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Light and flavorful  Garlic and Smoked Paprika Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps – a fun, tasty and low calorie dinner.

Ground beef lettuce wrap topped with shredded lettuce, three avocado slices, two tomato slices, and cilantro on a large plate

These Garlic and Smoked Paprika Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are my answer to an easy lunch or dinner, especially when life is busy and there’s little time to cook.

The smoked paprika and turmeric were a perfect blend of spices to add to the ground beef. If you’ve never tried smoked paprika, please try it. I love the smoky, rich flavor it brings to many foods.

Why This Recipe Works

  • These ground beef lettuce wraps recipe is flexible. Use either ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey and feel free to add other favorite ingredients to the filling.
  • This delicious and low-calorie dinner can be ready in minutes.
  • A ground beef lettuce wrap makes an absolutely delicious and hearty meal!

Ingredient Notes

See recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  • Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this ground beef lettuce wrap recipe as well as in every other recipe on ZagLeft that calls for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil. It is an unrefined oil and the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains more true olive taste. It also contains more of the vitamins and minerals found in olives. It’s my favorite type of olive oil to use but you may use a lighter olive oil instead.
  • Ground beef: Feel free to use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork instead.
  • Garlic: For flavor.
  • Seasonings: Ground turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Lettuce leaves: I prefer using romaine because it is sturdier, but iceberg or bibb lettuce works well too. You may also use tortillas if you prefer.
  • Toppings: Avocado, tomato, cabbage or coleslaw, shredded cheddar cheese.

A closeup of a Ground beef lettuce wrap topped with shredded lettuce, three avocado slices, two tomato slices, and cilantro on a large plate

How To Make This Recipe

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet on medium high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pan stirring to break up pieces.
  3. Add in the garlic, turmeric, paprika, salt and pepper and stir occasionally until ground beef is completely browned.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Place a scoop of the ground beef into each lettuce leaf.
  6. Top with slices of avocado, tomato and shredded cabbage.
  7. Finish with cheese, if desired.

Expert Tips

  • When purchasing spices, I like to try to buy all my spices in the bulk aisle. It’s so much cheaper to buy this way.
  • Make a meatless lettuce wrap by substituting beans and omitting the ground beef. Use any beans you like; black beans, red kidney beans, or garbanzo beans will all go well in this lettuce wrap.
  • Feel free to add your favorite toppings and sauces. Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy avocado sauce would be a nice addition.
  • Pairs well with a light and fruity sauvignon blanc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use A Different Ground Meat In This Lettuce Wrap Recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey, ground chicken, and ground pork make excellent substitutions.

How Long Will Garlic and Smoked Paprika Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps Last?

Wraps last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Overhead view of a Ground beef lettuce wrap topped with shredded lettuce, three avocado slices, two tomato slices, and cilantro on a large plate next to a glass of white wine

Enjoy!


Garlic and Smoked Paprika Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Light and flavorful California inspired Garlic and Smoked Paprika Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps - a fun, tasty and low calorie dinner.

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6-8 leaves wide lettuce (I prefer using romaine because it is sturdier but iceberg or bibb lettuce work well too)

TOPPING

  • 1 avocado , sliced
  • 1 roma tomato , sliced
  • 1/2 cup cabbage or coleslaw , shredded
  • cheddar cheese , shredded (optional)

Instructions 

  • Heat olive oil in a medium skillet on medium high heat.
  • Add the ground beef to the pan stirring to break up pieces. Add in the garlic, turmeric, paprika, salt and pepper and stir occasionally until ground beef is completely browned.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Place a scoop of the ground beef into each lettuce leaf.
  • Top with slices of avocado, tomato and shredded cabbage.
  • Finish with cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.

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