I love this picture. I can tell we are in Spring and Summer mode for dinners as we start to look for more vegetables and less meat in our meals. I went to the grocery store yesterday to pick up the lettuce and a pepper for dinner and everything looked so good. I was sticking to my No Buy month plan and only bought the things I specifically went in for. The price of the peppers made it easy to only buy one as they were $1.67 a pepper! They were fairly small in size too. I saw a family standing next to the peppers trying to make the decision on whether to buy them or not. They were contemplating the price and what they could buy instead with the $5.00 for three. I understand having to make those choices and sometimes it is not easy.
I was reading a blog on WordPress the other day, I wish I could remember which one, and it was about how there are certain grocery store items they refuse to buy. Mine of course are shredded cheese and canned cream soups. But, today I realized I have another Taco seasoning packets. They used to be a staple in our house. I always had three on hand but once I learned how to make my own and realized how much better tasting and less chemicals it had I was sold.
Verdict:
This meal was fun and simple. We like meals that we can add what we like and leave off the things we don’t like. You can add tomatoes, olives, or whatever you like to your tacos. I didn’t want to buy anymore items this month (today is pay-day!) so I left off tomatoes and olives.
The best part is that this meal was gluten-free for my mostly gluten-free son. Three of the four of us decided we liked the lettuce wraps better than tortillas. For my son I believe it was because it is a change in texture from what he is used to. He ate three or four of these so I think he liked them just fine.
Lettuce Wrapped Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 – 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
- 2-3 tablespoons cumin
- 1-2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper
- hot sauce, to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (if desired – I generally don’t add this but some people switching from packages of taco seasoning to homemade like the sweetness added)
- 1/2 cup water
- Buttercrunch Lettuce or Boston Lettuce
- Toppings as desired: roasted corn, black beans, red pepper, red onion, sour cream, salsa, taco sauce, olives, tomatoes….
Directions:
- Brown ground beef in skillet over medium heat, break the meat into small pieces with the side of the spoon as it cooks. Drain off any grease once meat is fully cooked.
- Add spices – cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper, salt, pepper, hot sauce and brown sugar (if desired) and water to meat. Start with lesser amounts of spices and build up to what you and your family like. My family prefers tons of spice and flavor so we use more. Stir well. Taste and adjust spices as needed.
- Return pan to heat and allow water to evaporate from meat stirring occasionally. Serve meat hot with lettuce and toppings. Tip: Don’t over stuff your tacos. Have 2-3 small ones rather than one large one. The leaves will hold up better and keep your fillings inside if they are not overstuffed.
What's for Dinner Moms? 
Wonderful, Marci! A less guilty pleasure! Great idea! Plus you don’t have to shred any lettuce!
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Thank you! It was so pretty to look at laid all out on the bright green leaves. I made the kids stop and look at how pretty it was before the gobbled it up!
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Yum and I’d LOVE it even more on my plate all ready to eat:)))) Thanks
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🙂
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We make this all the time ( without the taco sauce flavor )
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Love the lettuce wraps for so many foods-fun post and success!!! YAY!
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Sounds easy and yummy! The photo is very tempting!
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Thank you much!!!!
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Yumm these look so good!
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Thank you!
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yummmmmm
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These do look good. I save your post for the taco seasoning. I don’t buy those packets anymore either. My stepdaughter gave me a gournet taco seasoning in a pretty little tin, but it is very salty!
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Mine is here are the basic spices make it to what flavor you like. Hotter, sweeter, whatever you like.
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Yummy, a great idea for dinner! 🙂
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Thank you!
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I love the idea of subbing out a bread product for a veggie. Thanks for trying this out for me!
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You are most welcome! I liked that it was a nice, light meal.
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This is a win-win for all! No carbs/gluten from the bread and everyone got to eat it. I want to do a lettuce wrap soon, I’ve been enjoying the ones I get at my daughter’s workplace they sell.
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