Stuffed Avocado Bowls with Turkey and Lettuce (30-Minute Low-Carb Meal)

Key Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Difficulty: Easy

Dietary: Low-carb, Gluten-free, Keto-friendly

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or frying pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing spoon
Measuring spoons
Alternative: Cast iron pan can replace skillet

Ingredients

2 large ripe avocados (or 3-4 small ones)
1 lb (450g) ground turkey [can sub ground chicken]
1 medium onion, diced
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5g) salt
½ tsp (2.5g) black pepper
1 tsp (5g) cumin [optional]
½ tsp (2.5g) smoked paprika [optional]
8-10 large lettuce leaves
Lime juice for garnish

Optional Toppings

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup shredded cheese

Fresh avocados, ground turkey, lettuce and spices arranged on a rustic wooden board

Method

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced onion, cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
Add ground turkey, breaking it up with spoon (8-10 minutes or until no pink remains).
Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika if using.
Cut avocados lengthwise, remove pits.
Scoop small well in avocado halves (leave about ½ inch flesh).
Fill avocado wells with turkey mixture.
Arrange on lettuce leaves.
Top with optional garnishes.

Sizzling turkey and onion mixture cooking in a cast iron skillet with steam rising, reaching a golden brown color

Halved avocados with lime juice drizzle on a cutting board for preparation

Crucial Tips

Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure – not too firm or too soft.
Don’t overcook turkey – remove from heat as soon as no pink remains.
Squeeze lime juice over avocados immediately to prevent browning.

Spooning turkey mixture into halved avocados

Storage

Turkey mixture: 3 days refrigerated
Assembled bowls: Best eaten immediately
Store components separately if meal prepping

Common Mistakes

Using unripe avocados
Overcooking turkey until dry
Not seasoning adequately

Variations

Mexican-style: Add taco seasoning to turkey
Italian: Use Italian herbs and top with mozzarella
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños and hot sauce
Vegetarian: Replace turkey with seasoned black beans

Stuffed avocados on crisp lettuce leaves garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges

This recipe combines lean protein with healthy fats for a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep – just store turkey separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat. The lettuce wraps make it extra low-carb, but you can serve over rice or quinoa if preferred.

Remember: The key to this dish is using perfectly ripe avocados and not overcooking the turkey!