These easy and flavorful ground beef lettuce wraps are perfect for a quick, healthy meal. With savory beef, crisp lettuce, and a delicious umami-packed sauce, they’re a satisfying alternative to traditional wraps or tacos.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Ground beef lettuce wraps are a fantastic low-carb option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. They come together quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights, and they’re completely customizable with different toppings and sauces. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a light yet satisfying dish, these wraps deliver big taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
ground beef (lean or 80/20)
olive oil (if using lean beef)
small onion, finely chopped
cloves garlic, minced
fresh ginger, minced
soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
hoisin sauce (or substitute with extra soy sauce for lower sugar)
rice vinegar
oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
sesame oil
red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
shredded carrots
onions, chopped
sesame seeds (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
d of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of sesame oil, then sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Stir in the garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. If using water chestnuts, add them now for extra texture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Wraps
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, then spoon the beef mixture into each leaf. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Step 4: Serve
Enjoy immediately while the beef is warm and the lettuce is crisp. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- If you like heat, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- For extra crunch, top with crushed peanuts or shredded carrots.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Instead of hoisin sauce, try a drizzle of teriyaki or peanut sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Use iceberg lettuce for extra crunch or cabbage leaves for a sturdier wrap.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These lettuce wraps pair well with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal. Serve alongside a light cucumber salad, miso soup, or roasted vegetables for a balanced dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the cooked beef mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat before assembling the wraps. Lettuce leaves should be washed and stored in a paper towel-lined container to keep them fresh.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving with fresh lettuce leaves.
What’s the best type of lettuce to use?
Butter lettuce is the best option because it’s soft yet sturdy. Romaine and iceberg also work well.
Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes! The cooked beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
How can I make these even healthier?
Use lean ground beef, reduce the hoisin sauce, and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or shredded carrots.
Conclusion
Ground beef lettuce wraps are an easy, delicious, and healthy meal that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal-prep-friendly option, these wraps deliver bold flavors and satisfying textures every time!
Print
Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 12 wraps) 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal option. Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh crisp lettuce, and a savory sauce, they are perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or appetizer. The combination of tender beef and crunchy lettuce makes them both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean or 80/20)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean beef)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (or substitute with extra soy sauce for lower sugar)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil (if using). Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Add Veggies: Mix in shredded carrots and half of the green onions. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, omit the hoisin sauce and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- For extra crunch, add chopped water chestnuts or crushed peanuts.
- Meal prep: Store the beef mixture separately and assemble the wraps fresh for each serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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