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Lettuce wrap burger with Swiss cheese

Grilled Lettuce Wrap Burger with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

These juicy grilled burgers are mixed with sweet caramelized onions and crispy bacon, then topped with melty Swiss cheese and wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves instead of buns. They’re low-carb, full of flavor, and perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. Customize them with your favorite toppings and sides for a satisfying, bun-free meal everyone will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 5 Servings
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers
  • 1½ lbs. Ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • ½ tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional
  • 1 Large sweet onion sliced thin
  • 1 tbsp Butter or olive oil for onions
  • 10 Slices of bacon cooked until crispy and chopped
Toppings
  • 5 Slices of Swiss cheese
  • Sliced tomato
  • Sliced Avocado
  • Pickles
  • 1-2 Heads of iceberg or romaine lettuce

Equipment

  • Grill (or grill pan)
  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Caramelize the Onions
    In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter or heat oil. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Cook the Bacon
    Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces.
  3. Prepare the Burger Patties
    In a large bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, all of the caramelized onions, and chopped bacon. Mix gently until just combined, then form into 5 patties. Press a small indentation into the center of each to help them cook evenly.
  4. Grill the Burgers
    Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill patties 4–5 minutes per side, or until your preferred doneness. Add Swiss cheese during the last minute of cooking and close the lid to melt. Let burgers rest for a few minutes off the grill.
  5. Build the Lettuce Wraps
    Use large, crisp lettuce leaves. Double up if needed. Layer as follows:
    Lettuce leaves
    Burger with melted cheese
    Tomato slices
    Avocado slices
    Pickles