Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced into slivers
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 head of iceberg or butter lettuce, leaves separated, rinsed, and patted dry
• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sesame seeds

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in diced red bell pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly softened.

Add julienned carrot slivers to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

To serve, spoon the beef mixture onto individual lettuce leaves, creating wraps. Top with optional toppings like sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Serve immediately and enjoy these delicious and healthy ground beef lettuce wraps with carrot slivers!