Do you love tacos? Me too. Do you love lettuce? Me too! Now take all those wonderful taco fixings, tuck them into a crisp lettuce boat, and BOOM — best of both worlds! And as a bonus, this dish is completely gluten-free. You know what that means… you can enjoy every bite without worrying about, well… you know… gluten.
Why Lettuce?
I know what you’re thinking — why use lettuce as the shell instead of a tortilla? My first answer: I’m just not that into tortillas. If I’m given the choice between a lettuce boat and a tortilla, I’ll choose the lettuce every time. (Unless we’re talking corn tortillas — that’s a whole different story.)
Sure, lettuce boats don’t hold as much as a tortilla, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. Smaller portions mean you’re less likely to go back for seconds or thirds (no judgment, I’ve been there) only to end up tossing part of it because you’re too full. And let’s face it — lettuce feels healthier. Whether or not it actually is depends on what you pile on top, but hey… whatever makes your taste buds happy.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The first time I made this recipe, I was dog- and house-sitting for a friend of my mom’s. I was sitting on the couch, trying to decide what to make for dinner. I thought about homemade mac and cheese, then something else I can’t even remember now, then nachos… and then I stopped.
I remembered I’d been wanting to make taco lettuce wraps for ages but just never got around to it. So I headed into the kitchen and got to work. It was so simple, and the end result? Incredible. The smell alone had me drooling. And the taste — oh, that taste — was even better. It wasn’t just “tacos in lettuce.” The chicken broth really brought out the flavor in the meat, and those onions? Let’s just say I rarely ever cook ground beef without them.
After I went home, I made the dish again for my family — and they loved it. Like no leftovers loved it.
Toppings anyone?
Let’s be honest: toppings can make or break a taco. But that’s the beauty of it — you’re the boss here. Nobody else gets to decide what goes on your taco. Not your brother, not your best friend, not even that one person who insists cilantro tastes like soap.
Only you know what your perfect taco looks like. Maybe it’s loaded with cheese until you can barely see what’s underneath. Maybe it’s all about the crunch with fresh diced onions and shredded lettuce. Or maybe you’re one of those people who swears guacamole belongs on everything (I can’t stand the stuff, but you do you).
The point is, your taco is your creation. If it makes you happy, it belongs there — end of story.
When To Make This Dish
Some dishes leave you wondering when the “right” time to make them is. Lasagna? Probably dinner. Mac and cheese? Lunch or dinner, depending on how fancy you make it. But these taco lettuce wraps? They’re anytime food.
Lunch? Absolutely. Quick dinner when you need food now? Perfect. Even those nights when the kids are hungry but you know they’ll probably refuse anything that isn’t dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets — give it a shot. And if you’re flying solo (maybe dog-sitting for your mom’s friend), this dish is your best friend. It works seven days a week, no questions asked.
Flavor-Packed Taco Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Onion
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 3/4 Cup Chicken Broth
- Romaine Lettuce Leaves
Toppings:
- Cheese
- Diced Tomatoes
- Diced Onion
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until just softened.
- Add the ground beef and season with salt. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the tomato paste and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Double up the lettuce leaves for sturdiness, then fill with the beef mixture and your favorite toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
- Feeling Adventurous?
You could use ground turkey instead of ground beef. - Double Up The Lettuce
Doubling up the lettuce leaves makes the lettuce shell sturdier and won’t break as easily. - Want some heat?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the meat a hint of heat.
What To Serve It With
Wondering what to pair with these Flavor-Packed Taco Lettuce Wraps? Here are some tasty ideas that will turn your meal into a complete feast.
- Mexican Rice
A warm, flavorful classic that balances the crisp lettuce. - Refried Beans
Creamy and comforting alongside the fresh crunch of the wraps. - Grilled Veggies
Some asparagus, broccoli, or even some zucchini
So, whether you’re dog-sitting for a friend, feeding the whole family, or just looking for a quick solo dinner, these taco lettuce wraps have your back. They’re quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable — everything taco night should be. I still smile thinking about the first time I made them while dog-sitting, and how something so simple turned into one of my favorite go-to recipes.
Until Next Time…
Stay Saucy
Hailey 🍝
Pasta-tively Delicious 
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