Tex-Mex Lettuce Taco Wraps

Growing up in the south I ate a lot of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. I’ve since created quite a few of my own variations on the humble taco. These lettuce tacos are wrapped with butterleaf or romaine lettuce instead of the traditional corn or wheat shell. They’re paleo, low carb, and keto, and make the perfect weeknight meal.

Subbing in Veggies

I’m always trying to find ways to add more vegetables to meals. I also try to replace the unhealthy or nutrient-lacking parts of traditional recipes with healthier, fresher options when possible.

Some of my favorite ways to do this include:

• Using cabbage for “noodles” in recipes like one pan spaghetti
• Using spiral cut parsnips as “noodles” in recipes like this shrimp lo mein
• Using cucumbers for bread in finger sandwiches
• Dipping cucumber slices (instead of crackers or chips) into a savory smoked salmon dip or radish cream cheese dip
• Using cauliflower in place of rice in recipes like this paella
• Making sweet potato noodles for this shrimp carbonara recipe

Lettuce Wrap Tacos

Out of all the recipes that use veggies instead of grains or processed ingredients, these lettuce tacos have to be the simplest. It takes a lettuce wraps recipe and combines it with the classic taco.

I actually like the lettuce version better now because it gives them a crunch and coolness you don’t find in a regular tortilla. I grew up in Texas and I love the flavors of Mexican food. This recipe is a great way to get the same flavors without the need for white flour or vegetable oils in the tortillas.

If you don’t love lettuce in tacos and prefer an actual tortilla, I’d recommend these homemade grain-free and gluten-free tortillas. Or convert them into nachos with cassava chips like in this BBQ chicken nachos recipe.

Lettuce Tacos Ingredients

This recipe is super simple and there are lots of substitutions available. Healthy recipes that are also versatile are always my favorite. For the meat portion, you can use ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground beef. Throw in some pinto or black beans if you want.

We use a wide variety of fresh toppings on our tacos, including sour cream, avocado, and fresh tomato. Use whatever you have on hand and what your family prefers. If you’re not a fan of raw onions and peppers on your tacos, then feel free to saute them for a bit.

Try some salsa verde or fermented salsa on top of your lettuce tacos for a tasty kick.

I like to use romaine or butter lettuce for the lettuce cups. They hold up better than iceberg lettuce and offer more nutritional value. Butter lettuce also goes by the name bib lettuce and has large, soft leaves that are slightly sweeter than some varieties. Even though it’s tender, it still holds up pretty well as a lettuce wrap.

I use butter lettuce in these Asian lettuce wraps (like P.F. Chang) and these cashew chicken lettuce wraps.

Tex-Mex Lettuce Wrap Tacos

Soft, butter lettuce replaces the traditional tortilla for a cool, grain-free crunchy taco.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Calories 182kcal

Author Katie Wells

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Servings

4 lettuce tacos

1x2x3x

Equipment

• Large skillet

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 3 TBSP ground cumin
• 1 TBSP chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 large leaves butter lettuce (or romaine)

Optional toppings

• diced tomato
• salsa
• diced red onions yellow, or white also work
• sour cream
• shredded cheese
• hot sauce
• guacamole or diced avocado
• jalapenos
• cilantro

Instructions

• In a large skillet, over medium-high heat brown the meat until cooked.
• Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt over the meat and stir well.
• Cool slightly before scooping the taco filling into the lettuce leaves like you would with taco shells.
• Top with desired taco toppings.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Tex-Mex Lettuce Wrap Tacos

Amount Per Serving (1 taco)

Calories 182 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Trans Fat 0.4g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 70mg23%

Sodium 407mg18%

Potassium 557mg16%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 0.4g0%

Protein 26g52%

Vitamin A 1147IU23%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 65mg7%

Iron 6mg33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

If you have it on hand, you could use 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning instead of the listed seasonings. 

(Nutrition info does not include toppings.)

Looking For More Taco Recipes?

Try one of these for your next taco Tuesday night!

• Chicken Taco Soup
• Tacos al Pastor With Pineapple & Cilantro
• Zesty Shrimp Poblano Tacos With Kiwi Salsa
• Grain-Free Taco Bowl
• Fish Tacos in Cabbage Leaves

Do you use vegetables in place of less healthy parts of a recipe? Share your best substitute below!