Do Share Recipe

I recently tried making this In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe at home, and let me tell you—they were incredible! I love how juicy the beef patties are, paired with perfectly caramelized onions and that tangy secret sauce.

Wrapping it all in crisp lettuce instead of a bun made it feel light but still satisfying. I was surprised at how easy it was to recreate this fast-food favorite. After making it, I can confidently say this recipe will become a weekly favorite in my kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these lettuce wraps taste just like the originals:

Ground Beef – 1 lb, preferably 80/20 for juicy patties. I like forming them into thin patties for faster cooking.
Yellow Mustard – 2 tsp, spread on one side of each patty before searing to add that classic In-N-Out flavor.
Sliced Cheese – 4 slices, aged cheddar gives a bold flavor, but American cheese works for authenticity. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese.
Yellow Onions – 1 large, finely diced. Cook low and slow for 25–30 minutes to caramelize perfectly.
Lettuce – 1 head iceberg or green leaf. Quartered for buns or use leaves for wraps. Romaine works if you prefer a sturdier wrap.
Tomatoes – 1 medium, sliced. Fresh, firm tomatoes make a big difference.
Pickles – 4 slices, either round or lengthwise, to balance the richness of the beef.
Secret Sauce – 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp diced pickles. Optional: add a touch of sugar-free syrup for sweetness or leave plain for Whole30.

Note: several serving as a note of full line under the ingredients quantity.

Variations

Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese or skip it entirely.
Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free ketchup in the sauce.
Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works, but beef gives the best flavor.
Extra Flavor: Add jalapeños, avocado slices, or crispy bacon to customize your wrap.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes (mostly for caramelizing onions)
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Equipment You Need

Skillet or Griddle – for cooking the patties and caramelizing onions.
Knife & Cutting Board – to slice vegetables and prep toppings.
Spatula – to flip patties and stir onions.
Mixing Bowl – to prepare the secret sauce.
Plates or Bowls – for assembling the wraps or bowls.

How to Make In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Prepare the Onions

Start by dicing the onions and adding them to a skillet over medium heat. Once they begin turning translucent, reduce heat to low. Stir occasionally for 25–30 minutes until golden and sweetly caramelized.

Slice Toppings and Prepare Lettuce

While onions cook, slice tomatoes and pickles. Quarter your lettuce and remove cores to form “buns” or separate leaves for wraps. Cherry tomatoes work well if making a burger bowl.

Form and Cook Patties

Shape ground beef into 4 thin patties and smear mustard on one side. Sear mustard-side down over medium heat until browned, then flip and add cheese if desired. Cover briefly to help cheese melt.

Assemble the Wraps

Place the cooked patty on a lettuce bun, add caramelized onions, tomato, pickles, and a generous dollop of secret sauce. Top with another lettuce leaf or wrap it up. For a bowl, chop lettuce and pile everything on top.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I like pressing the patties slightly thinner so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Stir onions gently and patiently; rushing will make them bitter.
I find using fresh, firm tomatoes makes a huge flavor difference.
Taste the secret sauce and adjust sweetness or tang before adding to the wrap.

How to Serve In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Serve immediately while the patties are warm. Garnish with extra pickles or a sprinkle of paprika on top. Pair with oven fries or a side salad for a full meal, and you can also enjoy similar sides like chicken wing recipes when serving guests for variety.

For a fun twist, serve in a bowl for easier eating and extra sauce coverage, and adding options inspired by chicken taco recipes can make your meal spread even more exciting.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at what you’re getting per wrap:

Calories: ~450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 32g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

You can store the cooked patties and caramelized onions in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Patties freeze well for up to 2 months. Cool completely, wrap individually in foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving directly on lettuce to keep it crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re on the fence, here’s why this recipe stands out:

Quick and Easy: Less than an hour to enjoy a fast-food favorite at home.
Low-Carb Friendly: Lettuce replaces the bun without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or switch proteins.
Flavor-Packed: Juicy patties, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy sauce.
Diet-Friendly Options: Dairy-free, Whole30, or sugar-free adaptations make it versatile.

Ben Carraoli