As the evening rush hits and dinner needs to come together fast, ground beef lettuce wraps offer a fresh twist on takeout favorites without the wait. These wraps burst with savory Asian flavors from ginger and garlic, wrapped in crisp Bibb lettuce for a light yet satisfying bite that feels indulgent. Lean beef keeps it healthy, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something quick and nourishing.
I appreciate how these ground beef lettuce wraps fit seamlessly into busy schedules, ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. They store well for lunches the next day, and the adjustable spice level means everyone at the table can enjoy them. Family members often request seconds for the crunchy texture and zesty sauce that ties it all together.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These ground beef lettuce wraps come together in just 25 minutes, ideal for hectic evenings.
- Healthy and Low-Carb: Crisp lettuce replaces tortillas for a fresh, nutrient-packed meal that supports balanced eating.
- Flavorful Asian Twist: The savory sauce with ginger and Sriracha delivers bold taste without heavy calories.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Customizable spice and veggie add-ins make it a hit with picky eaters.
Ingredients to make Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
The ingredients in these ground beef lettuce wraps blend savory beef with vibrant vegetables and a tangy Asian sauce, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Opting for fresh, high-quality produce and lean meat elevates the dish from good to unforgettable.
- Olive oil – Provides a neutral base for sautéing without overpowering the other flavors.
- Lean ground beef – Forms the hearty protein core; choose 90% lean for less fat.
- Garlic – Adds aromatic depth; mince fresh for the best pungency.
- Fresh ginger – Brings warm, spicy notes; grate it finely to distribute evenly.
- Red bell pepper – Offers sweet crunch and color; dice small for easy eating.
- Shredded carrots – Contributes subtle sweetness and texture; pre-shredded saves time.
- Green onions – Provides fresh, mild onion flavor; slice for cooking and garnish.
- Kosher salt – Seasons to enhance all tastes without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper – Adds a subtle kick; fresh-ground is ideal.
- Sesame seeds – Sprinkles nutty garnish for visual and textural appeal.
- Boston Bibb lettuce leaves – Creates crisp, low-carb wraps; choose whole leaves for cups.
- Low-sodium soy sauce – Forms the umami base of the sauce; swap with tamari for gluten-free.
- Rice wine vinegar – Balances with tangy acidity in the sauce.
- Sesame oil – Infuses rich, nutty aroma to the sauce mixture.
- Honey – Sweetens the sauce naturally; brown sugar works as a sub.
- Sriracha – Brings adjustable heat to the sauce; reduce for milder spice.
- Fresh lime juice – Adds bright citrus zing to cut through richness.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
- Water – Dilutes the sauce for smooth consistency.
Continue scrolling for step-by-step guidance and expert advice, plus the full recipe with precise amounts in the card at the bottom.
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Quick Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Quick and flavorful ground beef lettuce wraps with an Asian-inspired sauce, featuring lean beef, fresh vegetables, and crisp Bibb lettuce for a healthy, low-carb meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 4 green onions, sliced (1″ pieces for cooking, some for garnish)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Boston Bibb lettuce leaves, for serving
- Optional: Steamed white or cauliflower rice, for serving
- For the Sauce: ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your sauce: in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, honey, Sriracha, lime juice, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the finely diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in most of the sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- To serve, spoon the flavorful beef mixture into fresh Bibb lettuce cups. Garnish with the reserved green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can also offer steamed rice alongside, if desired.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust Sriracha to control the spice level.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb when served without rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Make Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, honey, Sriracha, lime juice, cornstarch, and water until fully smooth and combined. This creates a flavorful, glossy sauce that will coat the filling evenly. Set it aside while you start cooking to let the flavors meld slightly.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the beef is no longer pink, which takes about 5 minutes, and drain any excess fat to keep the dish light. This step builds the savory base for the wraps.
Step 3: Add aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger to the cooked beef, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant and release their essential oils. Avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness, as these add the signature Asian-inspired punch. The aroma will fill your kitchen quickly.
Step 4: Sauté the vegetables
Incorporate the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots into the skillet, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until they reach a tender-crisp texture. This keeps the veggies vibrant and adds natural sweetness without sogginess. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Step 5: Simmer with sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture, bringing it to a simmer and cooking for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring until it thickens to a glossy consistency. The cornstarch helps create that perfect clingy sauce. Taste here to ensure the balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Step 6: Finish and season
Stir in most of the sliced green onions, reserving some for topping, and adjust with salt and pepper to taste. This final touch brightens the flavors just before serving. The mixture should be cohesive and aromatic.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Tamari Swap: Opt for tamari instead of soy sauce to make ground beef lettuce wraps gluten-free without losing umami.
- Control the Heat: Adjust Sriracha amount gradually to suit your spice preference and avoid overwhelming the dish.
- Drain Excess Fat: Always remove fat after browning beef for a lighter, less greasy filling.
- Keep Veggies Crisp: Sauté peppers and carrots briefly to maintain their tender-crunch texture.
How to Serve Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
I love topping these ground beef lettuce wraps with extra sliced green onions and a light sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty crunch that enhances the fresh bite. A squeeze of fresh lime adds bright citrus notes, tying into the sauce’s tanginess. These simple additions make each wrap feel polished and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair the wraps with steamed cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb and light, or white rice for heartier appetites. A cool cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides refreshing contrast to the warm filling. These sides round out the meal without much extra effort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family twist, arrange the lettuce cups on a platter and let everyone build their own ground beef lettuce wraps at the table. Layer in extras like chopped peanuts for added crunch, creating an interactive dinner. This presentation keeps the cozy vibe while showcasing the vibrant colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any extra ground beef lettuce wraps filling in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. Separate the lettuce leaves and store them wrapped in a damp paper towel to maintain crispness. This way, assembly stays fresh for quick lunches.
Freezing
Portion the cooked filling into freezer-safe bags, flattening them for easy storage, and freeze for up to 2 months if you want to plan ahead. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using to preserve texture. Avoid freezing the lettuce, as it wilts easily.
Reheating
Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture, stirring until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts covered with a damp paper towel. The oven at 350 degrees works too for even heating without drying out the meat. This keeps the flavors intact for a second meal.
