When you’re craving that greasy taco from Taco Bell, but you don’t want all the extra calories and carbs, reach for this healthy Mexican Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe instead!
It’s perfect if you’re trying to watch carbs and losing weight on the 17 Day Diet or Keto Diet.
Plus, this taco lettuce wraps recipe is super versatile, and if you keep reading, I’ll give you ideas on ingredients you can add, ingredients you can substitute and additional toppings to make your lettuce wrap tacos scream with flavor!
Ingredients for Mexican Beef Lettuce Tacos
This is a simple recipe and one I use myself all the time. It’s basically lean beef and seasonings! Here’s the short list:
- Lean Ground Beef
- Cumin Powder
- Oregano
- Chili Powder
- Garlic and Onion Powder
- Red Chili Flakes (optional)
- Your favorite lettuce leaves (Bibb, Boston, Iceberg, etc)
Additional Optional Ingredients for Lettuce Tacos
If you want to add more ingredients to your meat mixture, here are a few ideas:
- Diced Onion
- Diced Bell Pepper
- Diced Pablano Pepper
- Jalapeno Pepper
- Hot Sauce (i.e. Tabasco)
- Chipotle Seasoning (I like this salt-free brand)
Toppings for Mexican Lettuce Wraps
The sky is the limit when it comes to stuffing your lettuce tacos! Here are a few ideas for toppings for your beef lettuce tacos:
- Tomatoes
- Cheese
- Olives
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Onion
- Cilantro
Protein Substitutions for Beef Lettuce Tacos
If you’re not a fan of ground beef taco lettuce wraps or want to switch the protein out every once in a while, here are a few suggestions:
- Ground Chicken
- Shredded Chicken Breast
- Ground Turkey
- Ground Pork
- Shredded Pork Roast
- Shrimp
- White Fish
- Black Beans
- Tofu
17 Day Diet Lettuce Tacos
If you happen to be on the 17 Day Diet, this Mexican Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe can be eaten “as-is” on cycles 2 and 3 when beef is allowed.
If you want to use this recipe for cycle 1, it’s easy – just use chicken or turkey!
Take a look at the 17 Day Diet Cycle 1 Food List for an easy reference on which foods are allowed in this cycle.
Can I Have Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps on the 17 Day Kickstart Diet?
Yes, you sure can! Beef is allowed starting in the 10-Day Stabilize Phase on the 17 Day Kickstart Diet.
If you want to use this recipe during either the 3-Day Scrub or 4-Day Soak Up Phases, simply use chicken, turkey, fish or a vegetarian-based protein and you’re good to go.
Keep an eye on your toppings while on the Kickstart Diet. Cheese is allowed starting on Day 10 as well as some dairy.
If you have these lettuce wraps earlier in the diet, make sure your topping are compliant.
If you’re not sure which foods are allowed when, make sure you check out my 17 Day Kickstart Diet Food List.
Keto Lettuce Tacos
If you are losing weight with the Keto Diet, you can definitely use this Mexican Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe and do just fine.
I’d opt for a higher fat content beef and make sure all of your condiments for toppings are full fat.
Lastly, double check that any seasonings you use, especially the store-bought mixed seasonings do not contain sugar.
Low Carb Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipes
If you really love keeping your meals low carb, consider these other lettuce wraps recipes:
Other Low Carb Mexican Inspired Recipes
If you’re a Mexican food lover like me and enjoy this Mexican Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe, you might want to try these other recipes:
If you enjoy this recipe, please come back to review the recipe card below. If you’re on social media, make sure you tag me @17ddblog so I can see your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1-2 teaspoons Cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- Garlic and Onion Powder to taste
- Red Chili Flakes (optional)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Water
- Your favorite lettuce leaves (Bibb, Boston, Iceberg, etc)
- Olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Tomatoes
- Cheese
- Olives
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Onion
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Drizzle a little olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat.
- Add beef to the skillet and break it up using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Allow the beef to cook until the beef is no longer pink.
- Add the cumin, Oregano, chili powder, onion and garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Add a little bit of water to the skillet and mix again.
- Lower the heat to low, and allow the mixture to fully cook and combine flavors until the water evaporates, about 2 minutes or so.
- Add beef taco mixture to lettuce leaves and top with your favorite condiments.
Notes
Approved for:
17 Day Diet – Cycles 2 and 3 (for cycle 1, use turkey or chicken instead)
17 Day Kickstart Diet – 10-Day Stabilize Phase (earlier phases, use chicken or turkey instead)
Keto Diet
Recommended Products
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I’ve been loving the 17 Day Diet since 2011. I love sharing my favorite healthy recipes and meal plans to keep you motivated and on the right path to success!
When I’m not hanging out here, I enjoy quick trips to the Oregon Coast, designing my jewelry line and watching Outlander!
Are you new to the 17 Day Diet? Check out my latest book, Fast Track Your Weight Loss With The 17 Day Diet on Amazon! (aff link)
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