Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
All the flavor of taco night with crisp lettuce cups instead of tortillas. Homemade seasoning, lean turkey and fresh toppings in 20 minutes.
Taco night does not need to be heavy. These turkey taco lettuce wraps use lean ground turkey with a homemade taco seasoning, served in crisp lettuce leaves with fresh pico de gallo and avocado.
They are ready in about 20 minutes and naturally low in carbs. Keep a few tortillas on the side for anyone who wants them.
At a glance: this turkey taco lettuce wraps serves 4, needs about 10 min of hands-on prep and 10 min of cooking, and provides roughly 300 calories and 27 g of protein per serving. It is naturally gluten-free.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Low-carb and high in protein
- Homemade taco seasoning
- Fun, family-friendly dinner
About this taco lettuce wrap
Tacos are one of the most popular weeknight dinners, and serving the filling in crisp lettuce leaves is an easy way to make them lighter and lower in carbohydrates. The cool, crunchy lettuce contrasts beautifully with warm, spiced meat and fresh toppings.
This recipe uses lean ground turkey seasoned with a homemade taco blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic and oregano, simmered briefly with a little tomato sauce. Fresh pico de gallo, avocado and Greek yogurt finish the wraps.
They are ready in about 20 minutes and perfect for family taco nights. Keep a few warm tortillas on the side for anyone who prefers them.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Ground turkey. 93% lean turkey has the best balance of flavor and leanness. Ground chicken or lean beef also work.
- Taco seasoning. Homemade taco seasoning avoids the sugar, starch and excess salt in some packets. Make extra and keep it in a jar.
- Tomato sauce. A little tomato sauce helps the spices coat the meat. Use water or broth if you do not have any.
- Lettuce. Romaine hearts are sturdy, butter lettuce forms nice cups, and iceberg is the crunchiest.
- Pico de gallo. Fresh pico de gallo adds acidity and freshness. Store-bought fresh salsa is a good shortcut.
- Greek yogurt. It replaces sour cream, adding creaminess and protein.
Equipment you'll need
- A large skillet
- A wooden spoon for breaking up the meat
- A salad spinner for the lettuce
- Small bowls for toppings
How to make it, step by step
Prepare the lettuce
Separate, wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly. Chill them in the fridge so they are crisp and refreshing.
Brown the turkey with onion
Cook the turkey and onion together, breaking the meat into small crumbles, until browned.
Toast the spices
Add the taco seasoning and cook for a minute so the spices become fragrant.
Simmer to thicken
Add tomato sauce and simmer for a couple of minutes until the mixture is thick and saucy, not watery.
Assemble
Spoon the meat into lettuce leaves and add pico de gallo, avocado, Greek yogurt and a little cheese.
Recipe
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
Mexican · Dinner · Gluten-Free · High-Protein
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- Taco seasoning: 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce or water
- 1 head romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 cup (180 g) pico de gallo
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded cheddar, optional
- Lime wedges and cilantro, to serve
Instructions
- Brown the turkey. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and onion and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned.
- Season. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
- Simmer. Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble. Spoon the meat into lettuce leaves and top with pico de gallo, avocado, Greek yogurt and cheese.
- Serve. Finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
Nutrition values are estimates calculated from typical ingredient data and will vary with the exact products and quantities you use.
Tips for success
- Romaine hearts are sturdy and easy to hold.
- Make a double batch of taco seasoning and keep it in a jar.
- Drain any excess fat after browning if needed.
Troubleshooting
- The wraps are soggy. Dry the lettuce well and let excess liquid evaporate from the filling.
- The meat is dry. Add a little more tomato sauce or broth.
- The lettuce tears. Use romaine hearts or double up the leaves.
- The tacos are too spicy. Reduce the chili powder and serve with plenty of yogurt.
Variations
- Vegetarian. Use lentils or crumbled tofu instead of turkey.
- Taco bowls. Serve the meat over brown rice with beans and salsa.
- Spicy. Add chipotle powder or fresh jalapeño.
What to serve with it
Serve the wraps with Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad or a side of guacamole and tortilla chips.
For a taco bar, place the filling in the center of the table with bowls of toppings and let everyone build their own.
Make ahead and storage
Cook the taco meat up to four days ahead and store it in the fridge, or freeze it for up to three months. Reheat and assemble with fresh lettuce and toppings.
Refrigerate the taco meat for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Assemble the wraps fresh.
Is it healthy?
These lettuce wraps are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Using lettuce instead of tortillas reduces calories and adds crunch and freshness.
Avocado adds healthy fats and fiber, while Greek yogurt keeps the toppings light.
Nutrition information is an estimate for general guidance only and is not medical or dietary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What lettuce is best for taco lettuce wraps?
Romaine hearts, butter lettuce or iceberg all work. Romaine is the sturdiest.
Can I use ground chicken?
Yes. Ground chicken works exactly the same way.
Is ground turkey healthier than beef for tacos?
Lean ground turkey generally contains less saturated fat than ground beef.
Can I make these with ground beef?
Yes. Use lean ground beef and drain any excess fat.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes. Use lentils, crumbled tofu or a plant-based crumble.
How many wraps per person?
Three to four wraps per person.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if your spices and sauce are gluten-free.
Can I meal prep taco lettuce wraps?
Store the meat and toppings separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What cheese is best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack or crumbled cotija.
How do I keep lettuce crisp?
Wrap dry leaves in paper towels and store them in a bag in the fridge.
Can I add beans to the filling?
Yes. Black beans or pinto beans make it more filling.
How many calories are in a serving?
About 300 calories per serving.
Can kids eat lettuce wraps?
Yes. Many children enjoy building their own.
What salsa goes best?
Pico de gallo, salsa verde or mango salsa.
Can I use this filling for burrito bowls?
Yes. Serve it over rice with beans and vegetables.
Can I freeze the taco meat?
Yes, for up to three months.
How do I make the taco meat juicier?
Use 93% lean turkey rather than extra-lean, do not overcook it, and simmer it briefly with tomato sauce or a splash of broth.
What other toppings can I add?
Pickled red onions, sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, jalapeños, corn, black beans or a squeeze of lime.
Can I make these for a party?
Yes. Keep the meat warm in a slow cooker and arrange lettuce leaves and toppings on platters for guests to assemble.
Can I use taco shells instead?
Yes. Hard corn taco shells or warm soft tortillas both work with the same filling.
What is in homemade taco seasoning?
This recipe uses chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano and salt. You can add onion powder, cayenne or a pinch of cinnamon to customize it.
Can I make the wraps ahead for lunch?
Pack the taco meat in one container and the lettuce, pico and yogurt in others. Warm the meat if you can, then assemble just before eating.
How do I stop the filling from falling out?
Use cupped butter lettuce or sturdy romaine hearts, do not overfill them, and fold the sides of the leaf in like a soft taco.
Final thoughts
This turkey taco lettuce wraps takes about 20 min from start to finish and serves 4. It is gluten-free and high-protein, and it is easy to adapt with the variations above. If you make it, adjust the seasoning to your taste and make a note of what you changed, so the next batch is exactly how you like it. Looking for more ideas? Browse all our dinner recipes or the full recipe index.