Description
Mini Taco Shell Bites are crispy baked tortilla cups filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, perfect for parties, game days, or quick snacks. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
1/4 cup water
6 small flour tortillas (6–8 in)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water. Stir and let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cut small rounds (3–4 inches in diameter) from the tortillas using a cookie cutter or cup rim.
- Microwave the rounds for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable, then press them into a greased muffin tin to form mini shells.
- Spoon the meat mixture into each shell and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the shells are golden and cheese is melted.
- Let cool slightly, add desired toppings, and serve.
Notes
Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for variety.
Add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra spice.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a traditional flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Freeze baked, un-topped bites for later and reheat in the oven from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini taco bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
