Ready in: 6 hours · Serves: 6 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
These Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Lettuce Wraps are a delightful, fresh take on holiday gatherings that are warm, comforting, and easy to prepare for a crowd.
As the crisp air of fall settles in here in New York City, I find myself yearning for meals that are not only warm and comforting but also innovative enough to impress my loved ones during the upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings always bring the challenge of catering to various dietary preferences-and that's where my Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Lettuce Wraps come into play. They're bright, fresh, and perfect for serving a crowd. Plus, they add a delightful twist to traditional festive dishes.
A Flavorful Twist for Gatherings
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, catering to various dietary preferences.
- Fresh and vibrant flavors that bring a delightful twist to traditional festive dishes.
- Easy to make in a slow cooker, allowing you to spend more time with your guests.
- Versatile ingredients that can be customized to your taste.
- Leftovers store well for quick and satisfying meals later.
Ingredients
To whip up these delightful lettuce wraps, you'll need the following ingredients:
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound of ground turkey or beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
Produce
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for wrapping
- Avocado, diced (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Seasoning
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
Optional Toppings
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
How to Make Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Lettuce Wraps (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create wonderfully satisfying Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Lettuce Wraps.
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, add your choice of ground turkey or beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. The sound of sizzling meat is almost melodic, and the rich aroma wafts into the air, inviting everyone to the kitchen.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In the bowl of a slow cooker, combine the browned meat, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salt and pepper, and lime juice. Stir everything together until well combined; the colors of the ingredients mix beautifully, creating a vibrant and enticing dish.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. When you open the lid, you can expect the comforting smell of spices mingling with the sweetness of corn and the savory notes of the meat.
Step 4: Prepare the Lettuce Wraps
Once the mixture is cooked and steaming, use a slotted spoon to scoop the Tex-Mex blend onto fresh lettuce leaves. The crispness of the lettuce contrasts perfectly with the warm filling, and the crunch is so satisfying.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with diced avocado and fresh cilantro for an extra layer of freshness. You can also add optional toppings like diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to kick up the flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overpacking the lettuce leaves: Too much filling can make them difficult to wrap. Aim for about ¼ cup.
- Choosing limp lettuce: Use fresh lettuce leaves to ensure they hold up and add crunch.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste the mixture before serving; you may need to adjust salt and pepper.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Use high-quality taco seasoning for a deeper flavor.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
- Experiment with different proteins like chicken or vegetarian options such as lentils.
Variations:
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork.
- Use black-eyed peas instead of black beans for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate diced bell peppers for added crunch and sweetness.
How to Serve:
- Serve wraps with optional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
- Pair with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal.
- Offer lime wedges for squeezing over the wraps just before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Store the filling in an airtight container separately from the lettuce leaves to maintain crispness.
- Reheating: Reheat the filling in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
- Freezing: The filling can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Trying out these Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Lettuce Wraps has taught me how versatile and satisfying a meal can be when it incorporates fresh ingredients with robust flavors. My friends always leave with full hearts and happy bellies, ready for more holiday gatherings.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 wrap
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~300 calories · 20g protein · 30g carbs · 10g fat
Recipe by:
Flavorful Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, add your choice of ground turkey or beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- In the bowl of a slow cooker, combine the browned meat, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salt and pepper, and lime juice. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once the mixture is cooked and steaming, use a slotted spoon to scoop the Tex-Mex blend onto fresh lettuce leaves.
- Top with diced avocado and fresh cilantro. Add optional toppings if desired.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make these wraps vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily substitute the ground turkey or beef with lentils, black beans, or any plant-based protein of your choice for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I store leftover filling?
The leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to keep it separate from the lettuce leaves to maintain their crisp texture.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
If you don't have taco seasoning on hand, you can create your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
