Go Back
Print Pin

Zesty Southwest Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Discover your new weeknight favorite with these Zesty Southwest Turkey Lettuce Wraps. Packed with lean protein and savory spices, this recipe delivers incredible flavor without the high sodium or saturated fat. Each bite is a perfect blend of seasoned turkey filling and crisp, cool lettuce, making it a refreshingly light yet deeply satisfying meal that aligns perfectly with a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Southwest-Inspired, Tex-Mex Inspired
Keyword DASH diet turkey recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 (2 wraps per serving)
Calories 227kcal

Equipment

  • Wide Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot
  • Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil 15 mL
  • 1.8 lbs 820 g 99% lean ground turkey
  • 1 small yellow onion ~4 oz / 110 g, finely diced
  • ¼ cup 30 g finely diced red bell pepper
  • 1 6 oz / 170 g can no-salt-added tomato paste
  • 1 cup 240 mL no-salt-added chicken broth

For the Spice Blend:

  • 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 ½ tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ tsp granulated garlic
  • ¾ tsp dried Mexican oregano
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper optional

For Serving:

  • 12 large crisp leaves from Butter or Iceberg lettuce
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • Prep and Combine: Carefully wash and pat dry the lettuce leaves, setting them aside. In a small bowl, whisk together all the spices: cumin, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, Mexican oregano, and the optional cayenne.
  • Sauté the Base: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and the spice blend, cooking for one minute more until fragrant.
  • Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a spatula to break the meat into fine crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes, until the turkey is no longer pink.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the no-salt-added chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Reduce and Thicken: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle, steady simmer. Let the filling cook, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce is ready when it has reduced and thickened to coat the turkey crumbles.
  • Assemble and Serve: Spoon the warm turkey filling into the prepared lettuce leaves. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Nutrition Information

Per serving (2 wraps)
  • Calories: 227 kcal
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Total Fat: 7 g
    • Saturated Fat: 1.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3 g
    • Total Sugars: 7 g
    • Added Sugars: 0 g
  • Sodium: 113 mg