top of page

Day 2 Dinner: Beef Tacos Lettuce Wraps + Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream & Salsa

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

10-12 minutes

Serves:

1

Level:

Beginner

About the Recipe

Savory, seasoned ground beef tucked into crisp lettuce wraps and topped with shredded cheese, creamy sour cream, and fresh salsa. These low-carb tacos offer all the flavor and satisfaction of traditional tacos without the carbs!

Ingredients

Ground Beef Filling:

  • 6 oz ground beef (80/20 preferred for extra flavor)

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky depth)

  • ¼ teaspoon cumin (optional for classic taco flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease (for cooking)


Lettuce Wraps and Toppings:

  • 3-4 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves (for wraps)

  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)

  • 1 tablespoon sour cream (full-fat, no sugar)

  • 2 tablespoons salsa (sugar-free, homemade or store-bought)

Preparation

Prepare the Ground Beef:

  1. Heat the Skillet:

    • Heat a skillet over medium heat.

    • Add olive oil or bacon grease to the pan.

  2. Brown the Ground Beef:

    • Add the ground beef to the skillet.

    • Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.

  3. Season the Beef:

    • Drain excess grease if necessary.

    • Add sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin (if using).

    • Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld.


Prepare the Lettuce Wraps and Toppings:

  1. Wash and Dry the Lettuce Leaves:

    • Rinse the romaine or butter lettuce leaves under cold water.

    • Pat dry with paper towels to ensure they stay crisp.

  2. Grate the Cheese:

    • Shred the cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack if not using pre-shredded.


Assemble the Tacos:

  1. Add Ground Beef to Lettuce Wraps:

    • Lay the lettuce leaves on a plate.

    • Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each lettuce leaf.

  2. Add the Toppings:

    • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef.

    • Add a small dollop of sour cream to each taco.

    • Spoon salsa on top for added flavor.


Assemble and Serve:

  1. Plate the Tacos:

    • Arrange the lettuce-wrapped tacos on a plate.

    • Garnish with extra salsa or fresh cilantro if desired.

  2. Optional Garnish:

    • Add a sprinkle of fresh lime juice or a dash of hot sauce for added zest.


Tips to Make It Even Easier:

  • Use Pre-Cooked Ground Beef: Prep and season the ground beef ahead of time. Store in the fridge and reheat for 1-2 minutes before assembling the tacos.

  • Pre-Shredded Cheese for Convenience: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese (choose a variety without added starches).

  • Batch Cook for Meal Prep: Make a large batch of taco meat and freeze in individual portions for quick and easy meals.

  • Use an Air Fryer for Beef Crumbles: Brown the ground beef in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes for crispy, flavorful beef.

  • Opt for Store-Bought Sugar-Free Salsa: Skip making salsa by choosing a sugar-free, keto-approved salsa from the store.


Simple Flavor Boost Options (Optional):

  • Avocado Slices for Creaminess: Add fresh avocado slices or guacamole for added richness.

  • Jalapeño Slices for Heat: Top with thinly sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

  • Chopped Cilantro and Lime Juice: Add chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.

  • Crumbled Bacon on Top: Sprinkle crumbled, crispy bacon over the tacos for a smoky crunch.

  • Chipotle Mayo Drizzle: Drizzle sugar-free chipotle mayo on top for a creamy, smoky finish.

  • Pickled Onions for Tang: Add sugar-free pickled onions for an acidic punch that balances the richness.


Recipes Created by BloodSugarChef.com

Meal Plan by American Diabetes Society

bottom of page