Go Back

Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Delicious, quick, and comforting, Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps bring savory flavors wrapped in crisp lettuce, perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15) or swap for ground turkey for a lighter version
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil olive oil lends fruitier notes
  • 1 small onion, finely diced shallots add a sweeter, softer flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced don’t skip this; it’s the backbone of flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional) for a bright, peppery lift
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free version
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar for caramelized sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil adds a nutty finish
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha to taste for a little kick
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper adds color and crunch
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced plus extra for garnish
  • 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg, leaves separated and rinsed
  • to taste optional toppings: chopped cilantro, toasted peanuts, lime wedges, pickled cucumber

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare your workspace: rinse and dry the lettuce leaves, chop veggies, and measure sauces.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
Cooking
  1. When the oil shimmers, add the diced onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Brown the beef for 5–6 minutes.
  4. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce or brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and chili flakes.
  5. Mix in the carrots and bell pepper and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning before folding in sliced scallions.
Serving
  1. Transfer the skillet to the table and serve family-style with lettuce leaves and toppings.

Notes

For variations, swap spinach with kale or use ground turkey for a lighter option. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.