Ground beef lettuce wraps are a delicious and light meal perfect for any occasion. When you’re looking for something easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish shines. It’s especially loved for its fresh ingredients and delightful crunch. You can serve these wraps as an appetizer, a quick lunch, or even a light dinner. What makes them special is their versatility and the way they bring a fresh twist to traditional taco night.
Why make this recipe
This dish is simple and beginner-friendly. You don’t need culinary school training to create an amazing meal. With these ingredients, you can whip up a tasty dinner in no time. Plus, making it at home is often healthier and more affordable than takeout. Ground beef lettuce wraps are also great for the whole family. Kids and adults alike enjoy the fun of assembling their own wraps. It’s a great way to enjoy flavors while keeping things light and fresh.
How to make Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Making ground beef lettuce wraps is a stress-free experience. You’ll start by sautéing garlic and ginger in sesame oil, adding ground beef, and then mixing in fresh veggies. The whole cooking process takes about 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect weeknight meal when you need something quick and delicious. The best part? Cleanup is easy with just one skillet to wash!
Ingredients
This recipe requires simple and easy-to-find ingredients. Most of them are staples you might already have in your pantry or fridge.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 head of lettuce (e.g., iceberg or romaine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Here’s how to prepare delicious ground beef lettuce wraps in simple, easy-to-follow steps:
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the soy sauce, diced bell pepper, and grated carrot.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, spoon the beef mixture into the lettuce leaves and add diced cucumber on top.
- Enjoy your wraps immediately!
How to serve Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Ground beef lettuce wraps are versatile and can be served in various ways. These wraps are perfect for a light lunch or dinner. You can also serve them as finger food at parties or family gatherings. Try pairing them with a side of rice or some tasty dipping sauces like hoisin or sriracha for an extra kick. For breakfast, you can even fill an egg wrap with the beef mixture for a hearty start to your day.
How to store Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3 days. The beef mixture can also be frozen for up to a month. Just portion it out before freezing for easy reheating later. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crispness until you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Tips to make Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Make sure to chop your vegetables finely for better texture.
- Sauté the ginger and garlic until fragrant, but don’t let them burn.
- Adjust the seasoning based on your taste. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or even a dash of chili sauce for heat.
- Use fresh lettuce leaves to ensure a nice, crunchy wrap.
Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious and light meal featuring ground beef wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 head of lettuce (e.g., iceberg or romaine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the soy sauce, diced bell pepper, and grated carrot.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, spoon the beef mixture into the lettuce leaves and add diced cucumber on top.
- Enjoy your wraps immediately!
Notes
These wraps are versatile and can be served as finger food at parties or family gatherings. Adjust seasoning to your taste and feel free to modify the protein or add different vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Variation
Feel free to modify this recipe to suit your taste. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. For different flavors, try adding water chestnuts for extra crunch or hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste. You can also explore different veggies—zucchini or mushrooms can be great additions too.
FAQs
Can I make Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe.
How should I store leftover Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps?
Store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their crispness.
