Name: In-N-Out Lettuce Burger Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-497504H50M3S
Total time: PT-497504H50M3S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 yellow onions; 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; Sea salt to taste; 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean), shaped into 4 patties about 3/4″ thick; 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free and Paleo); 8 leaves green leaf lettuce, washed and dried (or 2 small heads of iceberg lettuce if preferred); 2 tomatoes, sliced (about 10 ounces); 4 dill pickles, thinly sliced; 2 tsp yellow mustard; 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil mayo); 2 tbsp ketchup (use sugar-free ketchup if preferred); 1 tbsp pickle relish or minced dill pickle (for sugar-free version); 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar; Optional: maple syrup or coconut aminos to taste

Description

This In-N-Out Lettuce Burger recipe offers a low-carb, fresh twist on the classic burger by using crisp lettuce leaves instead of buns, topped with savory caramelized onions, juicy tomatoes, pickles, and a flavorful secret sauce. Perfect for those looking for a gluten-free or paleo-friendly burger option with rich, comforting flavors and a delicious homemade touch.

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

2 yellow onions
1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
Sea salt to taste

Burgers

1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean), shaped into 4 patties about 3/4″ thick
4 slices cheddar cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free and Paleo)
8 leaves green leaf lettuce, washed and dried (or 2 small heads of iceberg lettuce if preferred)
2 tomatoes, sliced (about 10 ounces)
4 dill pickles, thinly sliced
2 tsp yellow mustard

Secret Sauce

1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil mayo)
2 tbsp ketchup (use sugar-free ketchup if preferred)
1 tbsp pickle relish or minced dill pickle (for sugar-free version)
1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
Optional: maple syrup or coconut aminos to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Caramelize Onions: Heat a large (10″ or larger) pan over medium heat. Dice onions into 1/2″ pieces or cut into half-moon slices. Add oil to the heated pan, then add onions. Cook over medium or medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened and browned, about 20-30 minutes. Season with sea salt and set aside. You should have about 1 cup of caramelized onions.
Preheat Grill or Griddle: Preheat your grill or griddle to medium heat, aiming for a steady temperature between 350-400ºF. Meanwhile, prepare all burger ingredients and mix the secret sauce in a small bowl by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and white wine vinegar. Adjust sweetness with maple syrup or coconut aminos if desired.
Prepare Burger Patties: Divide yellow mustard evenly among the 4 beef patties, spreading about 1/2 teaspoon per patty on one side. Place the patties mustard-side down on the preheated grill or griddle.
Grill Burgers: Cook the patties 6-10 minutes per side, depending on preferred doneness. If using cheese, add a slice to each patty halfway through cooking when flipping the burgers to allow cheese to melt.
Assemble Lettuce Burgers: Once the burgers are grilled to your liking, assemble by placing each patty inside two large lettuce leaves acting as buns. Add caramelized onions, sliced tomatoes, dill pickles, and a generous helping of the secret sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use yellow cheddar cheese for an authentic flavor, ensuring it is naturally colored and not chemically dyed.
Nutrition info reflects a 2-ounce slice of cheese per burger and divides the sauce into 4 servings.
The secret sauce is naturally sweet, but you can add maple syrup or coconut aminos to adjust sweetness to your preference.
For the iceberg lettuce version, refer to the recipe video for cutting the lettuce into hamburger bun shapes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American