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Korean BBQ Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps – Easy Crock Pot Dinner Recipe

Korean BBQ ground beef lettuce wraps - featured image
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These Korean BBQ Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps combine sweet-savory bulgogi-inspired flavors with tender ground beef, all made effortlessly in the crock pot. Served in crisp lettuce leaves with fresh toppings, they’re a high-protein, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean preferred)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (toasted if possible)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional, or Sriracha)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 heads butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce (leaves separated and washed; romaine or iceberg work too)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup kimchi (optional)
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • Optional: cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • Optional: chopped peanuts or cashews
  • Optional: fresh cilantro or mint
  • Optional: chili flakes or Sriracha

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl (or directly in the slow cooker insert), whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, Gochujang (if using), and black pepper.
  2. Place ground beef into the crock pot and break it up slightly with a spoon.
  3. Pour the sauce over the beef, ensuring it is evenly coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-2.5 hours. Stir and break up the beef halfway through cooking. Skim off excess fat if needed.
  5. Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the beef during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Leave the lid off to let some liquid evaporate.
  6. While the beef cooks, wash and separate lettuce leaves, slice green onions, shred carrots, slice cucumber, and prepare any other desired toppings.
  7. Taste the beef and adjust seasoning as needed (more soy sauce, sugar, or Gochujang).
  8. Spoon beef into lettuce leaves and top with carrots, green onions, cucumber, sesame seeds, and kimchi if desired.
  9. Serve immediately, letting everyone assemble their own wraps.

Notes

For a stovetop version, brown the beef in a skillet, add the sauce, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste. Prep toppings ahead for quick assembly. Use tamari for gluten-free, coconut aminos for soy-free, and swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or tofu for dietary needs. Leftover beef keeps well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ, ground beef, lettuce wraps, crock pot, slow cooker, easy dinner, meal prep, bulgogi, gluten-free, high protein

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/korean-bbq-ground-beef-lettuce-wraps-easy-crock-pot-dinner-recipe/