Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes. You can form the patties up to a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Cooked patties also freeze well—wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best lettuce for bunless burgers?

Iceberg and butter lettuce are both great choices. They’re sturdy, crisp, and wide enough to hold the burger and toppings without falling apart.

How do I cook these in the oven or air fryer?

For the oven: Bake at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. For the air fryer: Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once for even cooking.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well. Just watch the cook time, as lean meats may dry out faster. You can add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the patties moist.

What are good side dishes for bunless burgers?

Try cucumber salad, grilled vegetables, or coleslaw. If you're planning a bigger spread—like a Mother’s Day BBQ —add chicken skewers, almond flour biscuits, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.

How do I keep the lettuce wraps from falling apart?

Use large, dry leaves and double them up if needed. Serve immediately to keep the wraps crisp. If you prefer, serve the burger open-faced on a plate for a knife-and-fork option.

Crave-Worthy Bunless BBQ Bacon Burgers for Mom’s Special Day

Description

Bunless BBQ Bacon Burgers for Mom are juicy, low-carb, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for Mother’s Day lunch, summer grilling, or quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

For the patties:

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the toppings:

8 slices bacon
4 slices cheddar cheese
½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
1 avocado, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tomato, sliced (optional)
Large lettuce leaves (iceberg or butter)

Optional extras:

Pickles or jalapeños
Fried egg or grilled mushrooms

Instructions

Cook the bacon:
Place bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Form the patties:
In a bowl, combine beef with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Shape into 4 patties.
Cook the burgers:
Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side. Add cheese during the last minute to melt.
Warm the BBQ sauce:
Heat the sugar-free BBQ sauce in a small pan or microwave until warm.
Assemble:
On a lettuce leaf, layer the patty, BBQ sauce, bacon, avocado, tomato, and onion. Wrap or serve open-faced.

Notes

Use the air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes if you prefer a hands-off cooking method. This recipe is great for make-ahead meal prep or hosting a family BBQ.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 460
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg

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