Description
Loaded Beef & Cheese Wraps with Fresh Veggies are a delicious and customizable handheld meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. Tender, seasoned ground beef is sautéed with onions, garlic, and your favorite spices, creating a flavorful filling. The beef is then wrapped in soft flour tortillas along with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy bell peppers. The fresh veggies add a burst of color and crunch, balancing the rich, savory beef and cheese. Often drizzled with a tangy sauce like sour cream or salsa, these wraps are a satisfying and fresh meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean): This will be the main protein source for your wraps. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used as alternatives.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and flavor to the beef filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must for flavor depth.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Adds crunch and sweetness to the filling.
- 1 zucchini, diced: A great way to add veggies while maintaining the dish’s lightness.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning): To give the beef a flavorful, zesty kick. Feel free to make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
For the Wraps:
- 4 large flour tortillas (or whole wheat tortillas): These will hold everything together. You can also use lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb version.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that gooey, melty goodness. You can use other cheese varieties like mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: For some extra crunch and freshness.
- 1 medium tomato, diced: Adds juiciness and a burst of flavor.
- 1/2 cup sliced avocado: For a creamy, healthy fat addition.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: To brighten up the wraps with some fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Lime wedges: For squeezing over the wraps to add a touch of acidity.
Optional Condiments:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: For a creamy topping that complements the richness of the beef.
- Salsa or hot sauce: For an added layer of flavor and heat.
- Guacamole: If you want to double down on the avocado and add some extra creaminess.
Instructions
First Step: Cooking the Beef Filling
The first step in making these loaded wraps is to cook the seasoned beef filling. This step is simple but crucial to developing deep, savory flavors.
- Heat the Olive Oil: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat up and coat the bottom of the skillet.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
- Brown the Beef: Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it browns evenly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Once the beef is fully browned, add the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to evenly coat the beef and vegetables with the seasoning. If you like extra heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño at this stage.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beef mixture simmer for a few more minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Once the beef filling is ready, set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Second Step: Preparing the Wraps
While the beef is simmering, you can prepare the other ingredients that will go into the wraps. This step involves chopping and assembling everything you’ll need for your delicious loaded wraps.
- Warm the Tortillas: Place the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, or until slightly warm and pliable. This makes them easier to roll and prevents them from tearing.
- Prepare the Fresh Veggies: While the tortillas are warming, slice the avocado, chop the lettuce, and dice the tomato. Place these ingredients in separate bowls for easy access when assembling the wraps.
- Grate the Cheese: Grate your cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice) if it isn’t pre-shredded. Set it aside along with the other ingredients.
- Chop the Cilantro: Roughly chop the cilantro for a fresh herb garnish in the wraps.
Third Step: Assembling the Wraps
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the wraps. This part is easy and can be done assembly-line style to save time.
- Lay the Tortilla Flat: Place a warm tortilla on a clean, flat surface or a plate. Make sure it’s centered and ready for the fillings.
- Layer the Beef Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the cooked beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla, spreading it out evenly. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for how loaded you want your wrap to be.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the beef. The warmth of the beef will help melt the cheese as it melts into the filling.
- Top with Veggies: Add a few slices of avocado, a handful of shredded lettuce, and some diced tomato on top of the beef and cheese. These fresh ingredients provide a cool contrast to the warm filling and add a refreshing crunch.
- Garnish with Cilantro: Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro over the veggies to add a pop of freshness and flavor.
- Squeeze Lime: Give your wrap a squeeze of lime juice for an extra layer of brightness and acidity that complements the savory beef and cheese.
Fourth Step: Rolling the Wraps
Rolling the wraps properly is key to making sure everything stays intact and the fillings don’t fall out when you pick them up.
- Fold the Sides: Gently fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling to create a secure barrier.
- Roll from the Bottom: Start at the bottom of the tortilla and carefully roll it upward while keeping the fillings tight inside. Roll until the tortilla is fully closed and the wrap is compact.
- Secure the Wrap: If you’d like, you can secure the wrap with a toothpick to keep it from unraveling, or you can slice it in half diagonally for easy serving.
Fifth Step: Serving and Enjoying
Now that your wraps are assembled and rolled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
- Serve: Serve your loaded beef & cheese wraps immediately while they’re warm and fresh. You can serve them with extra lime wedges, salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce on the side for dipping.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftover beef filling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it and use it for more wraps or even in salads or bowls for another meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g