Summer is the perfect time to enjoy salads and fresh produce like crisp, romaine lettuce. When it’s hot and humid out, the last thing you’ll want is to eat a heavy, carb-ridden meal that makes you feel bloated, sluggish, and lethargic. That’s why ground beef lettuce wraps are our new go-to for summer meals, offering a versatile alternative to breads, wraps, taco shells, hamburger buns, and other heavy carbs. Below, discover how to make ground beef lettuce wraps just in time for summer gatherings and picnics.
Why ground beef lettuce wraps are summer’s best meal
From Memorial Day weekend to the 4th of July, summer has plenty of holidays that are full of delicious foods. Yet, if you’re attending a party or a cookout, there’s always a plethora of food to fill up on. Consuming ground beef lettuce wraps are perfect because they are light, delicious, and crisp, offering a nutritious vessel to hold your protein.
Passing on heavy breads like hamburger rolls or taco shells means you can fill up on nutritious ground beef, leaving more room to get a taste of everything you want. If you’re trying to hit a certain protein macronutrient goal, this meal is perfect for you to focus on filling up protein instead of carbohydrates. Plus, ground beef lettuce wraps are an awesome go-to meal for people on low-carb or ketogenic diets.
What type of lettuce to use
Making ground beef lettuce wraps is simple, but it’s important to select the best type of lettuce to ensure a crunchy, delicious bite. In general, any crisp leafy green makes a great wrap, such as butter lettuce, romaine lettuce, or green leaf lettuce. Ultimately, it comes down to taste preferences when selecting a type of lettuce to use for your recipes. It is important to use fresh lettuce that is not going bad, as already-turning lettuce may become soggy or wet when trying to make wraps.
Ideas for ground beef lettuce wraps
The opportunities for new recipes and flavor creations with ground beef lettuce wraps are endless. Whether you use taco-seasoned beef to make Mexican lettuce tacos or create ground beef Asian lettuce wraps, there’s a world of possibilities that await you! You can also use ground beef to form hamburgers and make bunless cheeseburgers with lettuce wraps in replace of a bun.
How to make healthy ground beef lettuce wraps
Not sure where to start? Check out our favorite recipe that can be whipped up in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef 95%
- ½ cup carrots, shredded and roughly chopped
- 8 oz Water Chestnuts, sliced and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons Chili Paste
- 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Aminos
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 2 tablespoons Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce
- 2 Green Onions diced
- 1 head of Butter Lettuce
Method
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Bring a large skillet to medium heat on the stove.
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Add the garlic, carrots, and meat to the skillet.
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Cook 7-8 minutes breaking up the meat with a spatula while it cooks until the meat is cooked fully.
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Add the chili paste, coconut aminos, Sriracha, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and water chestnuts to the pan. Stir to combine.
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Simmer another 5 minutes in the pan then add the sliced green onions. Stir and serve with lettuce!
