Why I Love This Recipe

You don’t need a bun to make a really great burger. These lettuce-wrapped turkey burgers are loaded with juicy patties, sweet caramelized onions, and a creamy garlic aioli that makes every bite feel just as satisfying as your favorite burger. Add a slice of cheddar, fresh tomato, and plenty of crisp lettuce, and you’ve got an easy dinner that’s fresh, flavorful, and guaranteed to hit the spot.

Enjoying The Leftovers

The caramelized onions are worth making extra because they make everything taste better.

Storing

Store the turkey burgers, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the lettuce and any fresh toppings separate until you’re ready to assemble.

Reheating

Warm the turkey burgers in a skillet, air fryer, or microwave until heated through. Reassemble with the caramelized onions, garlic aioli, lettuce, and your favorite fresh toppings just before serving.

A turkey burger with tomato, Aioli sauce, cheese, caramelized onions and bacon on top laying on a bed of lettuce.
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Caramelized Onion Lettuce Wrapped Turkey Burgers with Garlic Aioli

Skip the bun without sacrificing flavor. These Caramelized Onion Lettuce-Wrapped Turkey Burgers are juicy, high in protein, and topped with a creamy garlic aioli for an easy, satisfying dinner.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
US M
Servings 6

Ingredients

For the turkey burgers
  • 1.5 lb 93% lean ground turkey
  • 2 tbsp mayo
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
For the garlic aioli
  • 1 cup mayo
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 small lemon, juiced
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the caramelized onions
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
Toppings
  • Bib lettuce
  • Sliced tomato
  • Sliced sharp cheddar cheese
US – M

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over low heat and melt the butter. Add the onions and stir to coat. Cook for about 1 hour, stirring every few minutes, until they're deeply golden brown and caramelized. If the onions start to dry out, add a tablespoon of water as needed to keep them from burning.
  • While the onions cook, make the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to assemble the burgers. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, mayo, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated, then divide the mixture into 6 equal portions.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with oil. Place the turkey portions into the skillet and use a spatula to gently press each one into a patty.
  • Cook for about 7 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until fully cooked. During the last few minutes of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each burger and let it melt.
  • To assemble, place a lettuce leaf on a plate, followed by the turkey burger. Top with the garlic aioli, sliced tomato, and caramelized onions. Add any other favorite burger toppings and serve immediately.

Equipment

saute pan
mixing bowls
measuring cups

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 45g | Fiber: 2g