Can I make these wraps vegetarian — or better yet, vegan?

Totally. Honestly, you might not even miss the beef. Crumbled tofu or tempeh works wonders if you brown it properly. A splash of soy sauce, some sesame oil, maybe a dash of miso? Suddenly it’s not “the meatless version” — it’s just good . Cooked lentils are great too if you're in the mood for something softer and earthier.

What lettuce won’t fall apart on me?

Butter lettuce is the MVP — soft, sturdy, and shaped like nature meant it for wrapping. Romaine’s your backup: more crunch, less curve. Iceberg? Eh. It’s the flaky friend who bails under pressure. You can use it, just double up the leaves and lower your expectations.

Can I prep this ahead for a dinner party?

Yes, and you’ll look smarter than you feel. Cook the filling earlier in the day (or even the night before), then keep it warm in a slow cooker. Lay out the lettuce and toppings buffet-style, and boom — you’ve got a build-your-own wrap bar that feels almost fancy without any actual fuss.

Will it blow my head off with spice?

Not unless you want it to. The base flavor is mild and mellow. But if you live for heat, go wild with sriracha, chili oil, or fresh sliced peppers. It’s a choose-your-own-fire adventure.

Will my kids eat this?

Honestly? You’ve got a shot. Kids love anything hands-on, and if you keep the toppings fun — think grated carrots, a tiny drizzle of hoisin, even a sprinkle of crushed peanuts — it becomes a build-it-yourself experience they actually enjoy. Just keep it mild and let them run the show.

Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps That Actually Taste Amazing

Description

These ground beef lettuce wraps are the ultimate weeknight lifesaver — quick, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy. With bold, customizable flavor and minimal cleanup, they’re perfect for busy home cooks who want a fast, satisfying meal without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (85/15)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sriracha (optional)
1 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, chopped (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
Butter lettuce or romaine leaves, washed and dried
Optional toppings: shredded carrots, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, chili oil

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Instructions

Rinse and thoroughly dry lettuce leaves. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Stir in tamari, rice vinegar, sriracha, and honey. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Mix in water chestnuts and green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Spoon mixture into lettuce cups. Top with your favorite add-ons and serve immediately.

Notes

Make the beef filling ahead and reheat for easy meal prep.
Swap beef for ground turkey, tofu, or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Store filling and lettuce separately for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 wraps
Calories: 310
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 70mg