Taco Lettuce Wraps
Make quick and easy Taco Lettuce Wraps in under 30 minutes with seasoned ground beef, corn, black beans, cheese, and taco sauce.
If you’re anything like me, tacos for dinner are always a good idea. I could eat tacos every day and never get bored. But sometimes I like to switch things up and make a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing flavor. That’s exactly where these Taco Lettuce Wraps come in. They’re fresh, customizable, and perfect for anyone looking for a healthy weeknight meal or a quick, wholesome dinner.
TACO LETTUCE WRAPS
These taco lettuce wraps are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Each crisp lettuce leaf is loaded with taco-seasoned lean ground beef, sautéed onions, sweet corn, hearty black beans, cheese, and a generous drizzle of your favorite taco sauce. Every bite is packed with bold taco flavor, minus the heavy shells. Whether you’re trying to eat a little healthier or just want something different for Taco Tuesday, these taco lettuce wraps are a must-try. They are especially great in the warmer months when you want something lighter. They’ve become a regular at my house in the spring and summer, and I have a feeling they’ll be a hit in yours too!
Find my expert tips on how to make homemade healthy taco lettuce wraps below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram and Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love These Easy Taco Lettuce Wraps:
- Quick Weeknight Meal: Simple to make and ready to go in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy & Fresh: These taco lettuce wraps give you all the flavors you love about a taco without the extra calories of taco shells. They are low-carb and gluten-free!
- Customizable: Make these lettuce wraps as hearty or as light as you want!
- Meal-Prep-Friendly: These lettuce wraps also work great for quick lunches or easy dinners. Store the lettuce leaves and taco filling separately, then assemble right before serving. No soggy wraps here!
Ingredients
Taco Lettuce Wraps
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (8 ounces) corn, drained and then rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and then rinsed
- 1 head butter lettuce
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- salsa, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Instructions
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, cook and crumble ground beef with the chopped onion until beef is brown and fully cooked. Drain any grease.
Add salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, corn, and black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook another 5 minutes or until everything is heated through.
Remove lettuce leaves and rinse with water; pat dry. Take each leaf and fill with 1/3 cup meat mixture. Top each taco lettuce wrap with tomato, cheese, and any other toppings you desire. Serve and enjoy!
Servings
Serves 4 (2 taco lettuce wraps each).
Storage and Reheating
Store taco lettuce wraps by keeping all components separate to maintain freshness—place the cooled taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, store washed and fully dried lettuce leaves in a container lined with a paper towel for 3-4 days, and keep toppings like tomatoes, cheese, and sauces in separate containers for 2-3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the taco meat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For best results, assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent sogginess.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Taco Lettuce Wraps:
- Use High-Quality, Lean Ground Beef: Choose 85-90% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and less grease. Drain excess fat to keep the filling from becoming heavy or soggy.
- Build Flavor While Cooking: Brown the beef with onions until nicely caramelized, and season well with spices. Don’t rush this step! It creates a richer, more savory taco filling.
- Keep Lettuce Dry: After washing, thoroughly dry the lettuce leaves to prevent soggy wraps and help toppings stay in place.
- Don’t Overfill: Stick to about 1/3 cup of filling per leaf to keep wraps easy to hold and eat without falling apart.
- Adjust The Spice Levels As Needed: Add chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños if you like a little spice.
- Make It Your Own: Add shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. You can easily customize them to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! For best results, prepare the taco meat and toppings in advance, but store them separately from the lettuce. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
Butter lettuce and romaine hearts are the best choices for taco lettuce wraps. Butter lettuce is soft and flexible, while romaine provides a crisp, sturdy crunch that holds fillings well.
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternative to beef and works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to season the meat well to enhance flavor.
To make Taco Lettuce Wraps keto-friendly, skip the high-carb ingredients like corn and beans. Stick to meat, cheese, and low-carb toppings for a keto version.
To make Taco Lettuce Wraps vegan, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative like lentils, crumbled tofu, tempeh, or your favorite vegan ground “meat,” and cook it with the same seasonings for that classic taco flavor. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese, and replace sour cream with a plant-based version or a drizzle of cashew crema. Load up on naturally vegan toppings like salsa, guacamole, tomatoes, and avocado for a completely plant-based meal.
To make Taco Lettuce Wraps gluten-free, use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas and ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check your taco seasoning, canned beans, corn, and sauces (like salsa or taco sauce), as some brands may contain hidden gluten or additives.
Similar Recipes
Craving something similar? Try my Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps.
Wanting something different? Make my P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Looking for more healthy wraps? Try these highly-rated recipes next: Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Wraps, Crock Pot Chicken Caesar Wraps, and Southwest Chicken Caesar Wraps.
Have you made this Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe? ❤️
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #TacoLettuceWraps #LifeInTheLofthouse
Taco Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (8 ounces) corn drained then rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained then rinsed
- 1 head butter lettuce
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- salsa, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, cook and crumble ground beef with the chopped onion until beef is brown and fully cooked. Drain any grease.
- Add salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, corn and black beans to skillet. Stir to combine and cook another 5 minutes or until everything is heated through.
- Remove lettuce leaves and rinse with water; pat dry. Take each leaf and fill with 1/3 cup meat mixture. Top each taco lettuce wrap with tomato, cheese and any other toppings you desire. Serve and enjoy!
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