These Taco Lettuce Wraps are a lighter, fresher twist on the traditional taco. With seasoned ground beef, black beans, and green chiles nestled into crisp romaine leaves, each bite is loaded with flavor without the heaviness of tortillas. Topped with avocado, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime, they’re the perfect wholesome meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Taco Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A low-carb alternative to traditional tacos.
Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes.
Fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor.
Customizable with your favorite taco toppings.
A fun, family-friendly dinner idea.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
3 romaine hearts, washed
Diced tomatoes, avocados, sliced green onions, cilantro, lime slices, cheese (for serving)

Directions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue to cook until fully browned.
Stir in taco seasoning and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Add black beans and green chiles. Stir well and cook until heated through. Remove from heat.
Cut the bottom 2 inches off the romaine hearts and gently separate the leaves.
Spoon the beef mixture into each lettuce cup.
Top with diced tomatoes, avocado, green onions, cilantro, lime slices, cheese, or your favorite taco toppings.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories: 290 kcal per serving (approx.)

Variations

Swap ground beef with ground chicken, ground turkey, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Add corn or diced zucchini for extra vegetables.
Use butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce instead of romaine for a different texture.
Make them spicy by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
Top with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat filling on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Store lettuce leaves separately and assemble wraps just before serving.
Freeze cooked taco filling for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these lettuce wraps ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling in advance, but store the lettuce separately and assemble just before serving.

What lettuce works best for taco wraps?

Romaine, butter lettuce, and iceberg are sturdy and hold the filling well.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, skip the ground beef and add more beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.

How do I keep the lettuce from tearing?

Use whole leaves from the center of the romaine hearts and avoid overfilling them.

Can I make them spicier?

Yes, add hot sauce, fresh jalapeños, or spicy taco seasoning.

Are these keto-friendly?

Yes, if you omit the black beans, the wraps are naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.

Can I serve these with tortillas instead?

Absolutely—this filling works great in flour or corn tortillas too.

What toppings go best with taco lettuce wraps?

Avocado, tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, green onions, salsa, and lime juice are all delicious options.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat just the filling in a skillet or microwave; assemble wraps fresh each time.

Can I freeze the taco filling?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Taco Lettuce Wraps are the perfect mix of fresh, crunchy, and satisfying. They’re quick to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and light enough for a healthy weeknight meal while still delivering all the bold flavors of tacos. A great option for meal prep or family-style dinners, these wraps are sure to become a go-to recipe.

Emma