Lettuce Wrap Tacos
Lettuce Wrap Tacos are a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a light and healthy meal. Using crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas, this dish combines seasoned ground beef or turkey with sautéed veggies and salsa.
It’s a low-carb option that’s still packed with bold flavors, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal. Customize with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of taste!
Lettuce Wrap Tacos
Ingredients
1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
⅓ cup diced onion
⅓ cup chopped red bell pepper
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for less spice)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅓ cup salsa
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until the onions turn translucent.
Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up as it browns. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder (if using), garlic powder, and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Spoon the taco mixture into lettuce leaves or taco cups, then top with your favorite taco toppings (like avocado, cheese, or sour cream) and enjoy!
Notes:
Low-carb alternative: Lettuce wraps make a great low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional tortillas, while still providing a refreshing crunch.
Protein options: Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option. You can also use chicken or plant-based ground meat for a variation.
Spice adjustment: The amount of chili powder can be adjusted depending on your spice preference, or omitted entirely if you want a milder flavor.
Topping choices: Popular toppings include shredded cheese, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
Meal prep-friendly: The taco meat can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping.
Lettuce types: Use sturdy lettuce like iceberg or romaine for the wraps as they hold up better when filled.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 220 | Protein: 21g | Fat: 12g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Sodium: 650mg | Cholesterol: 70mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
It will slightly reduce the fat content while keeping the flavors delicious.
What type of lettuce works best for lettuce wraps?
Butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, and romaine lettuce are popular choices.
They have large, sturdy leaves that hold the taco filling well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based ground meat alternatives, crumbled tofu, or even black beans as a substitute for ground meat.
How can I make these spicier?
You can add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
A spicier salsa or hot sauce on top also works well.
Can I prepare the taco meat in advance?
Yes, the taco meat can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Simply reheat before serving.
Can I freeze the taco meat?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked taco meat for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet before serving.
What toppings go well with lettuce wrap tacos?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cilantro.
Pickled onions or jalapeños also add a nice tang.
How do I keep the lettuce wraps from tearing?
Use large, crisp lettuce leaves and avoid overfilling them.
If the leaves are fragile, you can layer two leaves for added support.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, the recipe is low in carbs, making it keto-friendly, especially if you omit any high-carb toppings like beans or corn.
Can I add rice or beans to the filling?
While it would no longer be a low-carb option, you can add cooked rice or beans for extra bulk and protein, especially if you’re not concerned about the carbs.