Cheesy Taco Delight Bites
These Cheesy Taco Delight Bites are the perfect blend of flavorful ground beef seasoned with zesty taco spices, creamy cheese, and tangy salsa all nestled in crunchy Frito Scoops. Ideal for any gathering, including holiday parties or casual get-togethers, these appetizers are sure to be a hit with your guests. With a generous yield of around 90-100 bites, they're perfect for feeding a crowd, and you may even have some scoops leftover for snacking! Serve them warm with a dollop of zesty sour cream for added creaminess.
100
Servings
45
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1.5 lbs (none)
taco seasoning
1 (1.25 ounce) package, divided (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
Mexican blend cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
chunky salsa
8 ounces (none)
Frito Scoops
1 (12 ounce) bag (bite-size)
sour cream
8 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until it's browned and fully cooked through, using a spatula to chop it into small pieces.
2
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3
Add half of the taco seasoning and the water to the skillet. Stir well and continue cooking until the water evaporates completely.
4
Stir in the chunky salsa and mix until evenly combined with the beef mixture.
5
Incorporate half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese into the meat mixture, stirring until the cheese melts and everything is combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7
In a small bowl, combine the remaining taco seasoning with the sour cream until fully blended. Set aside.
8
Using a spoon, fill each Frito Scoop with the warm beef mixture, packing it slightly.
9
Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the filled scoops.
10
Arrange the filled scoops on a large baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Transfer the baked scoops to a serving platter and top each with a dollop of the sour cream mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
3g
Carbs
3.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Taco Delight Bites?
They are a flavorful appetizer made of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and salsa served in crunchy Frito Scoops.
How many bites does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 90 to 100 individual bites, making it perfect for large crowds.
What type of ground beef is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
What temperature should I bake the taco bites?
You should preheat your oven and bake the filled scoops at 350°F (175°C).
How long do the bites need to bake in the oven?
Bake the filled scoops for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What kind of chips are used for the base?
You should use a 12-ounce bag of Frito Scoops, as their shape is ideal for holding the meat mixture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
The recipe suggests shredded Mexican blend cheese, but you can substitute with cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.
How is the sour cream topping prepared?
Combine the remaining taco seasoning with 8 ounces of sour cream until fully blended to create the topping.
What are the nutrition facts for one bite?
Each bite contains approximately 45 calories, 3g of fat, 3g of carbohydrates, and 3.4g of protein.
Is it necessary to drain the grease from the beef?
Yes, once the beef is cooked through, you should drain any excess grease from the skillet before adding seasonings.
How much taco seasoning do I need?
The recipe requires one 1.25-ounce package of taco seasoning, divided between the beef and the sour cream.
What type of salsa should I use?
8 ounces of chunky salsa is recommended to provide texture and flavor to the meat mixture.
Are these taco bites good for holiday parties?
Yes, they are described as an ideal appetizer for holiday parties, gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
While best served warm, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and assemble/bake right before serving to keep the chips crunchy.
How do I prevent the Frito Scoops from breaking?
Handle the scoops gently while filling and packing them slightly with a spoon to ensure they stay intact.
Do I add water to the taco seasoning?
Yes, add 1/2 cup of water along with half the seasoning and cook until the water evaporates.
When should I add the cheese to the meat?
Incorporate half of the shredded cheese into the meat mixture once the salsa is combined, then use the rest to top the bites.
How should I serve these?
Transfer the baked scoops to a platter and top each with a dollop of the seasoned sour cream mixture.
Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef for this recipe.
What flavor profile do these bites have?
They offer a blend of zesty taco spices, creamy cheese, tangy salsa, and a salty crunch from the corn chips.
Is there a lot of fiber in these snacks?
The nutritional data shows that these bites contain 0g of fiber.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are approximately 3.4 grams of protein in a single bite.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Meat appetizers.
Will there be extra chips left over?
Yes, you may have some extra Frito Scoops leftover in the 12-ounce bag for snacking.
Can I use mild or hot salsa?
You can customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot chunky salsa based on your preference.
Are these considered a Mexican cuisine dish?
Yes, they are tagged under Mexican cuisine due to the taco seasoning, salsa, and Mexican blend cheese.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients: ground beef, taco seasoning, water, cheese, salsa, Frito Scoops, and sour cream.
Should the beef be finely chopped?
Yes, use a spatula to chop the beef into small pieces while browning to ensure it fits easily into the scoops.
What is the best way to apply the sour cream?
Using a small spoon or a piping bag, place a dollop of the sour cream mixture on top of each bite after baking.
Is there any sugar in these bites?
The nutritional information indicates that there is no sugar content in this recipe.