Here is my favorite recipe! Since I started Ideal Protein, this has been my go-to meal. If I wasn’t sure what to cook, if I was extra bored with the Phase 1 protocol I would make these. Mexican food is definitely my favorite, but not very friendly for those on Ideal Protein. This recipe still gives me those Mexican flavors with plenty of vegetables and protein.
While these aren’t technically burritos, the addition of the cauliflower rice makes them feel hearty and filling. If you don’t want to make the cauliflower rice they can easily be turned into tacos by just using lettuce leaves and the meat mixture.
Also, as an added bonus, this is a 20-minute meal! A one pot, super quick, and easy to make lunch or dinner with simple ingredients.
You just brown the meat.
Add Rotel and taco seasoning.
Remove the meat mixture and start on the cauliflower rice.
Add salsa.
Then, assemble and serve!
Lettuce “Burritos” with Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds ground meat (I used a mix of beef and turkey, but you can use whatever you have)
- 1 can of Rotel, drained
- 1 packet of low sodium taco seasoning
- 1 bag of frozen, riced cauliflower
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Romaine hearts
- Pickled jalapenos
Directions
- Over medium-high heat, brown meat until cooked through. Drained excess grease from the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the Rotel and taco seasoning to browned meat. Mix to combine and heat through.
- Transfer finished meat mixture to a separate bowl.
- Add frozen, riced cauliflower to the pan. Cover and allow cauliflower to thaw for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in salsa and heat through.
After you have made your meat and cauliflower mixtures you can assemble the meal however you want. You can make a salad, serve the meat over the rice, or make lettuce burritos like I have here.
For the lettuce burritos, pull leaves off the romaine heart and lay them on a plate. Fill the leaves first with the cauliflower mixture and top with meat. For extra heat, I like to add some pickled jalapenos. Depending on your Ideal Protein phase, etc. you can also add some shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, etc.
Nutrition: Calories 457, Protein 42g, Carbohydrate 13g, Dietary Fiber 5g, Total Sugars 6g, Total Fat 28g.
[…] for one I can easily cook every other day and have enough food. So, I decided I wanted to make Lettuce Tacos/Burritos, Zucchini Shrimp Scampi, and Mushroom Turkey Burgers with Rutabaga Fries. Then, I looked through […]
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How do I count this?
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Hello- Thank you for your comment. Can you elaborate on your question? I am not sure what you mean about counting this recipe? If you’re talking about Ideal Protein the 8oz of protein should be easy – just make sure to eat enough of the meat mixture. The vegetables will depend on how many lettuce burritos you have, but your cauliflower rice will count toward the majority of your 2 cups. Please let me know if this helps! 🙂
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I didn’t know you could have taco seasoning and salsa?
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As long as you get both without sugar added you should be fine.
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I use the taco seasoning recipe in Janeva’s cookbook and avoid problems with sugar that way. This is similar to a recipe I found an easy “go-to” as well. Try making BBQ Sloppy Joes and putting them in the romaine leaves. Very filling and very tasty! You’ll never miss the bread!
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What brand taco seasoning do you use that is sugar free?
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Hello there! I have done a few different things with the taco seasoning when making this recipe. 1) I make my own using this recipe https://therealfoodrds.com/homemade-taco-seasoning-whole30/ (which is what I do most of the time). 2) I use the low sodium Old El Paso shown in the picture. It has the least about of carbs in all the grocery store packs that I could find. So, if I am in a rush I will use this. 3) Buy this organic brand that I just found and used for the first time a few weeks ago. This is basically what I make…but I don’t have to do it myself. https://www.real-pantry.com/product/taco-seasoning/. Hope this helps!
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[…] One year ago today I put together my most popular blog post to date – my Lettuce “Burritos” with Mexican Cauliflower Rice. […]
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[…] think I have a new favorite recipe! I used to say that my Lettuce Burritos were my favorite, but they may have to move over…or at least make room in the recipe rotation […]
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[…] Guys…I think I may have one-upped myself with this one. This recipe may be better than the very popular Lettuce “Burritos” with Mexican Cauliflower Rice. […]
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[…] The Most Viewed Recipe is….Lettuce “Burritos” with Mexican Cauliflower Rice. […]
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[…] – I make the same meat filling and then make sure to have cauliflower tortillas or lettuce leaves for a low carb option. Also, if he is feeling some Mexican rice he can have regular rice and I make […]
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