These stuffed avocado taco boats are both fun and healthy! Imagine creamy avocados filled with tasty meat, beans, and fresh veggies—yum!
Who knew tacos could be boat-shaped? Perfect for a light meal, I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top. They make for a colorful and delicious dinner that’s easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocados: Choose ripe avocados, as this gives the best creamy texture. If avocados are hard, leave them at room temperature for a few days. For a twist, you could use bell peppers instead of avocados.
Ground Beef: I often use ground turkey for a leaner option, but you can also use chicken or plant-based meat substitutes if you’re looking for something vegetarian-friendly.
Onion and Garlic: These ingredients add great flavor. I love using red or yellow onions, but white onions work too. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can suffice, just adjust to your taste.
Spices: Taco seasoning is convenient, but you can easily make your own with pantry staples. I like adding a pinch of cayenne for heat and a bit more cumin for earthiness!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Taco Meat?
Cooking taco meat may seem simple, but there are a few tips for better flavor and texture. First, browning the meat evenly is key—make sure not to overcrowd the pan as this can steam the meat instead of browning it.
- Use medium heat to slowly cook ground meat until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- When adding spices, make sure to incorporate them fully. Stirring in some water with the seasoning helps the flavors really meld together.
- Adding fresh tomatoes and cilantro off the heat keeps them vibrant and fresh—don’t miss out!
Stuffed Avocado Taco Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Boats:
- 3 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp oregano, salt and pepper to taste)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup diced avocado (for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients and about 10-15 minutes assembling everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Avocados:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you want your avocados a bit warm and softer, lightly brush them with olive oil and place them cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 8-10 minutes. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch!
2. Cook the Aromatics:
While the avocados roast, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds just until you can smell that delicious aroma.
3. Brown the Meat:
Next up, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spatula until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which will take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it—nobody likes greasy taco boats!
4. Flavor It Up:
Now stir in your taco seasoning along with 1/4 cup of water. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and become well-coated with spices. This is where the flavor comes alive!
5. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Take your skillet off the heat and gently fold in the diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro. This adds freshness and color to your taco filling!
6. Assemble Your Taco Boats:
Once the avocado halves are roasted (if you chose to do this step), take them out of the oven and spoon the flavorful taco meat mixture evenly into each avocado half.
7. Top It Off:
Now for the fun part! Top off each taco boat with diced avocado, extra diced tomatoes, crumbled cheese, and sprinkle on some more cilantro.
8. Squeeze & Serve:
Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the top of each boat for a zesty kick. And voilà! Your stuffed avocado taco boats are ready to be served immediately.
Enjoy this vibrant dish that not only looks great but tastes incredible too!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of cooking times based on the type of protein you choose.
What Can I Do With Leftover Filling?
If you have leftover taco meat filling, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use it for tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for nachos. Just reheat it in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, swap the ground meat for a plant-based meat alternative or cook up some seasoned black beans. Also, use a vegan cheese substitute instead of cotija or feta cheese, and skip any dairy toppings. The avocado and fresh veggies still keep it delicious and satisfying!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep the taco filling and cut the avocados ahead of time. Store the filling in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep avocados from browning, sprinkle some lime juice on them. When ready to eat, just assemble the boats and warm the filling if desired.
