Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, or red paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 semi-soft avocados
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1–1/2 limes, juiced
- Salt to taste
- 1 loaf of sliced sandwich bread
- Prepared taco meat
- Prepared guacamole
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 3 small tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons soft butter
- Sour cream and/or salsa, for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. Cook and crumble the ground meat until no pink remains, drain off any fat.
- Add in spices with 1/4-cup of water. Mix thoroughly and cook until most of the water has evaporated and meat and spices are well combined.
- Slice open, seed, and scoop out the avocado halves into a small bowl. Add lime juice and mash with a fork.
- Stir in chopped onion, cilantro, and a good pinch of salt.
- Use immediately.
- Heat a large skillet over low heat.
- Butter the slices of bread and start layering the sandwiches – buttered sides facing out.
- Start with about 1 once of cheddar; top with about 1/4 cup of taco meat, then a 1/4 cup of guacamole; layer a few tomato slices; top with 1 ounce of Monterrey Jack; finish with your top piece of bread.
- Grill on low for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown, flip and finish the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, and any extra guacamole for dipping.
- The key to melting the cheese without burning the bread is the low heat setting; grill these low and slow.
- Depending on the amount of filling, you may be able to get eight sandwiches in total. I made six hearty sandwiches with a little meat and guacamole leftover. Begin and end layers with cheese. They are the glue that holds the whole thing together.
Tips for the Perfect Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors. Pepper jack can add an extra kick.
- Bread Choice: Use thick slices of bread to support the filling without becoming soggy.
- Guacamole Freshness: Prepare the guacamole close to serving time to maintain its bright color and freshness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side of tortilla chips and extra guacamole or salsa for dipping.
FAQs:
- Can I use store-bought taco seasoning? Yes, you can substitute homemade taco seasoning with a store-bought variety for convenience.
- What if I’m vegetarian? Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Can these be made ahead of time? It’s best to serve these sandwiches fresh. However, you can prepare the taco meat and guacamole in advance to save time.
Conclusion:
- Category: Recipe
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American