Craving something fresh, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent? Taco-Stuffed Avocados are the perfect answer. Imagine creamy avocado halves filled with a savory taco filling—seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and melted cheese. It’s like your favorite taco, but with a twist. Every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, and the best part? It’s light, healthy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a fun appetizer, trust me, this dish will wow your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love Taco-Stuffed Avocados
This recipe isn’t just about making food; it’s about creating something fun and delicious that everyone will love. Here’s why it’s a standout:
Light and Flavorful: A fresh, healthy twist on tacos that’s bursting with flavor without being heavy. The creamy avocado balances perfectly with the savory taco filling, making each bite a delight.
Quick and Easy: You can make this dish in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for those busy days when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Want to make it spicier? Add some jalapeños. Prefer a different protein? Ground turkey or chicken works just as well. You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences.
Healthy: Packed with healthy fats from the avocado, protein from the meat, and plenty of fresh veggies, this dish is as good for you as it is delicious.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying it alone, Taco-Stuffed Avocados are always a hit. It’s a fun and fresh take on taco night that everyone will love.
Ingredients in Taco-Stuffed Avocados
Here’s what you’ll need to make these taco-stuffed delights:
Avocados: The creamy base for the taco filling. Their mild flavor pairs perfectly with the savory filling, creating a luxurious bite that’s hard to resist.
Ground Beef: The hearty and flavorful base of the taco filling. Browned and seasoned to perfection, it adds richness and depth to the dish.
Taco Seasoning: The secret ingredient that gives the filling that iconic taco flavor. A combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and more, it packs a punch.
Salsa: Adds freshness and a burst of tangy flavor that complements the creamy avocado and savory meat.
Cheese: Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) adds melty goodness on top of the filling. It’s the finishing touch that takes this dish to the next level.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and garnish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make these Taco-Stuffed Avocados:
Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
Season the Beef: Add taco seasoning to the beef and stir in a little water (as per the seasoning packet instructions). Let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
Prepare the Avocados: While the beef is simmering, cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Carefully scoop out some of the flesh to create a little well in the center of each half. Set aside the scooped-out avocado for another use (like guacamole!).
Stuff the Avocados: Spoon the taco meat mixture into each avocado half, packing it in gently.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the taco filling in each avocado half.
Melt the Cheese: Place the stuffed avocados under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese. Keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.
Serve and Enjoy: Top the stuffed avocados with salsa, a dollop of sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and any other toppings you love. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Taco-Stuffed Avocados
These taco-stuffed beauties can be served as a main dish, snack, or appetizer. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
Side Salad: A fresh, light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette makes for a perfect side to balance the richness of the stuffed avocados.
Rice: Pair these with cilantro-lime rice for a complete meal that feels like a fiesta.
Fresh Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for some extra crunch and to scoop up any leftover salsa.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Guacamole Twist: If you have extra avocado, mash it up with some lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt for a quick guacamole side.
Try a Different Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils for a healthier or plant-based option.
Spice It Up: Add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick. If you’re a spice lover, you can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper while cooking the beef.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the filling and avocado halves separately. You can reheat the beef filling and stuff the avocados again when you’re ready to eat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different protein for the taco filling?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu works great. You can also make it vegetarian with black beans or lentils.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store the taco filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The avocado halves are best eaten fresh, but you can store the leftover filling for later use.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: You can prep the taco filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just stuff the avocados and melt the cheese right before serving.
Q4: What other toppings can I add?
A4: Sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, or a sprinkle of jalapeños all work wonderfully as toppings.
Q5: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A5: Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
Q6: Can I make this vegan?
A6: Yes, you can swap the ground beef with plant-based meat or use beans, and replace the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
Q7: How can I adjust the spice level?
A7: You can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the taco meat for a spicier version, or keep it mild by leaving out the heat.
Q8: How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?
A8: You can squeeze a bit of lime juice on the exposed flesh of the avocado to keep it from browning. It adds a nice zing, too!
Q9: Can I use a different type of avocado?
A9: Sure! While Hass avocados are the most popular for this recipe, any ripe avocado will work. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Q10: Can I serve this at a party?
A10: Definitely! These make great appetizers for a taco night or casual gathering. You can even set up a taco bar and let guests stuff their own avocados.
Conclusion
Taco-Stuffed Avocados are the perfect combination of fresh, creamy, and flavorful, making them a great option for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a fun snack, or something new to serve at your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Print
Taco-Stuffed Avocados
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
If you love avocados, you’re going to adore these Taco-Stuffed Avocados filled with savory ground beef, cheese, and topped with fresh garnishes! Ready in just 15 minutes, this is an easy and delicious weeknight meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 Hass avocados, halved with pit removed and slightly hollowed out (reserve the flesh)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning (medium heat, reduced sodium)
- 1 (6-ounce) package Horizon Organic Mexican Style Shredded Cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 to 2 Roma tomatoes (or your favorite tomato), diced small
- Cilantro, for garnishing
Instructions
- Prepare the Avocados:
Halve the avocados, remove the pit, and scoop out some of the flesh to create more room for the filling. Alternatively, score the flesh vertically and horizontally, then scoop out small chunks for a cleaner presentation. Set the avocado halves and removed flesh aside. - Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Stir and crumble the beef as it cooks. - Season the Beef:
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, add water, and stir to combine. Cook for another 3 minutes. - Add Cheese:
Turn off the heat and add most of the shredded cheese (reserve ½ cup for garnishing). Stir until the cheese melts, which should take about 1 minute. - Stuff the Avocados:
Spoon about ¼ cup of the beef mixture into each avocado half. - Garnish and Serve:
Top with diced tomatoes, reserved avocado flesh, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 1 day in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 avocado half
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg