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- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness) - 4 large romaine lettuce leaves (crisply washed and dried) - 4 slices of cheddar cheese, each sliced in half - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise - 1/2 cup diced pickles (preferably dill for a tangy crunch) - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (cherry or Roma for better flavor) - 1/4 cup finely chopped onions (red or white for a milder taste) Gathering these ingredients is simple. The ground beef gives a rich taste. Use a good blend, like 80/20, for best results. Romaine lettuce leaves are your wraps. They add a nice crunch and freshness. Cheddar cheese slices melt in well with the warm beef. In the seasoning section, onion powder and garlic powder add a strong flavor. Mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise bring in that classic Big Mac taste. These sauces add creaminess and slight sweetness. Fresh toppings make the dish pop. Diced pickles add a tangy crunch. Use dill pickles for the best flavor. Diced tomatoes bring juiciness. Chopped onions give a crisp bite and some sharpness. This mix of ingredients makes your Big Mac Lettuce Wraps not just low-carb, but also full of flavor. Enjoy the process of gathering these items and get ready to create a meal that satisfies! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it until it is nicely browned, which takes about 7-10 minutes. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces. When the beef is brown, carefully drain any extra grease from the skillet. This step keeps your wraps from being too greasy. Next, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of onion powder and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder over the beef. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix these spices and sauces well with the beef. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Let the beef cook for 2 more minutes. This lets all the flavors blend together nicely. After this, remove the skillet from the heat. Gently stir in 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. This makes the beef creamy and full of flavor. Now, let’s prepare the lettuce leaves. Take 4 large romaine lettuce leaves and wash them carefully. Dry them well so they stay crisp. Lay the leaves on a flat surface. Spoon equal amounts of the beef mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Make sure not to overfill them. On top of the beef, place half a slice of cheddar cheese. Add a generous sprinkle of diced pickles, diced tomatoes, and chopped onions. Finally, fold the lettuce around the fillings to create a wrap. If you like, you can use a toothpick to hold everything together. For a fun touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy this tasty low-carb meal! - Choosing the right ground beef blend: I suggest using an 80/20 blend. This mix gives you the best flavor and juiciness. The fat helps keep the beef tender and tasty. Avoid leaner blends, as they can dry out. - Ensuring perfect seasoning balance: Use onion powder and garlic powder. They add great flavor without being strong. Salt and pepper are key, too. Taste as you go to make it just right! - Plating the wraps attractively: Lay the wraps on a serving platter. You can arrange them in a circle or line. This makes them look inviting. - Suggested dipping sauces: Serve with ketchup or mustard on the side. You can also try ranch or a spicy mayo. This adds fun flavors to each bite. - Nutritional benefits of lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps are fresh and low in calories. They are high in vitamins and fiber. This makes them a great choice for a light meal. - Low-carb and keto-friendly alternatives: These wraps fit well in a low-carb diet. They replace bread with lettuce. You can enjoy a Big Mac flavor without the carbs! Pro Tips Choose the Right Beef: Opt for an 80/20 ground beef blend to ensure your wraps are juicy and flavorful. Seasoning Matters: Don't skip on the seasoning; it enhances the overall flavor of the beef. Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for toppings to add a crisp texture and vibrant flavor to your wraps. Wrap it Right: Make sure to fold the lettuce tightly around the fillings to prevent any spills while eating. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in these wraps. Ground turkey or chicken works great. They both offer lean options for a lighter meal. These meats still pack flavor when seasoned well. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, use black beans or lentils. These alternatives are healthy and add protein. Just season them like you would the beef. Get creative with your toppings! You can add different veggies to make it more colorful. Think bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado slices. For those who enjoy a little heat, try adding jalapeños. They give a nice kick that enhances the flavors. You can also mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra freshness. Don't hesitate to experiment with sauces! While ketchup and mustard are classic, you can try BBQ sauce or sriracha. This small change can create a whole new flavor. You might even mix sauces to make your own unique blend. For a creamier option, try ranch or blue cheese dressing. Each swap gives your wraps exciting new tastes. To keep your Big Mac Lettuce Wraps fresh, store them in an airtight container. Wrap each lettuce leaf around the filling. This helps keep them from getting soggy. You can also store the filling and lettuce separately. This way, the lettuce stays crisp. For reheating, heat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often until it's warm. Avoid microwaving the wraps, as they can get soggy quickly. You can prep the ingredients in advance. Cook the beef mixture a day before. Store it in the fridge. Prepare the lettuce leaves the same day you plan to serve. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. Assemble the wraps just before serving. This ensures that everything stays crisp and tasty. You can also prep the toppings in advance. Keep diced pickles, tomatoes, and onions in separate containers. The ground beef filling lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. The lettuce should be used within a week for best taste. If you see any wilting or dark spots on the lettuce, it's best to toss it. For the toppings, diced tomatoes and onions last about 3 to 5 days. Check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or slimy texture. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To keep your lettuce fresh and crisp, wash it well under cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry the leaves quickly. If you don’t have one, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Store the lettuce in a sealed bag or container with a paper towel inside. The towel absorbs moisture, keeping the leaves crisper for longer. Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. Cook the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves ahead, but store them separately. Assemble the wraps just before you eat. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. To add heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce with the beef. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Try spicy mustard instead of yellow mustard for an extra kick. These simple changes will heat up your Big Mac Lettuce Wraps! In this post, we explored how to create delicious Big Mac lettuce wraps. You learned about essential ingredients, seasoning tips, and how to make them appealing. Remember, you can swap meats, add toppings, and even change sauces to fit your taste. These wraps provide a fun, low-carb meal for any day. Make them ahead or customize them to your liking. Enjoy trying out these fresh ideas and transforming your meals!

Big Mac Lettuce Wraps

A low-carb twist on the classic Big Mac, wrapped in crisp romaine lettuce leaves.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness)
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 4 large romaine lettuce leaves (crisply washed and dried)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese, each sliced in half
  • 0.5 cup diced pickles (preferably dill for a tangy crunch)
  • 0.5 cup diced tomatoes (cherry or Roma for better flavor)
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped onions (red or white for a milder taste)
  • optional sesame seeds (for garnish and added nutty flavor)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, and cook until it is nicely browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  • Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and mustard over the cooked beef. Stir everything together thoroughly and allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat source and gently stir in the ketchup and mayonnaise until fully combined, ensuring the beef mixture is creamy and flavorful.
  • On a clean, flat surface, lay out the washed and dried romaine lettuce leaves, ensuring they are intact and ready for filling.
  • Distribute equal amounts of the seasoned beef mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf, using a spoon to make sure it's well placed but not overflowing.
  • Top each serving of beef with half a slice of cheddar cheese, followed by a generous sprinkle of diced pickles, tomatoes, and chopped onions for a burst of freshness.
  • Carefully fold the lettuce around the fillings, creating a wrap; feel free to secure this with a toothpick if you wish to keep everything contained.
  • For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the wraps for added flavor and a delightful crunch.

Notes

Arrange the finished wraps on a serving platter, and consider adding a small bowl of extra ketchup or mustard for dipping on the side.
Keyword beef, Big Mac, healthy, lettuce wraps, low carb