How to Make Easy Low-Carb Bunless Burger

We know you like big buns (and you cannot lie), but what if we told you that you can have all the juicy, cheesy, beefy goodness of a classic burger—without the bun? That’s right, this bunless burger is not only possible, but they’re absolutely delicious. In fact, this recipe is inspired by the lettuce-wrapped burger that was actually popularized by In-N-Out Burger’s secret “protein style” menu back in the 1970s—and now it’s a keto-friendly staple. We’ve got a mouthwatering recipe that ditches the carbs without ditching the flavor. So grab a pen, and paper, or just hit that print button, because this low-carb bunless burger is about to be your new obsession!

How to Make Easy Low-Carb Bunless Burger

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 3 people

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

• • • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon burger seasoning (your favorite blend)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• • • 2 tablespoons bacon drippings or olive oil
    • 4 ounces sliced onion

Optional Extras:

• • • Avocado slices
    • Lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
    • Tomato slices
    • Pickles
    • Mustard, mayo, or low-carb ketchup

Instructions

Preparation:

1. 1. 1. Clean your grill using the grill brush to remove any leftover residue and get those grates burger-ready.
      2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Cooking the Burger Patties:

1. 1. 1. In a bowl, add 1 pound of ground beef.
      2. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and your favorite burger seasoning.
      3. Use the meat chopper to break up the meat and mix ingredients evenly.
      4. Form the mixture into 3 equal-sized balls, then flatten slightly into patties. Make a small depression in the center of each to prevent puffing while cooking.
      5. Oil the grill grate lightly.
      6. Season the outside of the patties with salt and pepper.
      7. Grill the burgers for about 3-4 minutes per side or until your desired level of doneness is achieved.
      8. Use Zulay Kitchen tongs to flip burgers safely without breaking the patty.

Caramelize the Onions:

1. 1. 1. In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings or olive oil.
      2. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized (about 8-10 minutes).

Assemble:

1. 1. 1. Skip the bun and layer your burger with caramelized onions, avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your choice of sauces.
      2. Wrap in lettuce or stack it all up with a fork-and-knife style.

Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas

• Make it Spicy: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Go Deluxe: Top with a fried egg or crispy bacon.
• Cheese Lovers: Melt cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack directly on the patty during the last minute of grilling.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based ground substitute and skip the Worcestershire, or use a vegan-friendly version.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Double the batch and store patties in the fridge for quick low-carb lunches.

Health Benefits of a Bunless Burger

This low-carb bunless burger is a protein powerhouse. Ground beef offers a generous dose of protein, iron, and B vitamins, helping with muscle growth and energy levels. Skipping the bun cuts out refined carbs, helping you stay in ketosis or keep your blood sugar levels stable. Cooking with olive oil or bacon drippings provides healthy fats that support brain and heart health. And let’s not forget that veggies—onions, avocado, lettuce, and tomato bring antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients to the table. It’s a satisfying, crave-worthy meal that’s good for your body and your taste buds!

Make Your Own Bunless Burger Today!

You don’t need a bun to build a perfect burger. This low-carb bunless burger is proof that sometimes, less is more. Juicy beef, savory toppings, melty cheese, and all the flavor you expect—without the carb crash afterward. If you're grilling for a summer dinner, prepping for a quick weekday meal, or simply trying to cut carbs, this recipe is one to keep in rotation.

Other Kitchen Tools You’ll Love for This Recipe

To make your low-carb bunless burger night even better (and easier to clean up), here are a few tools we highly recommend from Zulay Kitchen:

• • Magnetic Measuring Spoons – Stackable, precise, and dishwasher-safe. Measuring spices has never been more satisfying.
  • Bacon Grease Container – Save that liquid gold! Perfect for storing drippings from your burger topping prep.
  • Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle – Drizzle like a pro. Control your oil use and keep things mess-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Carb Bunless Burgers

Are bunless burgers really keto-friendly?

Absolutely! Bunless burgers are a staple for keto eaters because they’re high in fat and protein, and contain virtually no carbs when you skip the bun. As long as your toppings and sauces are low-carb or sugar-free (like mustard, mayo, or keto ketchup), this burger will easily fit into your macros.

What can I use instead of a bun?

There are tons of low-carb options! Lettuce wraps are the most common, especially romaine or iceberg. You can also serve the patty on a portobello mushroom cap or between two slices of grilled eggplant or zucchini. Some even enjoy their bunless burgers with no wrap at all—just knife and fork it!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! These patties are meal-prep friendly. You can shape them and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before grilling. 

What kind of beef is best for bunless burgers?

We recommend using 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for the juiciest results. The fat content keeps the patty moist and flavorful, especially when grilling. If you’re watching fat intake, you can go leaner, but you might sacrifice some tenderness.

How do I prevent my burgers from falling apart without breadcrumbs?

The key is not overhandling the meat and making a small depression in the center of the patty before cooking to prevent puffing. Worcestershire sauce and fat in the meat act as natural binders. If you’re worried, a bit of grated cheese or egg yolk can also help hold things together without adding carbs.

Are caramelized onions keto-friendly?

In moderation, yes! Onions do contain natural sugars and carbs, so portion size matters. For this recipe, using 4 ounces of onions split among 3 burgers is still within keto limits for most people. Just make sure your other toppings and meals balance out your daily carb intake.

Can I use other proteins for this burger?

Definitely. Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb work great, too. Just be mindful that leaner meats may require a touch of olive oil or an egg to help with moisture and binding.