Appetizers & Snacks, Lunch

Ground Beef Stuffed Avocados

Introduction

Ground Beef Stuffed Avocados are a perfect combination of creamy, buttery avocado halves filled with a savory, spiced ground beef mixture, topped with fresh garnishes for the ultimate wholesome meal. This dish is a true representation of balance—it pairs healthy fats from avocados with lean protein from beef, creating a nutrient-dense meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer. With the avocado acting as a natural edible bowl, it’s fun to eat and beautifully presented, making it both practical and elegant.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect low-carb, high-flavor dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The creamy avocado perfectly complements the hearty, seasoned ground beef, and when you add toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and sour cream, it tastes like a taco in avocado form!

It’s also nutritionally balanced—avocados provide heart-healthy fats and fiber, while the beef brings plenty of protein to keep you full. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it mild or spicy depending on your taste.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb: A guilt-free way to enjoy taco flavors.
  • Presentation Perfect: Looks elegant enough for guests.
  • Customizable: You can change the seasonings, toppings, or even the protein.
  • Wholesome: Packed with nutrients, healthy fats, and protein.

Recipe Overview

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4 (1 avocado half per serving)
  • Calories: ~350 per serving (without toppings)
  • Course: Main Dish, Appetizer, Lunch
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Keto

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes (sugar-free)

For the Avocados

  • 2 large ripe avocados, halved and pitted
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (to prevent browning)

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Pico de gallo or salsa
  • Diced tomatoes

Cooking Directions

  1. Prepare Avocados: Slice avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon from the center to create more space for filling. Brush with lime juice to keep fresh.
  2. Cook Beef Filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add tomato sauce or diced tomatoes and simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
  4. Assemble: Spoon beef mixture into avocado halves.
  5. Top & Serve: Add cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or toppings of choice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

  1. Halve and pit the avocados, then scoop out a bit of flesh to make room.
  2. Drizzle avocado halves with lime juice.
  3. Heat skillet, sauté onion and garlic.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  5. Season with taco spices and add tomato sauce.
  6. Stir and let simmer until flavors combine.
  7. Fill avocado halves with the beef mixture.
  8. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro before serving.

How to Serve

  • Serve warm, immediately after assembling.
  • Pair with a side salad for a light lunch.
  • Serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles for a full dinner.
  • For parties, serve mini versions with smaller avocados as appetizers.

Recipe Tips

  • Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold their shape.
  • Don’t skip the lime juice—it keeps avocados fresh and bright.
  • For spicier flavor, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
  • Scoop out extra avocado flesh and mash it with lime to serve as a side guacamole.

Variations

  1. Cheesy Bake: Sprinkle cheese on top and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly.
  2. Mexican-Inspired: Add black olives, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
  3. Mediterranean Twist: Season beef with oregano, garlic, and lemon juice, then top with feta and parsley.
  4. Buffalo Style: Mix beef with buffalo sauce, top with ranch dressing and celery bits.
  5. Low-Calorie Option: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover beef mixture in the fridge for up to 4 days. Avocados should be cut fresh before serving.
  • Freezing: The beef filling can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Do not freeze avocados, as they will brown and become mushy.
  • Reheating: Reheat beef mixture on the stovetop or microwave, then assemble fresh avocados before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and spoon (for preparing avocados)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the beef filling in advance, but always cut and fill avocados just before serving to prevent browning.

Q2: How do I pick the best avocados?
Choose ones that are slightly soft when pressed but not mushy. The skin should be dark green to almost black.

Q3: Can I use guacamole instead of plain avocado halves?
Yes! Spread guacamole in small bowls and top with the beef mixture for a different presentation.

Q4: Is this dish keto-friendly?
Absolutely. Both avocados and beef are keto staples, making this perfect for a low-carb diet.

Q5: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Replace beef with a sautéed mushroom and walnut mix or plant-based crumbles.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stuffed Avocados are a flavorful, healthy, and visually appealing meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold taco-style flavors paired with the creamy goodness of avocados. With endless variations, customizable toppings, and its low-carb benefits, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular favorite on your table!

Ground Beef Stuffed Avocados

Course: Appetizers u0026amp; Snacks, LunchCuisine: Mexican-InspiredDifficulty: easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Beef Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon cumin

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon oregano

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • ½ cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes (sugar-free)

  • For the Avocados

  • 2 large ripe avocados, halved and pitted

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (to prevent browning)

  • Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Jalapeño slices

  • Pico de gallo or salsa

  • Diced tomatoes

Directions

  • Prepare Avocados: Slice avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon from the center to create more space for filling. Brush with lime juice to keep fresh.
  • Cook Beef Filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  • Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add tomato sauce or diced tomatoes and simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
  • Assemble: Spoon beef mixture into avocado halves.
  • Top & Serve: Add cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or toppings of choice.