These Lettuce Wrap Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese are a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors. The combination of melty blue cheese, rich caramelized onions, and a drizzle of creamy honey mustard creates a decadent burger experience, all wrapped up in crisp iceberg lettuce for an extra refreshing crunch. It’s a lighter take on the classic burger, perfect for those who want to skip the bun without sacrificing flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced

• 4 tablespoons butter

• Kosher salt and pepper

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• Crumbled blue cheese, for topping

• 1 head iceberg lettuce (leaves pulled off and washed)

• 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for topping

For the Creamy Honey Mustard:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, a pinch of salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 10–12 minutes until softened. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring often, until the onions turn dark brown and caramelized.

2. Prepare the Burgers: Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 or 6 patties depending on your preferred burger size. Cook in the same skillet or a new one over medium heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Flip the burgers, top with blue cheese, and let it melt.

3. Assemble: Place each burger on a lettuce cup, top with caramelized onions, drizzle with creamy honey mustard, and garnish with chives.

Nutrients

• Calories: 470 kcal (approx.)

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 32g

  • Saturated Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 890mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 6g

These lettuce wrap burgers are a perfect lighter alternative to traditional burgers, without skimping on flavor. The caramelized onions and blue cheese really elevate the taste!

Why Lettuce Wrap Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese are a Perfect Meal

This recipe offers a lighter alternative to the traditional burger, cutting out the bun but keeping all the essential flavors intact. The iceberg lettuce wrap provides a refreshing crunch that complements the rich caramelized onions and creamy blue cheese, making it a satisfying meal without feeling too heavy. The honey mustard drizzle adds a sweet tang, balancing out the savory and rich flavors of the beef and cheese.

These lettuce wrap burgers are a great option for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets, or anyone looking for a lighter version of a burger. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a casual gathering, these burgers are sure to impress with their depth of flavor and refreshing texture.

How to Make Lettuce Wrap Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese

This recipe is simple to prepare and comes together in a few straightforward steps. Here’s how to make this delicious dish:

1. Caramelize the Onions

Start by caramelizing the onions. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, along with a pinch of kosher salt, pepper, and thyme (optional). Cook the onions for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 1-2 hours, stirring often, until the onions become dark brown and caramelized. This slow cooking process is essential to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions, and it adds a deep, rich flavor to the burgers.

2. Prepare the Burgers

While the onions are caramelizing, prepare the burgers. Season 1 pound of lean ground beef with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide the beef into 4 or 6 patties, depending on your preferred burger size.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are browned and cooked through. You can add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Just before the burgers are done, top each patty with crumbled blue cheese, letting it melt over the burger for the last minute of cooking.

3. Assemble the Burgers

To assemble, place each cooked burger patty on a lettuce cup (from a head of iceberg lettuce, with the leaves pulled off and washed). Top with a generous amount of the caramelized onions, followed by a drizzle of creamy honey mustard. Garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and added freshness.

4. Serve

Serve your lettuce wrap burgers immediately. They are perfect on their own or paired with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information for Lettuce Wrap Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese

Each Lettuce Wrap Burger contains approximately 470 calories. The dish offers a balanced breakdown of macronutrients:

• Carbohydrates: 10g, from the onions and honey mustard sauce, making this a relatively low-carb option.

• Protein: 30g, coming from the lean ground beef, ensuring a satisfying and filling meal.

• Fat: 32g, including saturated fat (5g) from the butter and blue cheese, which contributes to the richness of the burger.

• Fiber: 2g, mostly from the lettuce and onions, helping with digestion.

• Sugar: 6g, coming from the honey mustard sauce, which balances the savory flavors with a subtle sweetness.

This dish provides a good amount of cholesterol (85mg) from the cheese and beef, but it also provides a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K from the lettuce and onions.

Serving Suggestions for Lettuce Wrap Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese

This meal is delicious and satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of sides to complete the meal:

• Sweet potato fries: Serve with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or baked zucchini fries for a lighter, yet flavorful accompaniment.

• Simple green salad: A green salad with cucumber, tomato, and a light vinaigrette would add freshness and balance to the richness of the burgers.

• Roasted vegetables: Roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli would make a healthy and flavorful side to complement the dish.

Customization and Variations

This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs:

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with veggie patties, tofu, or black beans for a plant-based version.

• Spice it up: If you prefer a spicier kick, add some jalapeños, hot sauce, or more cayenne pepper to the burger or honey mustard sauce.

• Cheese alternatives: Swap the blue cheese for feta, cheddar, or a dairy-free cheese for different flavors or dietary restrictions.

• Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings, such as avocado, tomato slices, or pickled red onions, for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Lettuce Wrap Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese are a deliciously bold and healthy twist on the classic burger, offering a satisfying alternative to the traditional bun. The combination of crispy lettuce, rich caramelized onions, and melty blue cheese creates a mouthwatering and flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a keto-friendly dinner, or just a lighter take on a classic, these burgers are perfect for anyone craving bold, satisfying flavors without sacrificing taste.