If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner that’s bursting with flavor, these ground beef lettuce wraps are the way to go. Whether you’re trying to eat lighter or just want something different, this recipe is a total winner. Fresh, crispy lettuce wraps filled with savory ground beef and delicious seasonings—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These ground beef lettuce wraps are not only low-carb but also packed with bold flavors. The juicy ground beef is perfectly seasoned with a savory blend of spices and sauces, while the lettuce provides a refreshing crunch. It’s a meal that comes together in no time, and you can easily customize it to your taste by adding your favorite toppings. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy them throughout the week!
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients will be at the bottom)
- Ground beef (lean)
- Lettuce (butter lettuce or iceberg work great)
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Onion
- Hoisin sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Optional toppings like chopped peanuts, cilantro, or chili flakes
(Note: Full list of ingredients, including measurements, will be listed below.)
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a small drizzle of oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, add freshly grated ginger and continue to cook for another minute. This is where the magic of flavor begins!
Step 3: Season the Beef
Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring everything together until the beef is fully coated and the sauces have been absorbed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat if you like.
Step 4: Prepare the Lettuce
While the beef mixture is cooking, prepare your lettuce leaves. If you’re using butter lettuce, carefully separate the leaves, making sure they stay whole. If you’re using iceberg, cut off the core and gently peel off individual leaves. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture into each lettuce leaf, making sure not to overfill them. Then, top with your favorite garnishes—chopped green onions, cilantro, and even some chopped peanuts for extra crunch. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little extra heat if you like.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use lean ground beef: Opting for lean ground beef helps cut down on grease and makes the wraps a bit lighter.
- Add veggies: For extra crunch and nutrients, try adding thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber to the wraps.
- Make it spicy: If you like your food on the spicier side, add a bit of sriracha or fresh chili peppers to the beef mixture.
- Chill the lettuce: For an extra refreshing bite, chill the lettuce leaves in the fridge for a few minutes before assembling the wraps.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken: If you prefer a leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this recipe.
- Substitute hoisin sauce: If you don’t have hoisin sauce, try using a bit of peanut butter and soy sauce for a similar flavor profile.
- Add rice: If you’re not watching your carbs, serve this over a bowl of steamed rice for a heartier meal.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These ground beef lettuce wraps can be served as a light dinner, appetizer, or even a fun party snack. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- With a side salad: Pair the wraps with a fresh salad, like a cucumber and tomato salad with a simple vinaigrette.
- On the side: Serve with some steamed rice or quinoa if you’re craving something a little more filling.
- Pair with a light beverage: A crisp white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lime pairs nicely with these wraps.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While the lettuce doesn’t store well, you can keep the ground beef mixture for later. Store the beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it in a skillet until warm. You can also freeze the beef mixture for up to a month—just be sure to thaw it before reheating.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat it up and assemble the wraps.
2. Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes! Butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or even Romaine works great for these wraps. Just make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add chili flakes or hot sauce. The flavors are savory and slightly sweet from the hoisin sauce, but not too spicy unless you choose to make it that way.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Sure! You can swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh to make it a vegetarian or vegan-friendly meal. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings as needed.
Conclusion
Ground beef lettuce wraps are a delicious and healthy way to switch things up for dinner. With the right balance of savory, sweet, and a little bit of spice, they’re a treat for the taste buds and a breeze to make. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or simply a fun, flavorful meal, these wraps are sure to hit the spot. Give them a try and I’m sure they’ll become a new favorite in your meal rotation!
Print
Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps: A Simple, Flavorful Dinner That’s Low-Carb and Totally Delicious
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 2-3 wraps per person) 1x
- Category: Main Course, Low Carb
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, low-carb alternative to traditional wraps. They feature savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce all wrapped in crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh grated ginger)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce, separated into leaves (for wrapping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and sriracha (if using). Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add water chestnuts: Stir in the chopped water chestnuts and cook for another 1 minute.
- Season: Taste the filling and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble: Spoon the ground beef mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy as a healthy, low-carb meal!
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add more sriracha or include red pepper flakes.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wraps
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg