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If you are craving burritos but sticking to a low carb or keto lifestyle, these Low Carb Keto Burritos give you every bit of the satisfying flavor without a single tortilla. Swapping in blanched cabbage leaves for wraps and piling on seasoned turkey, cheese, and avocado makes for a fresh take on burritos that even my carb-loving family started requesting for weeknight dinners.
The first time I made this, my husband was instantly hooked by the flavor and how filling it was. Since then we have started adding them into our lunch rotation for busy days.
Ingredients
- Cabbage: Choose one with large sturdy leaves as these make perfect wraps instead of bready tortillas
- Ground turkey: Super lean and takes on flavor well, also quick to cook
- Onion: Adds a little sweetness and texture, look for firm onions with dry papery skins
- Keto taco seasoning: Use a homemade blend or check that your store-bought option is low in sugar, a good taco seasoning really makes the filling pop
- Tomato sauce: Brings everything together with richness, opt for ones with no added sugar or extra carbs
- Sharp cheddar: Gives a great flavor burst, pre-shredded saves time but shredding your own melts better
- Sour cream: Cools down the spice with creamy tang, use full-fat for best texture
- Avocado: Brings healthy fats and creaminess, pick a perfectly ripe avocado for best results
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Core your cabbage and get a big pot of water rolling at a boil. Once boiling, submerge the whole head and blanch for a few minutes until outer leaves start loosening. Use tongs to peel each leaf off as they come free. Continue until you have at least eight big, sturdy leaves. Let them cool on a plate. To make wrapping easier, carefully shave down the thick ribs at the base of each leaf with a small knife.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Set a large nonstick pan over medium heat and add your oil. Once shimmering, toss in your chopped onions. Cook them low and slow for about six minutes until they are soft and turning translucent, which creates the foundation of flavor.
- Toast the Spices:
- Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and let it cook with the onions for a couple minutes until the kitchen smells amazing. Heating spices in oil wakes up all the flavor.
- Cook the Turkey:
- Add the ground turkey to the pan. Use a big spoon to break it into small crumbles. Stir and let it cook until you see just a little pink left.
- Simmer with Tomato Sauce:
- Pour in the tomato sauce and let the whole mixture continue to cook and thicken until the turkey is fully done and no longer pink. This step brings the filling together into a delicious saucy mix.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay two cabbage leaves overlapping on your counter for each burrito. Scoop on a generous amount of the turkey mixture and add your favorite burrito fillings like cheese, salsa, sour cream, and avocado slices.
- Roll Up:
- Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaves and roll everything away from you until it forms a tight burrito. Slice each in half and serve while still warm.
My favorite part of this recipe is watching the cabbage transform as it blanches. It goes from sturdy and humble to beautifully pliable and bright green. Every time I make these, I remember my son sneaking a slice of avocado from the cutting board and giving me thumbs up.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Once cooled, store your finished keto burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They reheat really well in the microwave or gently in a skillet. If you want to freeze them, wrap each one tightly in foil before putting in a ziplock bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before eating.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Not a turkey fan You can make these with ground beef, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a plant-based twist. Mix up the cheeses by using pepper jack or Monterey Jack for something different. Bell pepper or mushrooms can be cooked down with your onions for extra bulk and flavor without adding carbs.
Perfect Ways to Serve This
I love to offer these alongside a crunchy green salad dressed with lime and cilantro. They also work well with a bowl of cauliflower rice or simply on their own for a satisfying lunch. For party platters, slice them into thirds for easy pickup finger food.
If you have ever thought low carb eating was boring, these burritos are proof you can pack the flavor and keep the carbs down. Every time I make them, they disappear faster than I can assemble the next batch. Give them a try and you might discover a new favorite for busy weeknights or easy lunches.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I prepare cabbage leaves for wraps?
Blanch cored cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes until the leaves soften, then gently remove and cool before filling.
- → Can I use other meats besides turkey?
Yes, ground beef, chicken, or pork can be substituted for turkey to match your flavor preference.
- → How do I prevent cabbage wraps from tearing?
Ensure the leaves are blanched long enough to make them flexible, and trim any thick core sections before assembling.
- → Are there dairy-free filling options?
Absolutely. Omit cheese and sour cream, and try guacamole or extra veggies for tasty dairy-free fillings.
- → Can I prepare these burrito wraps ahead of time?
You can make the filling and prep leaves in advance. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.