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Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps on grey plates with a fork and onions on the side.
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5 from 1 vote

Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are packed with flavor and nutrients. Lean ground beef, crisp lettuce, and homemade sauce come together in one meal.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Diet: Low Lactose
Servings: 4
Author: Bailey Rhatigan

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients

Ground Beef Filling

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 Jalapeño, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 1 8 oz can water chestnuts drained and chopped drained and chopped
  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped for garnish
  • bibb lettuce or iceberg
  • ¼ cup peanuts, chopped optional for garnish
  • 1 cup white rice, cooked optional for serving

Lettuce Wrap Sauce

  • ⅓ cup soy sauce, low sodium or tamari
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp water

Instructions

  • If using rice, cook the rice according to the package. This typically takes 20 minutes. 
  • Heat a large skillet on medium heat, spritz with oil and add ground beef, seasonings, jalapeños and bell peppers. Brown everything for about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic, ginger. and water chestnuts. Sauté for another 3 minutes. 
  • While things are simmering, make the sauce. Whisk the soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, water and cornstarch together. 
  • Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Let it come to a simmer and thicken for a minute or two. Take the beef mix off the heat and set aside. 
  • Build the lettuce wraps! I typically use two lettuce cups for more support. Layer the rice lightly, add the ground beef and garnish with a little chopped peanuts & green onions(optional). 

Notes

  • Chop up everything finely. From the onions and water chestnuts to the peanuts and green onions, this help incorporate all the flavors and make sure you get it all in one bite.
  • Use sturdy wide lettuce for serving and double the leaves. This will help with keeping things together. Also don't overstuff! 
  • Be sure to cook the beef through. This way you can drain any excess fat from the beef if there is any before adding the sauce is desired.
  • The sauce for ground beef lettuce wraps can be made up to 24 hours in advanced and stored in a sealed container in the fridge. Be sure to whisk it before cooking with it as the cornstarch can settle. 
  • Make It Healthier! Use cauliflower rice or skip the rice if you want to cut some calories down and make it low carb.
  • Store leftover ground beef in a an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 3 lettuce cups | Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1294mg | Potassium: 610mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1132IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 4mg