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Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps With Avocado & Salsa – Fresh, Fast, and Flavorful

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef (1 pound, 85–90% lean)
  • Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce (1 large head, leaves separated)
  • Avocados (1–2 ripe, diced or sliced)
  • Tomatoes (2 medium, diced) or your favorite jarred salsa
  • Red onion (1 small, finely chopped)
  • Fresh cilantro (small bunch, chopped)
  • Lime (1–2, for juice and wedges)
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced) or garlic powder
  • Taco seasoning (store-bought 1 packet, or make your own)
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Jalapeño (optional, for heat)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional topping)
  • Shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or Mexican blend)

Method
 

  1. Prep the produce. Separate and rinse the lettuce leaves, then pat them dry. Dice tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Chop cilantro and set everything aside.
  2. Make a quick salsa. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and jalapeño to taste. Stir and let it sit while you cook the beef. If using jarred salsa, just open and taste for seasoning.
  3. Season the avocado. Dice or slice the avocado and toss with a little lime juice and salt. This keeps it bright and prevents browning.
  4. Brown the beef. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add a drizzle of oil, then the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
  5. Add aromatics and spices. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add taco seasoning (or 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper). If your seasoning calls for water, add it now and simmer until slightly thickened.
  6. Taste and adjust. Add a squeeze of lime and a pinch more salt if needed. If the beef looks greasy, drain excess fat.
  7. Assemble the wraps. Lay out the lettuce leaves. Spoon in warm beef, then top with avocado and salsa. Add cheese or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like.
  8. Serve immediately. Finish with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Eat by folding the lettuce around the filling like a taco.