Turkey Lettuce Wraps are a repeat recipe around here. The filling comes together fast, packs in flavor, and can be used in so many ways all week long!
Author’s Notes
The “Not a Salad Guy” Test
My husband loves a hearty dinner. He’s not really a salad guy (unless there’s meat or quinoa involved), and he’d happily eat potatoes with every meal.
So honestly, I wasn’t sure lettuce wraps would be his thing. But, after keeping it to myself for a week of lunches, I was way too excited about this recipe not to try it. Turns out, he was fully obsessed. This one got way more comments than usual and disappeared fast. (My kids loved it too, though I served the filling over rice for them.)
After it was such a hit, I made the filling again for meal prep the next week and used it in all kinds of dinners. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes that works with whatever you’re craving.
Here are a few favorite ways I served it:
- Burrito bowls: Start with cilantro-lime rice, add the meat, beans, and your favorite toppings.
- In tortillas: Fill tortillas, roll up, char on the stovetop, and add your favorite toppings.
- Baked potatoes: Spoon the filling into a baked potato and top with sour cream and green onions.
- Quesadillas: Add the filling and shredded cheese between tortillas and cook until melty and crisp. Serve with cilantro-lime sauce!
Ingredients In Turkey Lettuce Wraps
| Ingredient | Why It Matters and Easy Tips |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | I use 93/7 for great flavor without feeling greasy. Ground chicken also works well. |
| Beef bouillon powder | This is the secret flavor booster. It gives the turkey a rich, savory depth. |
| Tomato sauce | Adds moisture and helps all the seasonings cling to the turkey. It also keeps the filling from drying out. |
| Bell pepper and carrots | These add sweetness, color, and texture. Dice them small so everything cooks evenly. |
| Black beans and corn | They make the filling more hearty and give great texture. Frozen or canned both work. |
Chelsea’s Recipe Tip
How I Love Topping My Turkey Lettuce Wraps!
- Diced avocado, guac, or a scoop of sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for squeezing
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Hot sauce if you like some heat
- Cilantro lime sauce: This is my favorite add on and really pulls everything together!
What To Serve On The Side
- A simple quinoa salad or everyday salad recipe
- Roasted sweet potatoes or sweet potato fries
- Cucumber Salad for something fresh and some more crunch!
Storage
- Store leftover turkey filling in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Keep lettuce leaves separate in a zip top bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Reheat the filling on the stovetop or in the microwave, then assemble fresh turkey lettuce wraps when ready to eat.
- Cilantro lime sauce keeps well in the fridge for 5 to 7 days and is great on salads, tacos, and bowls.
Other Favorite Ground Turkey Recipes:
Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Turkey Lettuce Wraps are a nutritious, tasty, and easy-to-make meal. Packed with lean turkey, fresh veggies, and flavorful spices, they’re perfect for any night of the week!
Video
Equipment
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!
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Here’s the website’s favorite cilantro-lime sauce. Or try my favorite healthy cilantro-lime sauce (dairy free and vegan!). I love the freshness and vibrancy these sauces add.
Note 2: Try some of these serving suggestions! 1 large, ripe avocado, sprinkle of cotija, and fresh lime wedges.
Note 2: I love the rich and savory flavor that the beef bouillon powder adds to the turkey filling. It really takes the taste to the next level by providing a beefy essence that perfectly complements the other ingredients. If you prefer to omit it, that’s okay too! You may need to add some extra salt to compensate.
Storage: You can store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Store lettuce leaves separately in a resealable plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb any moisture. You can store leftover cilantro-lime sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge for 5–7 days. It makes a great addition to salads, tacos, and even as a dip for vegetables or tortilla chips.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 329mg | Potassium: 873mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 8737IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
