Turkey Lettuce Wraps make a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to make any night of the week. This recipe is packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices to leave your taste buds satisfied and your body feeling nourished.
Not only are these wraps a great option for a low-carb meal, but you can also put the filling inside a tortilla to make a quick and easy taco, or serve it over rice for a heartier meal. The options are endless with this versatile and delicious filling!
So Many Options With This Recipe!
This Turkey Lettuce Wrap recipe is incredibly versatile. Not only is it a delicious and healthy option for a low-carb meal, but the filling can be used in so many different ways to create a variety of meals. The mixture of ground turkey, diced veggies, and flavorful spices creates a tasty and nutritious filling that can be used in lettuce wraps, tacos, salads, quesadillas, and more. Here are some of our favorite ways to use the filling:
- Inside lettuce wraps: As the recipe suggests, fill firm lettuce leaves with the turkey mixture and add your favorite toppings.
- In tortillas: Warm up or char some tortillas, spoon in the filling, and top with your favorite taco toppings.
- Over rice: Spoon the turkey mixture over cooked rice for a heartier meal.
- In a salad: Chop some romaine and make a salad bowl with the turkey filling on top. Add some fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and avocado. Drizzle with Cilantro-Lime Dressing.
- Inside baked potatoes: Cut open a baked potato and spoon in the turkey mixture for a hearty and filling meal. Top with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped scallions for added flavor.
- Inside quesadillas: Spoon the turkey mixture between two tortillas with some shredded cheese; cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
- In a wrap: Fill a wrap with the turkey mixture, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes for a delicious and filling lunch on the go.
- In nachos: Spoon mixture over chips and add cheese. Bake, and then load up with taco toppings. (Or try these Loaded Taco Fries; they’re one of my favorite recipes!)
- Use it in a burrito bowl: Make some cilantro-lime rice, top it with this meat mixture, add some black beans, and finish it with your favorite burrito bowl toppings.
Quick Tip
Great Meal Prep Option!
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also a great way to meal prep for the week. You can make a big batch of the filling and use it in different ways throughout the week for quick and easy meals.
How To Make Turkey Lettuce Wraps
- Use lean ground turkey: To keep this recipe on the healthy side, it’s important to use lean ground turkey. Look for ground turkey that is labeled 93/7, which means it contains 93% lean meat and 7% fat.
- Customize the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the recipe to your liking. You can add more or less chili powder depending on how spicy you like it, or add in other spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Prep ahead of time: You can save time by prepping the veggies ahead of time. Dice the red pepper and carrots and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Use fresh lettuce: Be sure to use fresh lettuce leaves for the wraps. Wash and dry them well before using so they are crisp and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- Avoid overcooking: Overcooked ground turkey can be dry and flavorless. Use a food thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, but don’t cook it beyond that.
- Use the right lettuce: Boston, butter, and romaine lettuce are great options for lettuce wraps because they have large, sturdy leaves that can hold a good amount of filling.
Turkey Lettuce Wrap Toppings
Here are some topping ideas that would go well with Turkey Lettuce Wraps:
- Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a rich, creamy component to the lettuce wraps. If you want some other type of creaminess, add a scoop of light sour cream.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of fresh and herbaceous flavor to the lettuce wraps.
- Lime wedges: Squeezing a wedge of lime over the lettuce wraps adds a bright and tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory turkey filling.
- Cotija cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor that complements the sweet and spicy flavors of the turkey filling. If you want to keep the recipe dairy free, you can skip the cheese.
- Hot sauce: If you like your food spicy, drizzle some hot sauce over the lettuce wraps to add heat and flavor.
- Cilantro-lime sauce: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld further, making it even more flavorful. It’s definitely our favorite addition to this recipe!
What To Serve With Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Here are some side dish ideas to complement Turkey Lettuce Wraps:
- Quinoa salad: A simple Quinoa Salad is a perfect side dish for lettuce wraps. Or, keep it simple with this easy Everyday Salad Recipe.
- Sweet potato fries: If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful side dish, try making sweet potato fries or a side of these Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Cucumber salad: A refreshing Cucumber Salad is a perfect complement to the rich and savory flavors of the turkey filling.
- Edamame: This is a great source of protein and fiber, and makes a perfect side dish for lettuce wraps. Simply boil frozen edamame according to package directions and season with salt and pepper.
Storage
Storage
To store the Turkey Lettuce Wraps, place the leftover filling in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for three to four days. Store the lettuce leaves separately in a zip-top bag with a paper towel to absorb any moisture.
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the filling in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through; assemble lettuce wraps with your desired toppings.
If you have any leftover cilantro-lime sauce, you can store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for five to seven days. It makes a great addition to salads, tacos, and even as a dip for vegetables or tortilla chips.
More Tasty And Nutrient-Dense Recipes
- Greek Ground Turkey with lemon-parsley rice
- Nourish Bowls with a hot honey sauce
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with black beans
- Vegetarian Sushi Bowls with delicious sushi rice
- Ground Turkey Stir Fry with cabbage and a quick sauce
Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Equipment
- Large cast-iron pan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large red pepper finely diced, 1-1/2 cups
- 2 large carrots peeled and finely diced, 1-1/2 cups
- 1 pound lean ground turkey 93/7
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup corn thawed if frozen
- 1 head Boston lettuce or romaine lettuce or cooked rice, for serving
- Cilantro-lime sauce for serving, see note 1
- Serving suggestions see note 2
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1-1/2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder see note 2
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- If making wraps, gently wash and dry individual lettuce leaves and let them stand to fully dry while making the filling. If serving over rice, prepare the rice.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add diced carrot and pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until beginning to soften. Press to the edges and add ground turkey into the center of the pan. Add all seasonings listed under "Seasoning Mix."
- Crumble meat into small pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 5–8 minutes. While cooking and crumbling, incorporate the veggies. Add tomato sauce, black beans, and corn. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. (This is where the flavor is!) Let simmer 3–5 minutes or until fully cooked through, then remove from heat to let slightly cool.
- Scoop a big spoonful of filling into prepared lettuce wraps or over prepared rice. Top with your favorites—I love a diced avocado, a sprinkle of cotija, a squeeze of lime, and lots of cilantro-lime sauce. Enjoy promptly!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
