Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Delicious and healthy ground beef lettuce wraps that are perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.

Lillian Hayes

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-24T14:12:35.199Z

Ground beef lettuce wraps are a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful meal while keeping it light and healthy. This recipe is quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh, crunchy lettuce adds a satisfying texture
  • Flavorful ground beef seasoned to perfection
  • Quick to make, perfect for busy nights

The Perfect Quick Meal

Ground beef lettuce wraps are an excellent choice for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish in under 30 minutes. The combination of savory beef and fresh vegetables makes these wraps a satisfying option for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the fillings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Add some diced bell peppers, or swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!

Healthy Ingredients

Using lettuce as a wrap instead of traditional tortillas or bread significantly reduces carbohydrates and calories while increasing fiber intake. This makes it a fantastic option for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. Additionally, the fresh lettuce provides essential vitamins and minerals, making every bite nutritious.

The ground beef used in this recipe is not only hearty but also packed with protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. By choosing lean ground beef, you can enjoy a rich flavor without excessive fat, ensuring a balanced meal that keeps you full longer.

Serving Suggestions

These lettuce wraps can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, making them incredibly versatile. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a side of steamed rice or quinoa. A light dipping sauce, such as a spicy chili sauce or a tangy vinegar-based dressing, can also elevate the flavor profile.

If you're hosting a gathering, set up a lettuce wrap bar with various toppings and sauces. This interactive dining experience allows guests to customize their wraps, making it a fun and engaging way to enjoy this delicious dish. Don't forget to include some fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra burst of flavor!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 8 large lettuce leaves (e.g., romaine or butter lettuce)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • Chopped peanuts or cashews for garnish

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious lettuce wraps.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Seasonings

Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Prepare the Wraps

Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the beef mixture into the lettuce leaves, then top with shredded carrots and chopped green onions.

Serve

Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy your tasty and healthy ground beef lettuce wraps!

Tips for Success

To ensure your ground beef is perfectly cooked, make sure to break it apart thoroughly while it’s browning. This helps it cook evenly and prevents any large clumps from forming. Additionally, feel free to adjust the seasoning levels according to your taste preferences. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the beef mixture.

When selecting lettuce for your wraps, choose large, sturdy leaves that can hold the filling without tearing. Romaine or butter lettuce are great options that provide a nice crunch and can easily cradle the beef and toppings.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the beef mixture and the lettuce leaves separately. This will prevent the lettuce from wilting and keep it fresh for longer. The beef can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days, making it a convenient meal prep option for the week ahead.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then assemble your wraps with fresh lettuce and toppings. This way, you can enjoy a quick and delicious meal even on the busiest days.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.

→ What type of lettuce is best for wraps?

Romaine or butter lettuce works best due to their large, sturdy leaves.

→ Can I prepare the beef mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

→ Are these wraps gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, these wraps can be gluten-free.

Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Delicious and healthy ground beef lettuce wraps that are perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Lillian Hayes

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  3. 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  4. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  7. 8 large lettuce leaves (e.g., romaine or butter lettuce)
  8. 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  9. 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  10. Chopped peanuts or cashews for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 03

Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the beef mixture into the lettuce leaves, then top with shredded carrots and chopped green onions.

Step 04

Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 25g