Description
These Mediterranean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps offer a delicious and healthy dinner option, combining savory seasoned beef with fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a light yet satisfying meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Dairy
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the aromatics and meat.
- Sauté onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent, which helps develop the base flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Add spices: Stir in ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes so the spices blend well with the beef.
- Mix in fresh ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat, then mix in the diced cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley to add freshness and brightness to the dish.
- Assemble the wraps: Spoon the beef mixture into separated lettuce leaves, creating individual wraps.
- Top and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the filled lettuce leaves and serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce paired with the savory filling.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Use romaine lettuce for a crunchier texture or butter lettuce for a softer wrap.
- Additional toppings such as diced cucumbers or a drizzle of tzatziki sauce would complement the Mediterranean flavors well.
- These wraps are best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
- Leftover beef mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.
