Keto Taco Lettuce Wraps

These quick and easy 20-minute keto taco lettuce wraps are super flavorful, high in protein, and low-carb. They have 30 grams of protein and are made with ground turkey. The perfect healthy weeknight dinner and meal prep recipe.

High protein and saucy turkey taco lettuce wraps

Tacos are my favorite food. They’re simply the best. They are always satisfying, filling, and flavor-packed. These are my favorite Baja shrimp tacos. But let’s be honest, it’s hard to find a great keto taco recipe. That’s why you need to try these low-carb turkey taco lettuce wraps. They are keto-friendly, filling, and so flavorful.

This healthy take on traditional turkey ranchero tacos will soon be your new favorite dinner recipe! Each lettuce taco is light and filled with an incredibly juicy and cheesy turkey filling. You only need healthy ingredients like ground turkey, iceberg lettuce, onion, bell pepper, taco seasoning, cilantro, lime, and salsa. Plus, they are ready in under 20 minutes, which makes them the perfect weeknight dinner and meal prep.

These keto lettuce wraps are gluten-free, healthy, low-carb, and high-protein. Your kids will love them, and they’re super easy to make.

Why you’ll love this keto recipe:

• Quick & Easy: These taco lettuce cups are ready in under 15 minutes.
• Healthy: They are made with simple and wholesome ingredients and without sugar.
• 100% Gluten-Free: These turkey lettuce wraps are gluten-free.
• High Protein: Packed with 30 grams of protein per serving!
• Low-Carb: They are served in lettuce cups, not flour or corn tortillas, so they’re only 4 net carbs.
• Make it Dairy-Free: You can make these taco lettuce wraps dairy-free by substituting the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
• Fresh and Crunchy: The lettuce is crisp and refreshing compared to the hearty and saucy filling.
• Easy Meal Prep: Easily make these ahead of time for meal prep.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the turkey taco filling for up to 3 months.
• Other Mexican-Inspired Keto Recipe: Try these cilantro lime chicken burgers or these chicken fajita tacos served in lettuce cups next!

Ingredients and substitutions

We only use healthy and simple ingredients for these saucy and cheesy turkey taco lettuce cups. There are no added sugar or random ingredients in this recipe! Here is a list of ingredients so you have every prepared:

• Iceberg Lettuce: Instead of high-carb tortillas, we use 8 large leaves of iceberg lettuce.
• Ground Turkey: You can use 94% or 99% lean ground turkey. If needed, substitute the turkey with ground chicken or ground beef.
• Olive Oil: To saute the onions and peppers. You can also use avocado oil.
• Onion: I used yellow onion for a sharp but sweet taste. You can also use white, sweet, or red onion.
• Bell Pepper: We used a red bell pepper for the taco filling; however, you can use yellow or orange too. Green bell peppers work as well, but they have a more “bitter” taste.
• Taco Seasoning: For all those delicious flavors! You can also use fajita seasoning or make your own.
• Salt & Pepper: For all those delicious flavors.
• Salsa: To make the turkey filling saucy and delicious. Make sure to grab salsa with no added sugars or use diced tomatoes.
• Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro!
• Lime: For a tangy and zesty flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Use sharp cheddar or Mexican blend to make the taco filling super cheesy. You can substitute it with other shredded cheeses.
• Toppings: Try fresh guacamole, fresh salsa, Greek yogurt, sour cream, cilantro, or sliced green onion.

How to make keto taco lettuce wraps

These keto lettuce wraps are incredibly easy to make and stuffed with a cheesy turkey taco filling. This recipe is healthy and 100% gluten-free since we use lettuce cups instead of corn or flour tortillas. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions for any level cook:

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add finely diced yellow onion and diced red bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Step 2:

While the onions and peppers are cooking, cut the core off the lettuce head, wash the lettuce leaves, and then break off all the large leaves. Place them on a paper towel to dry.

Step 3:

Add taco seasoning, salt, pepper, salsa, and fresh cilantro when the turkey is no longer pink. Simmer on LOW for an additional 5 minutes. Then, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. TIP: If you want a saucier taco filling, add up to ¼ cup more of the salsa. The filling should not be dry.

Step 4:

Turn off the heat, add the lime juice, and mix in the shredded cheese until it’s melted.

Step 5:

Fill the lettuce cups with the turkey ranchero mixture. Top with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese. Serve immediately with salsa, sliced avocado, Greek yogurt, sour cream, guacamole, or chips. Enjoy!

Expert recipe tips:

1. Choose quality lettuce leaves: Romaine, iceberg, or butterhead lettuce all work well. Pick large, sturdy lettuce leaves that can hold the filling without tearing.
2. Avoid soggy lettuce: Ensure that the lettuce leaves are completely dry after washing. Excess moisture can lead to soggy wraps. You can even pat them dry gently with a paper towel if needed.
3. Make them saucier: Add up to 1/4 cup of salsa to the turkey mixture if you love a saucy taco filling. It’s delicious!
4. Meal prep them: We love meal prep in our family, and you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time and store extra for meal prep. Simply store the turkey filling separately from the lettuce and assemble when you are ready to enjoy. Don’t reheat the lettuce, or else it will be soggy.
5. Use ground chicken or beef: We used ground turkey in these keto taco lettuce wraps because it is a great lean, healthy protein. You can certainly use ground chicken or ground beef too.

What to serve with lettuce wraps:

Here is a list of what to serve with these flavorful and healthy keto taco lettuce wraps:

• Cauliflower Rice: A popular low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add richness and healthy fats.
• Avocado Salsa: A mix of diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice makes for a refreshing and healthy side that pairs perfectly with the wraps.
• Roasted Veggies: Serve them with roasted vegetables like crispy bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower.
• Jicama Sticks: Jicama sticks are crisp, slightly sweet, and a perfect option for dipping.
• Keto Chips: If you’re looking for a snack-like side, consider serving the lettuce wraps with cheese crisps.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt Dip: Serve with a bowl of sour cream or Greek yogurt seasoned with taco seasoning.
• Green Salad: Try a simple green salad with fresh lettuce, herbs, and a light vinaigrette.
• Zucchini Fries: Baked or air-fried zucchini fries coated in a parmesan and herb mixture make for a satisfying and crunchy side dish.
• Tomato and Cucumber Slices: Keep it simple with fresh slices of tomato and cucumber seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are they healthy?

Yes, these turkey taco lettuce wraps are certainly healthy. First, they are low-carb and keto-friendly. Second, they are made without added suagr and with simple, wholesome ingredients. Third, they are gluten-free. Fourth, they are high in lean protein. Fifth, they are

What’s the best type of lettuce to use?

Iceberg lettuce is the best type of lettuce for lettuce wraps, especially in keto recipes. Romaine lettuce is a close second. Both are sturdy, with crisp leaves that can hold the filling well without tearing.

Can I use butter lettuce?

Yes, you can definitely use butter lettuce for lettuce wraps! Butter lettuce has a tender, delicate leaves that provide a soft and slightly sweet flavor. While it’s not as sturdy as iceberg or romaine lettuce, it can still work well for lighter fillings and a more delicate texture in your wraps. Just be gentle when handling the leaves to prevent tearing.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in keto taco lettuce wraps?

Absolutely. You can use ground beef instead of turkey in these keto taco lettuce wraps. Ground beef provides rich flavor and high-quality protein.

Can I use ground chicken?

Yes, you can also use ground chicken instead of turkey. It is a lean and protein-rich option. I reccomend using 94% lean ground chicken for a juicy and tender filling.

How can I ensure the lettuce wraps don’t get soggy?

To prevent lettuce wraps from becoming soggy, dry the washed leaves well using paper towels. Additionally, assemble the wraps just before serving. If not, the warm taco turkey filling will soften the lettuce.

Is salsa keto-friendly?

Yes, salsa can be keto-friendly if made with low-carb ingredients and no added sugars. Traditional salsa, made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, is generally a good option for a keto diet, but it’s important to check labels or make your own to ensure it aligns with your carb goals.

How many carbs are in ground turkey?

Plain ground turkey (without any added fillers or seasonings) is low in carbohydrates. It contains less than 1 gram of carbs per 3-ounce (85-gram) serving.

Can you freeze taco meat?

You can freeze taco meat for up to 3 months. Simply cool the cooked taco meat, portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers, and label it with the date before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to store and reheat keto lettuce cups:

Storing: Separate the lettuce leaves from the filling to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy, and store them in air-tight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the turkey filling in the microwave for 30 – 60 seconds until warm. Do not heat the lettuce. Assemble your turkey ranchero wraps in cold or room-temperature lettuce cups once the filling is warm, and enjoy!

If you love this recipe, try these next!

• Chicken Fajita Tacos
• Al Pastor Shrimp Tacos
• Mexican Turkey Kale Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
• Taco Stuffed Sweet Potato Boats
• Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

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