Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef, forms the hearty and flavorful base of the taco bites.
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely diced, adds a savory depth and aromatic foundation to the beef mixture.
- Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (about 1 ounce) of your favorite taco seasoning, provides the classic Tex-Mex flavor profile.
- Water: ½ cup of water, helps to simmer the beef and seasoning, creating a moist and flavorful filling.
- Mini Tortilla Bowls or Wonton Wrappers: 24-36 mini tortilla bowls or wonton wrappers, serve as the perfect bite-sized vessels for the taco filling.
- Shredded Cheese: 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy element.
- Optional Toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, black olives, for customizable flavors and textures.
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the hot skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the taco bites from becoming oily.
- Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onion mixture. Pour in the ½ cup of water. Stir well to ensure the taco seasoning is evenly distributed and coats all the beef.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until most of the water has evaporated and the taco filling has thickened slightly. Simmering allows the flavors of the taco seasoning to meld with the beef and onion, creating a richer and more flavorful filling. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan: While the beef filling is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the mini taco bites from sticking.
- Assemble the Taco Bites: If using mini tortilla bowls, arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. If using wonton wrappers, you can either use them as is for a flat base or gently press them into muffin tin cavities to create a cup shape for a slightly different presentation.
- Fill the Bowls or Wrappers: Spoon the seasoned beef filling evenly into each mini tortilla bowl or wonton wrapper. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can make them difficult to handle and may cause the filling to spill out during baking. Aim for a generous but manageable amount of filling in each bite.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the beef filling in each taco bite. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed to cover the beef and create a cheesy topping that will melt beautifully in the oven.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the assembled mini taco bites in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The mini tortilla bowls or wonton wrappers should also be lightly crisped around the edges.
- Cool Slightly and Garnish: Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the mini beef taco bites to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This will prevent them from falling apart and make them easier to handle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the mini beef taco bites with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or black olives. Serve immediately while they are warm and cheesy. These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g