Taco Stuffed Avocados
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix (recipe below) or 1 (.85-ounce) packet taco seasoning
3 avocados, halved
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper-jack)
Sour cream
½ cup grape tomatoes diced
¼ cup sliced black olives
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro leaves
Cook ground beef in a medium-sized skillet. Drain meat well on paper towels and return to skillet. Stir in ¼ cup water and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix. Stir to combine. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pits from the halved avocados. Spoon out some of the avocado to create a space for the taco meat. Load the avocados with taco meat. Place on a heat-proof microwavable dish and top each avocado with cheese. Place dish in microwave and heat for 30 to 60 seconds until cheese is melted. Top each avocado with sour cream, tomatoes, black olives, green onions and cilantro leaves. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

Taco Seasoning Mix
This easy recipe will make enough seasoning for 6 pounds of ground beef. Use 2 tablespoons per pound.
1/4 cup chili powder
3 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1½ teaspoons onion powder
1½ teaspoons oregano
1½ teaspoons black pepper
Mix all ingredients in a small jar with a tightly fitting lid. Keep airtight until ready to use.

The writer owns Catering by Debbi Covington and is the author of three cookbooks, Celebrate Beaufort, Celebrate Everything! and Dining Under the Carolina Moon. For more great recipes and to view her cooking demonstrations, visit and subscribe to Debbi’s YouTube channel. Debbi’s website address is www.cateringbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 843-525-0350 or by email at dbc@cateringbydebbicovington.com.