Bite-Sized Taco Bites
These irresistible Bite-Sized Taco Bites are the perfect blend of savory beef, tangy salsa, and melty cheese, all nestled in crispy wonton shells. Perfect as a delightful appetizer or a light meal, these mini tacos pack a punch of flavor in every bite. Enjoy a fiesta of flavors that's easy to make and sure to impress!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
wonton wrappers
24 (none)
ground beef
1 lb (none)
taco seasoning
1 (1.25 oz) package (none)
salsa or picante sauce
1/2 cup (none)
salsa (additional)
3 tablespoons (none)
shredded cheese
1 cup (use cheddar or Mexican blend)
sour cream
optional (for serving)
olives
optional (for serving)
guacamole
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3
Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the pan.
4
Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup of salsa or picante sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes.
5
Meanwhile, press a wonton wrapper into each mini muffin cup, ensuring the edges extend out to create a tiny cup.
6
Fill each wonton-cup with a spoonful of the beef mixture, then top with a small amount of the additional 3 tablespoons of salsa, distributing evenly among the cups.
7
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each filled wonton cup.
8
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are nicely crispy and the cheese is melted.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before lifting each taco bite out of the muffin cups.
10
Serve warm, accompanied by sour cream, olives, guacamole, and extra salsa as desired.
11
Enjoy your flavorful small bites of taco goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bite-Sized Taco Bites?
Bite-Sized Taco Bites are mini appetizers consisting of seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melted cheese baked inside crispy wonton wrapper shells.
How many taco bites does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 24 individual bite-sized taco appetizers.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How long do the taco bites need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 8 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are crispy and the cheese has melted.
What type of wrappers are used for the shells?
The recipe uses 24 standard wonton wrappers to create the crispy mini shells.
Which type of cheese is best for this recipe?
A shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend cheese is recommended for the best flavor and melting consistency.
Do I need to cook the beef before baking?
Yes, the ground beef should be browned in a skillet and simmered with seasoning before being added to the wonton shells.
How much salsa is required for the filling?
You will need 1/2 cup of salsa or picante sauce for the beef mixture, plus an additional 3 tablespoons for topping.
How do I form the shells?
Press one wonton wrapper into each cup of a mini muffin tin, letting the edges extend outward to create a cup shape.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
What should I serve with these taco bites?
They are delicious when served with sour cream, olives, guacamole, and extra salsa.
Is it necessary to drain the beef?
Yes, it is important to drain excess fat from the pan after browning the beef to prevent the wonton shells from becoming soggy.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
The beef, taco seasoning, and salsa should simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes.
Can these be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef filling in advance, but it is best to assemble and bake them just before serving to ensure the wontons stay crispy.
Are these taco bites spicy?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose; you can use mild, medium, or hot varieties to suit your preference.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Lunch/Snacks and is often served as an appetizer or party food.
Can I add beans to the recipe?
Yes, you can stir in some black beans or refried beans to the beef mixture for extra texture and protein.
Should the taco bites cool before eating?
Allow them to cool slightly after removing them from the oven so the cheese sets and the shells are easier to handle.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of wontons?
While you can use corn tortillas cut into circles, the texture will be different; wonton wrappers provide a unique, light crunch.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat leftover taco bites?
To maintain crispiness, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
No, traditional wonton wrappers are made from wheat flour. You would need to use a gluten-free wrapper alternative to make this dish gluten-free.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or a mix of beans and sautéed vegetables.
Do I need a special pan for this?
A mini muffin tin is required to hold the wonton wrappers in the correct shape while they bake.
What size taco seasoning packet is used?
The recipe calls for one standard 1.25 oz package of taco seasoning.
Can I use picante sauce instead of salsa?
Yes, picante sauce works perfectly as a substitute for salsa in this recipe.
How do I prevent the wontons from burning?
Watch them closely around the 7-8 minute mark. Because they are thin, the edges can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Is there a specific way to prepare the olives?
Sliced black olives are usually preferred for topping these taco bites.
Can I freeze the finished taco bites?
Freezing is possible, but the wonton wrappers may lose some of their crisp texture upon thawing and reheating.
What makes these a good 'finger food'?
Their small size and sturdy crispy shell make them easy to pick up and eat in one or two bites without needing utensils.