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Mexican Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 wraps (serves 4)
  • Category: Main Dish / Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop sauté
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Flavorful Mexican‑style seasoned ground beef wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a light, low‑carb meal.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp ground cayenne (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 810 large lettuce leaves (like butter, Bibb, or romaine)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, 5–7 minutes.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
  6. Wash and carefully separate lettuce leaves; pat dry.
  7. Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each lettuce leaf.
  8. Top with diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, shredded cheese if desired, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
  9. Serve immediately with lime wedges to squeeze over each wrap.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add diced bell peppers or jicama.
  • Make it dairy‑free by omitting cheese or substituting with avocado slices.
  • Prepare the beef mixture ahead and reheat when ready to assemble.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days—store beef and lettuce separately to keep lettuce crisp.