Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Taco Tortilla Bites?
Savory Taco Tortilla Bites are an appetizer that combines the flavors of a taco with the structure of a mini quiche, using flour tortillas as a crust.
How many calories are in each taco bite?
Each bite contains approximately 150 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do these take to bake?
The tortilla bites need to bake for approximately 25 minutes.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of lean ground beef.
Can I substitute the ground beef with something else?
Yes, you could use ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
How many muffin cups does this recipe fill?
This recipe is designed to fill 12 muffin pan cups.
What size cookie cutter do I need for the tortillas?
A 4-inch round cookie cutter is recommended to cut the tortilla rounds.
How many tortillas do I need?
The recipe requires four 10-inch flour tortillas.
What is the purpose of the egg in the mixture?
The beaten egg helps bind the meat mixture together, giving it a quiche-like consistency.
What toppings are added before baking?
Each bite is topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Should I grease the muffin pan?
Yes, grease the 12 muffin pan cups with cooking spray or oil to prevent the tortillas from sticking.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses a 1.25-ounce package of dry taco seasoning mix and two tablespoons of hot sauce.
How do I prepare the onions?
The onion should be finely chopped and cooked with the beef until translucent.
Do I need to drain the beef?
Yes, after browning the beef and onion, you should drain any excess fat from the pan.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While flour tortillas are more pliable for molding into the muffin cups, corn tortillas can be used if they are warmed first to prevent cracking.
What kind of cheese is best?
The recipe recommends shredded cheddar cheese, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also work well.
Are these spicy?
They have a mild to moderate heat from the taco seasoning and hot sauce, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each bite provides 11 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one tortilla bite?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
What size of tomato sauce can should I use?
Use one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How do I get the tortillas into the muffin cups?
Gently mold each 4-inch tortilla round into the greased muffin cup to create a small bowl shape.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the meat mixture in advance, but it is best to assemble and bake them fresh for the crispiest tortilla crust.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, they can be frozen after baking. Reheat them in the oven to maintain the texture of the tortilla.
How many carbohydrates are in each bite?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I do with the remaining tortilla scraps?
The scraps can be baked into chips or discarded.
Do I need to cook the olives?
The sliced black olives are stirred into the meat mixture after it is removed from the heat, so they are heated during the baking process.
Is water needed for the filling?
Yes, 1/4 cup of water is added to the meat mixture to help blend the seasoning and sauce.
How long should they cool before eating?
Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven to let the filling set.