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Low-Carb Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps (30-Minute Meal) - Fresh, Fast, and Flavor-Packed

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Lettuce: Butter lettuce, romaine hearts, or iceberg leaves for sturdy wraps
  • Ground turkey: 1 to 1.25 pounds (93% lean works well)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Onion: 1 small, finely diced
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: 1/3 cup (to keep the filling juicy)
  • Spices: 1.5 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Lime: 1 lime, cut into wedges (plus zest if you like)
  • Optional add-ins for the filling: 1 small jalapeño (seeded and minced), 1/2 cup diced bell pepper, or a handful of chopped cilantro
  • Toppings: Diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado or guacamole, salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced radishes, pickled onions, chopped cilantro

Method
 

  1. Prep the lettuce: Separate lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Keep the largest, cup-shaped leaves. Chill them in the fridge for extra crunch.
  2. Chop aromatics: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. If using jalapeño or bell pepper, chop those too.
  3. Brown the turkey: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the turkey and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Flavor boost: Add the onion (and jalapeño or bell pepper if using). Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Spice it up: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir to coat the turkey evenly. Toast the spices for 30–60 seconds to deepen the flavor.
  6. Sauce and simmer: Stir in tomato paste, then pour in the broth. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the liquid reduces and the mixture is saucy but not wet. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Finish with lime: Turn off heat and squeeze in a little lime juice. Add chopped cilantro if you like. This brightens everything.
  8. Assemble: Spoon the warm turkey mixture into lettuce cups. Top with tomatoes, avocado, cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Add radishes and pickled onions for crunch and tang.
  9. Serve: Plate 3–4 wraps per person and offer extra lime wedges. Eat immediately while the lettuce is crisp.