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In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps

Juicy burgers wrapped in crisp lettuce for a lighter, satisfying meal without the heavy bun. Perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fast Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef 85% lean for juicy results or 90% lean with added oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • 1 medium onion finely diced for mixing and a few thin slices for topping
  • 4 slices cheese American cheese preferred, but can substitute with cheddar, Colby Jack, or Swiss
  • 8 leaves lettuce large, sturdy leaves like iceberg, butter, or romaine
  • 1 medium tomato thinly sliced
  • 8 slices pickles dill rounds for tangy crunch
Special Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice to thin
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • 1 pinch paprika
  • optional hot sauce to taste for heat

Method
 

Cook the Patties
  1. Form the meat into golf ball-sized portions, then press them into thin patties right on a sheet of parchment.
  2. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
  4. Add a little oil if your pan needs it.
  5. Cook the patties for about 2 minutes on the first side, then flip.
  6. Add cheese right after flipping so it melts while the second side finishes, aiming for about 3 to 4 minutes in total.
  7. Transfer the patties to a plate to rest for a minute to keep the juices inside.
  8. While they rest, quickly sauté a few onion slices in the same pan until golden.
Assemble the Wraps
  1. Lay down two large lettuce leaves, slightly overlapping.
  2. Spread a thin layer of special sauce on the lettuce.
  3. Add a slice of tomato, a few pickles, onions, and one or two cheesy patties.
  4. Top with a little more sauce.
  5. Fold in the sides of the lettuce, then roll from the bottom up.
  6. If the leaves are fragile, double wrap with an extra leaf for support.

Notes

Chill the lettuce and prep toppings ahead of time for easy assembly. Wrap finished burgers in parchment for easy handling.