Taco Beef Lettuce Cups

A homemade taco seasoning of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano gives Pre's 85% lean ground beef big, smoky flavor, spooned into crisp Boston lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb take on tacos. The seasoning comes together in minutes, and the extra keeps for taco salads, burrito bowls, and more. Topped with pico de gallo, avocado, red onion, and cilantro, these cups are ready in about 20 minutes.

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2 to 4

---

Taco Beef Lettuce Cups Ingredients

Beef and Lettuce Cups:

• 1 16-ounce package Pre 85% Lean Ground Beef

• 1 tablespoon high-heat cooking oil

• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (recipe below)

• kosher salt, to taste

• 1 head of Boston lettuce, leaves separated

• pico de gallo, sliced avocado, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro, for serving

Taco Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon oregano

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne, depending on desired heat

Instructions:

1. Mix cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne together in small bowl.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with spoon, until meat begins to brown but is not cooked all the way.

3. Season beef with 3 tablespoons taco seasoning and stir to coat. (Why: heat activates volatile compounds in spices, deepening and rounding flavor.)

4. Continue cooking until no pink remains. Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon fat and season with kosher salt to taste.

5. Spoon beef into Boston lettuce leaves to make taco beef lettuce cups and top with pico de gallo, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.

Notes:

Only 3 tablespoons of the taco seasoning are used here. Store the extra in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for burrito bowls, taco salads, and more.

The taco beef also works in taco shells.