I can’t stop and won’t stop with all things Mexican. It’s something I ALWAYS want and never get sick of. Give me Mexican food at any time of day on any given day, and I’m one happy girl.
Even when I’m not feeling well. My seasonal allergies lately have been awful and I’m never affected by them. This year is another story. I’ve had the worst sore throat and haven’t felt great, and all I’ve been craving is Mexican food. Pretty sure 90% of my meals this week have been burrito bowls, more burrito bowls, tacos, these taco lettuce wraps, and chips and guac. The BEST.
These lettuce wraps are a thing of beauty for busy people because they literally take 20 minutes to make. All you have to do is brown the ground turkey, add some spices and a little ketchup (sounds weird but SO good in these), and add your toppings! I used salsa, guac, cotija, and cilantro. Feel free to get creative here though!
So the ketchup thing. Sounds bizarre but it added a touch of sweetness and moisture to the meat. Plus I freaking LOVE ketchup. Why didn’t I think of this sooner?
I barely missed the tortilla here! I love the crunchy lettuce as a switch-up because it’s a great way to get extra greens in and it’s super refreshing on these hot summer days.
Just realized this is the second recipe in a row that I’ve shared a Mexican inspired recipe that contains guacamole. Not sorry at all.
I’m thinking these will be perfect to take for work lunches as a nice little change from my usual salads. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE my salads, but it’s always nice to have a little change.
I mean, these tacos are practically salad, right?
Don’t you love when that happens?

20 Minute Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps with Guacamole, Salsa, and Cotija Cheese
These turkey taco lettuce wraps come together in 20 minutes, they're low-carb, and super delicious! Topped with guacamole, salsa, and cotija cheese!
Ingredients
For the lettuce wraps
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons water
- butter lettuce leaves
- salsa for serving
- crumbled cotija cheese for serving
- chopped cilantro for serving
For the guacamole
- 2 avocados, pitted
- juice of half a lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Make the guacamole. Add avocados to a bowl and mash with a fork. Add the lime juice, garlic, red onion, cilantro, and salt and mash until desired consistency is reached. Season to taste with additional salt and lime if desired. Set aside.
Heat a medium skillet to medium-high heat and add the ground turkey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Once the turkey is almost cooked through, add the ketchup and water. Stir to combine. Once turkey is cooked, remove from the heat.
To assemble tacos, put ground turkey on the butter lettuce leaves, top with salsa, the guacamole, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Devour!
Love this for today – Taco Tuesday! I’ve never thought of mixing ketchup into the meat mixture, but now I”m intrigued!
Thanks so much Melissa! I hadn’t thought of it until recently..total game changer! Let me know if you try it 🙂
I’ve tried a few turkey taco recipes and have been disappointed, but this one is awesome!!! I wish I would have doubled it so I had leftovers for packing lunches. This is actually a 20 min recipe…not one of those recipes. that says “20 min” and then an hour and a half later you are still cooking! In fairness, I bought guac at the store so that saved me some time.
Thank you so much KaLynn!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that it was quick to put together! 🙂