How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps in 20 Minutes

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Are you craving the savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but looking to cut back on carbs? These Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps deliver all the mouthwatering taste of the original sandwich without the heavy bread. Best of all, you can have them ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but your appetite isn’t willing to compromise on flavor.

The beauty of these wraps lies in their simplicity. Tender slices of beef, caramelized onions, colorful bell peppers, and melty cheese come together inside crisp lettuce leaves for a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down. Whether you’re following a low-carb eating plan or simply looking for a lighter dinner option, these lettuce wraps hit all the right notes.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these delicious Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps in just 20 minutes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps

Before we get to the recipe, here’s why these wraps deserve a spot in your meal rotation:

Quick preparation: From start to finish in just 20 minutes
Low-carb alternative: All the flavor of a traditional cheesesteak without the bread
Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste preferences or what’s in your fridge
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy these flavorful wraps
Budget-conscious: Stretch your beef further with plenty of vegetables
Meal-prep friendly: Components can be prepared ahead for even quicker assembly

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these lightning-fast Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps, gather these simple ingredients:

1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (or sirloin)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
6-8 ounces provolone cheese (or American cheese)
8-12 large lettuce leaves (butter, romaine, or iceberg)
Optional toppings: hot pepper rings, mushrooms, hot sauce

Essential Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand makes this 20-minute meal even more efficient:

Large skillet or cast-iron pan
Sharp knife for slicing meat and vegetables
Sturdy cutting board
Spatula for stirring and flipping
Tongs for handling the hot filling
Paper towels for patting lettuce leaves dry

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Lettuce

Carefully remove 8-12 large, intact leaves from your lettuce head
Wash thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels (this prevents soggy wraps)
Place in the refrigerator to maintain crispness while preparing the filling

Making the Philly Cheesesteak Filling

If using whole steak rather than pre-sliced meat, place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice thinly
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize
Season the vegetables with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil
Add the thinly sliced beef, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is just cooked through
Return the vegetables to the skillet, mixing everything together
Reduce heat to low and lay cheese slices over the mixture
Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts completely

Assembling Your Lettuce Wraps

Remove lettuce leaves from the refrigerator
Place a generous spoonful of the cheesesteak mixture onto each leaf
Add any optional toppings you prefer
Fold the sides of the lettuce leaf inward, then roll from bottom to top to form a wrap
Secure with toothpicks if needed for easier handling
Serve immediately while still warm

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps

Choosing the Right Meat

The traditional Philly cheesesteak uses thinly sliced ribeye, but here are some pointers to help you select the perfect meat for your wraps:

Ribeye: The traditional choice, offering excellent marbling and flavor
Sirloin: A leaner alternative that still provides good taste
Pre-sliced steak: Many grocery stores offer pre-sliced beef specifically for cheesesteaks, saving you preparation time
Deli roast beef: In a pinch, high-quality deli roast beef can work as a super-quick alternative

For the best results, slice your meat as thinly as possible against the grain. Partially freezing the meat first makes this much easier.

Selecting the Best Lettuce

Not all lettuce varieties work equally well as wraps. Consider these options:

Butter lettuce: Offers a perfect cup shape with a mild flavor and tender texture
Romaine hearts: Provides a sturdier structure with a satisfying crunch
Iceberg lettuce: Very crisp and holds up well to hot fillings
Green leaf lettuce: Large, flexible leaves that wrap easily

Whichever variety you choose, look for fresh, large leaves without tears or blemishes. Double up leaves if needed for extra support.

Cheese Considerations

While provolone is widely popular for Philly cheesesteaks, consider these cheesy alternatives:

Provolone: Traditional option with mild flavor that melts beautifully
American cheese: Creates the creamiest, meltiest texture
White American: The authentic choice at many Philadelphia establishments
Cheese Whiz: For those seeking the most authentic South Philly experience
Mozzarella: A milder alternative that stretches nicely when melted

For the best melting results, use thinly sliced cheese rather than shredded, and make sure to cover the skillet to help it melt evenly over the filling.

Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines

These Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time:

Slice vegetables: Up to 2 days in advance, stored in airtight containers
Pre-cook filling: Make the complete filling up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently before serving
Wash lettuce: Clean and dry lettuce leaves up to 2 days ahead, storing between paper towels in an airtight container
Leftover storage: Store filling separately from lettuce for up to 3 days; reheat filling in a skillet or microwave before assembling

Meal Prep Suggestions

Turn these wraps into a meal prep champion:

Prepare a double batch of filling on Sunday
Portion into individual containers
Wash and dry lettuce leaves, wrapping in paper towels
At mealtime, reheat the filling and assemble fresh wraps in minutes

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, consider these delicious variations:

Mushroom Lover’s Version

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the peppers and onions for an extra umami boost. Brown them well before adding the other vegetables for the best flavor.

Spicy Buffalo Style

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce into your filling just before adding the cheese. Top with crumbled blue cheese instead of provolone for a tangy kick.

Mediterranean Twist

Season your beef with Mediterranean spices like oregano and thyme. Use feta cheese instead of provolone and add a few sliced olives to the filling.

Vegetarian Option

Replace the beef with 16 ounces of sliced portobello mushrooms or plant-based beef alternative. Cook the mushrooms until they release their moisture and begin to brown for the best texture.

Nutritional Benefits

These Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps aren’t just delicious—they’re also a more nutritionally balanced option than the traditional sandwich:

Lower in carbohydrates: Perfect for those monitoring carb intake
Higher in fiber: Thanks to the lettuce and vegetables
Reduced calories: Eliminating the roll cuts significant calories
More vegetables: Increased veggie intake compared to the classic version
Protein-rich: Still provides satisfying protein from the beef and cheese

A typical serving of two lettuce wraps contains approximately 350-400 calories, 28g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 26g fat, though values will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with these complementary side dishes:

Sweet potato fries for a healthier twist on the classic pairing
Simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing
Vegetable soup for a warming addition
Pickle spears for a tangy contrast
Roasted vegetables for an extra serving of veggies

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Soggy Lettuce

If your lettuce becomes limp too quickly:

Ensure leaves are completely dry before filling
Let filling cool slightly before assembling
Consider serving components separately for self-assembly

Falling-Apart Wraps

To keep your wraps intact:

Double up on lettuce leaves for extra support
Don’t overfill each wrap
Secure with toothpicks if needed
Wrap in parchment paper for easier handling

Tough Meat

If your beef turns out chewy:

Slice meat as thinly as possible
Cut against the grain
Be careful not to overcook—beef should just lose its pink color
Consider marinating the meat in a bit of baking soda solution (½ teaspoon to 1 tablespoon water per pound) for 30 minutes before cooking

FAQ About Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps

Can I make Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps ahead of time?

You can prepare all components up to 2 days ahead, but for best results, store the filling and lettuce separately. Reheat the filling just before assembling your lettuce wraps to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

What’s the best cut of beef for Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps?

Ribeye is the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteak, offering excellent marbling and flavor. However, sirloin works well as a leaner alternative. The most important factor is slicing the meat very thinly against the grain.

How do I keep my lettuce wraps from falling apart?

Use large, intact lettuce leaves and pat them completely dry. Double up leaves if needed for extra support, don’t overfill each wrap, and consider securing with toothpicks. Wrapping in parchment paper also helps with handling.

Can I make Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with portobello mushrooms, sliced seitan, or a plant-based beef alternative. Cook these until well-browned before combining with the vegetables and cheese.

What type of cheese is most authentic for Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps?

Provolone and American cheese are both authentic choices for Philly cheesesteak. Some Philadelphia establishments use Cheese Whiz. Choose based on your preference for flavor and meltability.

How many calories are in Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps?

A typical serving of two lettuce wraps contains approximately 350-400 calories, though this varies based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. They’re significantly lower in calories than traditional Philly cheesesteaks served on rolls.

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak?

While not traditional, ground beef can work in a pinch. Cook it thoroughly, drain excess fat, and season well with the same spices. The texture will be different but still delicious.

Conclusion

These 20-minute Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps deliver all the beloved flavors of the classic sandwich in a lighter, fresher package. By swapping the traditional roll for crisp lettuce leaves, you create a meal that’s not only quicker to prepare but also more nutritionally balanced.

Whether you’re following a specific eating plan or simply looking for a fresh twist on a familiar favorite, these wraps deserve a place in your weeknight dinner rotation. Their versatility means you can customize them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs without compromising on satisfaction.

Best of all, their quick preparation time makes them accessible even on your busiest days. In just 20 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a crave-worthy meal that will have everyone at your table reaching for seconds.

Give these Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps a try tonight—your taste buds will thank you, and you might just discover your new go-to quick dinner solution.