.2g

Track It with Nutrify

Tracking classic beef burger with lettuce wrap is easy with Nutrify's AI-powered food scanner. Just snap a photo of your plate and get instant calorie and macro data. Download Nutrify to start tracking smarter.