Name: Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Ground beef: 1 lb (450g); Lettuce (romaine or butter lettuce works best): 1 head; Garlic (minced): 3 cloves; Onion (diced): 1 medium; Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons; Hoisin sauce: 1 tablespoon; Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon; Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon; Ginger (grated): 1 teaspoon; Green onions (chopped): 2-3 stalks; Optional toppings:; Shredded carrots: 1/2 cup; Cucumber (sliced): 1/2 cup; Fresh cilantro: 2 tablespoons

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Looking for a light yet flavorful dinner that’s both quick and satisfying? Let me introduce you to these Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps! These wraps are a game-changer when it comes to healthy meals that don’t skimp on taste. Whether you’re looking to cut back on carbs or just want something fresh and delicious, these wraps deliver every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are everything you want in a meal: flavorful, crunchy, and full of fresh ingredients. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic seasonings, and crisp lettuce creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. What’s even better? You can customize them to suit your tastes, adding your favorite toppings or making them as spicy as you like. Plus, they’re low-carb and gluten-free—perfect for any health-conscious eater.

Ingredients (Find the full list below)

Ground beef
Lettuce (romaine or butter lettuce work best)
Garlic
Onion
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Ginger
Green onions
Optional toppings: shredded carrots, cucumber, cilantro

The full ingredient list is below, but this is a great starting point!

Directions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat once the beef is done.

2. Sauté the Veggies

Once the beef is cooked, add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. The garlic should be fragrant, but don’t let it brown.

3. Add the Sauces and Seasonings

Now, it’s time to bring in the flavor! Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add grated ginger for that extra zing. Stir everything well, making sure the beef is evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Prepare the Lettuce

While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare your lettuce. Wash and dry the leaves, carefully separating them so you can use them as “wraps.” I recommend using larger leaves, like those from romaine or butter lettuce, as they hold up better when wrapping.

5. Assemble the Wraps

To serve, spoon the flavorful ground beef mixture onto the center of each lettuce leaf. Top with your desired toppings—shredded carrots, fresh cucumber, green onions, or cilantro are all great options. Roll the lettuce around the filling to create a delicious, handheld wrap!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Flavor balance: If you like it spicy, feel free to add a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Make it low-carb: These wraps are already low-carb, but if you want to reduce carbs even further, skip the hoisin sauce or use a sugar-free version.
Use lean beef: For a lighter version, opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to cut down on fat.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Ground Beef Substitution: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each will bring a slightly different flavor but still works perfectly in this recipe.
Lettuce Variations: If lettuce wraps aren’t your thing, try using collard greens or even nori sheets (seaweed) for a different twist.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and increase the amount of seasoning to make it flavorful.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are fantastic as a main dish, but you can pair them with a simple side to complete the meal. Serve with a side of steamed jasmine rice, a small bowl of miso soup, or a refreshing cucumber salad. You could even serve these wraps alongside some crispy baked sweet potato fries for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely because they’re so good!), store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce wraps are best assembled fresh, but you can prep the beef filling ahead of time. To reheat, simply warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

4 FAQs

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
The beef filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble the wraps just before serving, as the lettuce will lose its crispness over time.

Can I use a different sauce for flavor?
Absolutely! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar. You can also add chili garlic sauce if you prefer more heat.

How do I make these wraps spicier?
If you like heat, add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or some chopped fresh chilies to the beef mixture.

Can I serve these with something else?
These wraps pair great with a light side like a vegetable stir-fry, rice noodles, or even some crunchy Asian-style slaw. You can also top them with chopped peanuts for an added crunch.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are the perfect meal when you’re looking for something quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. The savory, slightly sweet beef filling wrapped in crisp lettuce is a combination you’ll love from the very first bite. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, they’re sure to be a hit! So, grab your lettuce and get ready to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish, Healthy
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A healthy, flavorful, and quick dinner featuring savory ground beef wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Low-carb, gluten-free, and customizable, these wraps are perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, for 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Veggies: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.
Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Separate into individual leaves, ensuring they are large enough for wrapping.
Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the beef mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Add optional toppings like shredded carrots, cucumber, and cilantro. Wrap and serve.