Lettuce Wrapped Burgs with Caramelized Onions & Mac Sauce
May 01, 2024, Updated May 19, 2024
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These Lettuce Wrapped Burgers with Caramelized Onions & Mac Sauce are made with double stacked beef patties, topped with tomatoes, banana peppers, caramelized onions and drinkable healthier take on the Big Mac burger sauce. If you loved my Big Mac Salad, or Big Mac Nachos this recipe will not disappoint ya!
When it comes to the McDonalds Big Mac Burger, there is no doubt that it has stood the test of time. And we all know, it’s the sauce that MAKES the burger so tasty. My Big Mac Sauce combines plain greek yogurt, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, white onion, pickle juice and a few other ingredients to make the most delicious, drinkable burger sauce.
The thing about me is, even if I’m trying to eat lighter, or add more protein into my meals, I’m not sacrificing good food, and good flavour. You feel me? The iceberg lettuce adds the ultimate fresh crunch, and I am nearly certain you won’t miss the bun. But, if you want the bun, have the bun. You deserve it!
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Reasons why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy to make: from begin to end this recipe takes about 45 minutes, and the patties and sauce can be made in advance which is a bonus.
- Healthy: this is a low carb take on a classic burger that replaces the bun with crispy iceberg lettuce for the ultimate crunch.
- Protein packed: not only do you get loads of protein from the ground beef, but the Mac sauce uses a greek yogurt base which ups the protein even more.
- Versatile: not a fan of the lettuce “bun”? swap it for a regular burger bun and top it with whatever your favourite burger toppings are.
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make my Lettuce Wrapped Burgers with Caramelized Onions & Mac Sauce. For the exact detailed measurements and ingredients, scroll to the bottom of this page to review my recipe card.
- ground beef: or ground turkey.
- eggs: if you can’t have eggs you can remove them all together.
- pickles
- shallot
- garlic
- ketchup
- dijon mustard: regular yellow mustard also works.
- worcestershire
- plain greek yogurt
- sweet pickle relish
- white onion
- white vinegar
- lettuce
- cheddar: or any cheese that you love, or have on hand.
- salt
- pepper
Storing & reheating
Have leftovers? Lucky you. Store the patties in an airtight container and keep in your fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-45 seconds or add patties to a shallow pan with a splash of neutral oil or water, cover, and let steam for 1-2 minutes on medium heat. Be sure to keep toppings in a separate container.
Can I freeze this recipe? You can’t freeze the lettuce wraps but you can freeze the burgers. Stack them with a piece of parchment paper in between each patty to avoid them from sticking together. Place the stack inside an airtight container or zip lock back and freeze for up to 3 months.
Watch the recipe video
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Lettuce Wrapped Burgs with Caramelized Onions & Mac Sauce
Ingredients
Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg, whisked
- 2 pickles, finely chopped
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp worcestershire
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Mac Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt, or mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, I do a heaping tbsp
- 2 tbsp white onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Caramalized Onions:
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 large yellow onion , chopped fine
- salt & pepper, to taste
Everything Else You'll Need:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, ripped into larger pieces
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- tomatoes, optional
- banana peppers, optional
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the caramelized onions by giving them a rough chop.To a small saucepan, set to low/medium heat, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chopped onions.Season with salt and pepper and let sauté for at least 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Next, prepare the mac sauce by combining all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk well and taste for any additional seasioning.Set aside until ready to use.Sammy's Tip: if you want to thin the dressing out, add a few splashes of pickle juice.
- To a large mixing bowl, combine all of the burger ingredients. Mix well, but don't over mix.Shape into 6 even sized thinner patties.
- To a non stick frying pan set to medium heat, spray with cooking oil.
- Fry the burgers on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until just cooked through.Sammy's Tip: if you make larger burgers, you will need to cook them for an extra 1-2 minutes per side.
- Durning the last minute of cooking add a piece of cheese to the top of the patty, cover with the lid and let melt.
- Assemble the lettuce burgers by starting with a big piece of iceberg lettuce, burger patty, caramelized onions, followed by whatever toppings you like.Finish with a few generous spoons of mac sauce.
- Add another few pieces of iceburg lettuce to the top and dive in.
- This one is messy, but worth it!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love your recopies. the peppers and sausage is fantastic! We eat it twice a month!