In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipes are the answer for anyone craving a juicy burger without the heavy bun. Maybe you are cutting back on bread, or you just want something fresh, fast, and super satisfying. I make these on busy weeknights when I want that classic drive-thru taste, but with a crisp lettuce crunch and a homemade twist. The patties are tender, the edges are a little caramelized, and the special sauce ties it all together. If you love that messy, saucy bite, this is for you.
The Story Behind This Recipe
From my kitchen to yours—In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipes mixes everyday ingredients with bright flavor. Tested, tasted, and ready for your table. In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipes are the answer for anyone craving a juicy burger without the heavy bun. Maybe you are cutting back on bread, or…
Watch how to make In and Out Burger Lettuce Wraps
If you are more of a visual learner, this quick video walks through my full process from patty mixing to wrap assembling. You will see exactly how thin to press the patties so they cook quickly and get those delicious browned edges. The video also shows how I layer everything in the lettuce to keep the wrap sturdy and not soggy.
For more simple comfort food ideas, check out my complete recipe collection here: All Recipes. There are weeknight wins and cozy weekend meals all in one place.
By the way, I stick to a cast iron skillet for this because it heats evenly, but a nonstick pan works too if that is what you have. The key is preheating the pan so the meat hits hot metal and seals in the juices quickly.
“I never thought I could make my favorite lettuce wrapped burger at home and have it taste this good. The sauce is spot on and the lettuce stayed crunchy. This is going in our weekly rotation.”
Ingredients & Substitutions
The essentials
- Ground beef: I like 85 percent lean for juicy results. You can use 90 percent if you prefer, but add a touch of oil.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning makes the beef shine.
- Onion: Finely diced for mixing and a few thin slices for topping.
- Cheese: American is classic. Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Swiss also melt great.
- Lettuce: Use large, sturdy leaves like iceberg, butter, or romaine hearts. The bigger the leaf, the easier the wrap.
- Tomatoes: Thin slices so the wrap stays compact.
- Pickles: Dill rounds for that bright, tangy crunch.
- Special sauce: Mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and a pinch of sugar and paprika. You can add a little hot sauce if you like heat.
Easy swaps
Ground turkey works well. Just do not overcook it. If you want a lighter option, try blending half ground beef and half turkey for a tender mix. Dairy free? Use your favorite plant-based cheese or skip it and add extra sauce.
For the lettuce, iceberg is my top pick because it is cool and crisp, but butter lettuce wraps beautifully. If your leaves are small, double them up for extra support.
If you like playful burger twists, take a peek at these spicy favorites too: Jalapeño Popper Turkey Burgers. They pair perfectly with the same special sauce.
I keep the seasoning basic to honor the original. That said, a whisper of garlic powder or smoked paprika can add a subtle backyard burger vibe if you want to riff on it.
These are the same core items I use whenever I make my go-to In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipes at home, and I have tested the combinations more times than I can count.
How to make this recipe step by step
Cook the patties
Form the meat into golf ball sized portions, then press them into thin patties right on a sheet of parchment. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. A thin patty cooks fast and gets nice crispy edges.
Preheat your skillet over medium high heat until it is hot. Add a little oil if your pan needs it. Cook the patties for about 2 minutes on the first side, then flip. Add cheese right after flipping so it melts while the second side finishes. You are looking at roughly 3 to 4 minutes total for medium, depending on thickness and pan heat.
Transfer the patties to a plate to rest for a minute. This keeps the juices inside. While they rest, quickly sauté a few onion slices in the same pan until they are golden if you want that caramelized onion note that tastes just like your favorite spot.
Assemble the wraps
Lay down two large lettuce leaves, slightly overlapping. Spread a thin layer of special sauce on the lettuce. Add a slice of tomato, a few pickle rounds, some onion, and one or two cheesy patties. Top with a little more sauce.
Fold in the sides of the lettuce, then roll from the bottom up. If the leaves are fragile, double wrap with an extra leaf for support. A quick tip is to wrap the finished burger in a small piece of parchment so it holds together while you eat.
Serve the wraps right away while the patties are hot and the lettuce is extra crisp. If you love a cozy side dish with your burger, I have a hearty favorite here: Cowboy Hamburger Soup. It is a great way to round out the meal without a bun.
That is all it takes to bring In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipes to your kitchen. It is quick, simple, and tastes like a night out without leaving home.
Ways to serve this
I like to keep it classic with burger night extras. Think crispy oven fries, a quick side salad, and lots of cold pickles. If you want a lighter spread, set out a small toppings bar so everyone can build their own and make it exactly how they like it.
For a fun twist, try a wrap and roll night with a second wrap option on the table. These are bright and sweet with a gentle kick: Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp Lettuce Wraps. It is a playful contrast to the savory burger flavors.
You can also turn the burger into a salad. Chop the lettuce, slice the patties, add tomatoes and pickles, drizzle with sauce, and boom. A bunless burger bowl that is easy to eat and meal prep friendly.
For picnic or game night, keep the wraps chilled in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving so the lettuce becomes ultra crisp. If you are packing them to go, wrap in parchment and then foil to keep the shape and the heat in.
Tips & Tricks
Chill the lettuce: Wash and dry the leaves ahead of time, then chill them. Cold lettuce is sturdy and extra crunchy.
Press thin patties: Thin patties cook faster and get that caramelized edge so many of us love.
Mix and rest: Do not overwork the meat. A gentle mix makes tender patties. Let them rest 1 minute after cooking so the juices settle.
Keep the sauce simple: My ratio is 3 parts mayo to 2 parts ketchup to 1 part mustard, plus pickle juice to thin and a tiny pinch of sugar and paprika. Taste and tweak as you like.
Double wrap: If your lettuce is small, use two layers. A sturdy wrap keeps the fillings tucked in and reduces mess.
Make it ahead: Patties can be formed and chilled for a few hours. Lettuce and toppings can be prepped in advance, then assemble right before serving.
I return to these steps every time I make my favorite In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipes. The tricks might seem small, but together they add up to that restaurant style bite.
Common Questions
Can I make the patties on a grill? Yes. Preheat to medium high, oil the grates, and cook thin patties about 2 minutes per side. Watch for flare ups and keep a close eye since they cook quickly.
What lettuce works best? Iceberg for crunch, butter for easy wrapping, and romaine hearts if you want a boat shape. Use the biggest outer leaves for a sturdy wrap.
How do I keep the wrap from falling apart? Dry the lettuce well, double wrap it, and wrap the finished burger in parchment. Stack toppings evenly and avoid super thick tomato slices.
Can I meal prep these? Cook the patties ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently in a skillet. Prep lettuce and toppings, then assemble just before eating so the lettuce stays crisp.
Is the sauce spicy? Not by default. Add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne if you like heat. Otherwise, keep it mild and classic.
Let’s wrap it up
There you go, a simple way to bring fast food flavor to your kitchen with fresh crunch and lighter vibes. These In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipes hit all the right notes with savory beef, melty cheese, and a tangy sauce that ties it all together. If you want more inspiration, I love the style in this guide from In and Out Burger Lettuce Wraps | Get Inspired Everyday! and this take on saucey toppings from Animal Style In-N-Out Burgers, Lettuce Wrapped. Give it a try this week and let me know how your wraps turn out. I am cheering you on for a tasty at home burger night you will want to repeat.
In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Method
- Form the meat into golf ball-sized portions, then press them into thin patties right on a sheet of parchment.
- Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
- Add a little oil if your pan needs it.
- Cook the patties for about 2 minutes on the first side, then flip.
- Add cheese right after flipping so it melts while the second side finishes, aiming for about 3 to 4 minutes in total.
- Transfer the patties to a plate to rest for a minute to keep the juices inside.
- While they rest, quickly sauté a few onion slices in the same pan until golden.
- Lay down two large lettuce leaves, slightly overlapping.
- Spread a thin layer of special sauce on the lettuce.
- Add a slice of tomato, a few pickles, onions, and one or two cheesy patties.
- Top with a little more sauce.
- Fold in the sides of the lettuce, then roll from the bottom up.
- If the leaves are fragile, double wrap with an extra leaf for support.
