Print

Healthy and Delicious Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps for a Light Meal

Healthy and Delicious Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps for a Light Meal - Featured Image
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Learn how to make delicious ground beef lettuce wraps healthy. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean or higher for less fat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or pure maple syrup (substitute with a pinch of stevia for lower sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
  • 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and washed
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional but adds brightness)
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts or cashews (optional for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I remember Mama Lu saying, “Don’t rush the sizzle,” so let the oil warm up until it’s shimmering but not smoking—about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This step brings out a sweetness that reminds me of the slow afternoons we spent on the porch watching the sun dip behind the mountains.
  3. Stir in the garlic, diced bell peppers, and shredded carrot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies start to soften but still have a little bite.
  4. Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to cook it fully but avoid overcooking, so it stays juicy like Mama Lu’s Sunday pot roast.
  5. Once the beef is browned, stir everything together and add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar can brighten the whole dish, just like Mama Lu always said, “A pinch of salt and a whole lot of soul.”
  7. To assemble, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture into a lettuce leaf, then top with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of nuts for that satisfying crunch and a touch of earthiness.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, savory goodness that feels both light and hearty—a perfect balance reminiscent of those mountain meals shared with family.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/ground-beef-lettuce-wraps-healthy/