Unleash an explosion of flavors with our 30-minute Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps! This incredibly quick and satisfying recipe pairs savory, seasoned ground beef with aromatic coconut-lime jasmine rice, crisp fresh vegetables, and tangy quick “pickled” shallots. It’s an ideal choice for a healthy, delicious, and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will adore.
For an even more complete and refreshing meal, consider pairing these delightful wraps with a light cucumber salad or a vibrant Panzanella salad. Both options complement the rich flavors of the beef while adding a refreshing contrast.
The Best Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps for a Flavorful & Fast Dinner
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been on a serious lettuce wrap kick lately. From Turkey and Buffalo Chicken to Asian Chicken and even Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps, these fresh, customizable meals are simply irresistible. So, it was quite a surprise when I realized I hadn’t yet perfected a classic PF Chang’s-style Beef Lettuce Wrap – a true staple!
After a few rounds of exciting kitchen experiments, I finally cracked the code. The result? A ground beef lettuce wrap recipe that’s not just easy to make, but incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Dare I say, it might even surpass the original inspiration! This recipe has definitely earned a permanent spot in my regular dinner rotation, and I’m confident it will become a favorite in your home too. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and hearty meal without compromising on taste or requiring hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Beef Lettuce Wraps
Crafting these sensational ground beef lettuce wraps relies on a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and a rich, savory sauce. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish so special:
- Aromatic Coconut-Lime Rice: We elevate the humble jasmine rice by cooking it directly in creamy coconut milk, infusing it with a subtle sweetness and velvety texture. A generous squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens everything, creating a perfect, balanced base for our flavorful beef. This unique rice adds depth and makes the meal truly satisfying.
- Flavorful Ground Beef Filling: Our star ingredient, lean ground beef, is cooked to perfection with an aromatic trio of minced garlic, fresh ginger, finely diced carrots, and vibrant green onions. This mixture is then coated in a simple, homemade Asian-inspired sauce that truly brings the dish to life, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness.
- Crisp Lettuce Cups: The best lettuce for wraps needs to be sturdy enough to hold the filling yet tender enough to bite into. Butter lettuce (also known as Boston or Bibb lettuce) is my top recommendation. Its soft, pliable leaves and slightly sweet flavor make it an ideal vessel, offering a satisfying crunch without being too brittle.
- Essential Toppings & Garnishes: These wraps are truly completed with a medley of fresh, vibrant toppings. Quick pickled shallots add a delightful tangy crunch, while crushed nuts (peanuts or cashews) provide a contrasting texture and richness. Fresh herbs like bright cilantro and extra green onions infuse a burst of freshness, tying all the flavors together beautifully. Don’t forget extra lime wedges for a final zesty flourish!
Featured Comment
“Hi there, I love these, what a nice late summer meal that fills you up without loading you up with carbs.”
– Janna
How To Make Flavorful Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps in 30 Minutes
Making these delicious ground beef lettuce wraps is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly fast. Here’s a simple overview of the steps involved, designed to get a fantastic meal on your table in just half an hour:
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Begin by sautéing lean ground beef until beautifully browned. During this step, you’ll infuse it with aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, finely diced carrots, and the white parts of green onions, building a rich flavor foundation.
- Whisk Together the Sauce: While the beef cooks, quickly prepare a simple yet powerful homemade sauce using a blend of savory and slightly sweet ingredients. This sauce is what truly elevates the flavor profile of the wraps.
- Combine and Thicken: Add the prepared sauce to the cooked beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well and let it simmer briefly until the sauce thickens and perfectly coats the beef, creating a juicy and irresistible filling.
- Assemble Your Wraps: Lay out crisp lettuce leaves. First, add a scoop of the fragrant coconut-lime rice, then spoon generous amounts of the saucy ground beef mixture on top of the rice.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Crown your wraps with a variety of fresh and crunchy toppings. This includes the quick pickled shallots, crushed nuts (like peanuts or cashews), and fresh herbs such as cilantro and the green parts of green onions. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice!
- Serve and Enjoy!: Present your beautifully assembled lettuce wraps and let everyone customize them further with additional lime wedges. These wraps are best enjoyed fresh, offering a burst of textures and flavors in every bite.
This streamlined process ensures that even on your busiest days, a fresh, homemade, and incredibly tasty meal is always within reach!
Smart Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Can You Make Lettuce Wraps Ahead of Time?
- Yes, absolutely! Ground beef lettuce wraps are excellent for meal prepping. To prepare them ahead, cook the beef filling and its delicious sauce, then store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Assemble your wraps just before eating with fresh, crisp lettuce leaves and your chosen toppings. This method ensures that everything stays fresh and tastes fantastic!
- Freezing Leftovers: If you have any leftover cooked beef filling and sauce, you can easily freeze them. Store the beef mixture in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. It’s crucial not to freeze the lettuce and fresh toppings, as they will lose their texture and vibrancy upon thawing. Always prepare fresh lettuce and toppings when you plan to enjoy your frozen beef filling. Thaw the frozen beef filling in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat thoroughly before serving.
Quick Tip: Choosing the Best Lettuce for Your Wraps
Selecting the right lettuce is key to a perfect lettuce wrap experience. The most commonly used varieties include Iceberg, Green Leaf, and Butter lettuce (such as Boston or Bibb). Each offers a slightly different profile:
- Iceberg Lettuce: Known for its exceptional crispness, iceberg is often favored for traditional Asian-style wraps. However, its brittle nature means it can sometimes break easily when loaded with filling.
- Green Leaf Lettuce: Offers a slightly softer texture than iceberg and is generally easier to roll without tearing. It has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the filling.
- Butter Lettuce (Boston or Bibb): This is my personal favorite and highly recommended for these ground beef lettuce wraps. Its leaves are naturally pliable, making them incredibly easy to roll and less prone to breaking. Butter lettuce also boasts a wonderfully tender texture and a subtle, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the savory beef filling. It provides an excellent balance of crispness and flexibility.
Ultimately, the best lettuce depends on your personal preference for texture and ease of handling. For a hassle-free and delicious wrap, butter lettuce is hard to beat!
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Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Chelsea Lords
20 minutes
10 minutes
30 minutes
2
servings
Equipment
- Large nonstick pan
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup jasmine rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can lite coconut milk
- Salt and pepper
- 2 to 3 juicy limes divided
- 1 small shallot cut into thin rings
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 head Boston lettuce
- 1 large carrot diced, heaping 1/2 cup
- 2 to 3 green onions divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1-1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon beef stock or broth, divided
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar lightly packed
- Serving suggestions see note 1
Instructions
- Prepare Coconut-Lime Rice & Pickled Shallots: In a small saucepan, combine the jasmine rice, coconut milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently until all the coconut milk is fully absorbed, which typically takes about 10–15 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let the rice stand, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes (or until the rest of your meal is ready). After resting, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Meanwhile, thinly slice the shallot into delicate rings, place them in a small bowl, and pour in the rice vinegar. Set aside, stirring occasionally to allow the shallots to quick pickle.
- Prep Remaining Ingredients: Mince your garlic and peel the fresh ginger, then mince it finely to get 1 packed teaspoon of each. Using fresh ginger and garlic is crucial here, as jarred or tubed versions can burn quickly under high heat. Thoroughly rinse the Boston lettuce leaves and pat them completely dry with paper towels; moisture can make the wraps soggy. Peel the carrot and dice it into small, uniform pieces. Thinly slice the green onions, separating the white and light green sections from the darker green tops. Finally, pat the lean ground beef dry with a paper towel to ensure it browns effectively.
- Cook the Beef and Prepare the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté, stirring continuously, until they become fragrant, typically about 30 seconds to 1 minute (be careful not to let them burn, as this can make them bitter). Add the ground beef to the pan and season it generously to taste (I recommend 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper). Increase the heat to high; cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned on the outside, which takes approximately 5 minutes. While the beef is cooking, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of beef stock in a small bowl until smooth. Then, add the remaining 1/4 cup beef stock, reduced-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and light brown sugar to the cornstarch mixture. Whisk everything until the sauce is completely smooth.
- Finish the Beef Mixture: To the browned beef in the pan, add the diced carrot and the white sections of the green onions. Stir the mixture and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp. If there’s any excess fat in the pan, carefully drain it off or dab it away with a paper towel. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir constantly for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats all the beef and vegetables, creating a glossy, rich filling.
- Assemble and Serve: Carefully lay out your crisp Boston lettuce leaves on serving plates. Distribute even amounts of the fragrant coconut-lime rice onto each lettuce cup. Spoon a generous portion of the saucy ground beef mixture on top of the rice. To garnish, sprinkle the wraps with crushed peanuts or cashews, and the quick pickled shallots (remember to drain and discard any excess liquid from the shallots). Finish with a vibrant scattering of the green onion tops and finely chopped fresh cilantro. Arrange plenty of fresh lime wedges alongside the plates, encouraging everyone to drizzle additional lime juice over their wraps just before eating for an extra burst of zesty flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Storage & Meal Prep: These lettuce wraps are fantastic for making ahead. Prepare the beef filling and its savory sauce, then store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just before serving, reheat the beef mixture gently and assemble the wraps with fresh, crisp lettuce leaves and your chosen toppings. This method ensures optimal freshness and taste. To freeze leftovers, store the cooked beef filling and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Do not freeze the lettuce and fresh toppings; these should always be prepared fresh. Thaw the frozen beef filling overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before assembling your wraps.
Nutrition
Calories: 590kcal |
Carbohydrates: 42.1g |
Protein: 55g |
Fat: 22.6g |
Cholesterol: 136.5mg |
Sodium: 828.4mg |
Fiber: 5.6g |
Sugar: 9.6g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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