lettuce wrap taco recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
lettuce wrap taco recipe
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The Best lettuce wrap taco recipe

I’ve been making this lettuce wrap taco recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in my household. My kids love it because they can customize their own tacos with all the fixings, and I love it because it’s a healthier alternative to traditional tacos. The combination of crispy lettuce wraps, seasoned ground beef, and all the toppings is just perfect.

I’ve experimented with different types of meat, but ground beef is still my top choice. It’s so easy to make and is always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a quick weeknight dinner.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize to your taste. Want more meat?

Add some diced chicken or steak. Want more veggies? Throw in some diced bell peppers or onions.

The options are endless! One of the things I love most about this recipe is the way the flavors meld together. The seasoning on the ground beef is perfect – just the right amount of spice to give it some kick without overpowering the other flavors.

And let’s not forget about the crunch of the lettuce wraps – they add a texture that’s just delightful.

Lettuce Wrap Tacos

Lettuce Wrap Tacos

4.7 from 1059 votes

A fresh and healthy twist on classic tacos, using crisp lettuce leaves as the shell. Filled with seasoned ground beef, fresh salsa, and creamy toppings, these wraps are perfect for a low-carb meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup tomato sauce

For the Toppings

8 large lettuce leaves (iceberg or butter lettuce)
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
5Drain any excess fat.
6Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
7Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
8Pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
9Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat.
10Remove the skillet from heat.
11To assemble, place a lettuce leaf on a plate and spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center.
12Top with diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
13Serve with lime wedges on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. Adjust seasoning to taste. Lettuce wraps are best assembled just before serving to keep the leaves crisp.

Watch Video Of How Lettuce Wrap Tacos Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner. And when it comes to storage and reheating ideas, there are plenty of options.

You can store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lettuce Wrap Tacos

1.

What type of meat should I use in this recipe?

Ground beef is my top choice for this recipe, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even steak if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

While store-bought taco seasoning can be convenient, I highly recommend making your own seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. It makes a big difference in the flavor.

3.

How do I keep my lettuce wraps from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure to dry your lettuce leaves thoroughly before using them as wraps. You can also try using a salad spinner or paper towels to remove excess moisture.

4.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling the tacos. Just be sure to reheat the filling thoroughly before serving.

5.

How do I reheat leftover tacos?

To reheat leftover tacos, simply place them in a pan over low heat and cover with a lid until warmed through. You can also microwave individual tacos for 10-15 seconds at a time until warmed through.

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