Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe

This spicy Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe is made with lean ground turkey, classic taco seasonings, and a fresh corn and black bean salsa, all served in crisp lettuce cups. This recipe creates a vibrant, light, and healthy meal that’s packed with flavor and satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun and interactive family meal, and is light enough to serve 4 people.

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps Ingredients

For the Turkey Taco Meat:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salsa:

• 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

For the Wraps:

• 1 large head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
• Avocado, sliced or diced, for serving (optional)

How To Make Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

1. Cook the turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and finely diced yellow onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the turkey is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the seasonings: Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Make the salsa: While the turkey simmers, combine the black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, and fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.
4. Prepare the lettuce cups: Carefully separate the leaves from the head of lettuce. Wash and dry them thoroughly. Arrange the lettuce cups on a serving platter.
5. Assemble and serve: Spoon the warm turkey taco meat into each lettuce cup. Top with a spoonful of the black bean and corn salsa, a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a slice of avocado. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh, crisp lettuce: The best lettuce for these wraps is butter lettuce or iceberg. The leaves are firm, cup-shaped, and provide a satisfying crunch that holds the filling well.
• Make it your own: This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add other fillings like diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or even a different type of cheese like cotija or cheddar.
• Prep ahead: You can cook the turkey taco meat and make the salsa ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just warm the meat and assemble the wraps.
• Drain the fat: Ground turkey can release a lot of liquid and fat. Be sure to drain it well after cooking to prevent your lettuce wraps from getting soggy.

What To Serve Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

These wraps are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, but if you’re looking to add a side, you can serve them with a simple side of tortilla chips and guacamole, or a bowl of Spanish rice. For a lighter touch, serve with a side of sliced cucumber or jicama sticks.

How To Store Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store the leftover turkey taco meat and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the lettuce cups separately as well to keep them crisp. Freeze: The cooked turkey taco meat freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 28g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use ground beef instead of turkey? Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef or ground chicken for the ground turkey. The cooking process and seasonings would be exactly the same.
• Can I make these spicy? Absolutely. For more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture. A few slices of fresh jalapeno on top of the wraps would also do the trick.
• What’s the best way to keep the lettuce crisp? After washing, be sure to dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly. A salad spinner works best, but you can also gently pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will make the wraps soggy.