Ingredients:
- 4 large tomatoes (Roma or beefsteak tomatoes work well)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste)
- ¼ cup water or beef broth
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional for serving)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Salsa (optional)
- Avocado or guacamole (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Cut off the top of each tomato (the stem end) and carefully scoop out the seeds and pulp using a spoon or melon baller. Be gentle to avoid breaking the tomato. You want to create a hollow space for the taco filling.
- Optionally, you can lightly salt the inside of the tomatoes and place them upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture.
2. Cook the Taco Meat:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef (or your choice of ground meat) and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water (or beef broth). Simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Stuff the Tomatoes:
- Once the taco meat is ready, spoon the seasoned meat into each hollowed-out tomato.
- Top the stuffed tomatoes with shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado, or guacamole.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Low Carb Taco Tomatoes!
Tips & Variations:
- Add More Veggies: You can sauté some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach with the meat to add extra veggies to your filling.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. You can even melt some cheese on top of the stuffed tomatoes under the broiler for a cheesy crust.
- Make Them Spicy: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to your taco meat for an extra kick.
Enjoy Your Low Carb Taco Tomatoes!
This is a fun and healthy take on taco night. The tomatoes are a great substitute for tortillas, keeping it low-carb while still delivering all the delicious flavors of tacos. You can enjoy these as a main dish or as a fun appetizer for taco-themed meals.
