Spicy Taco Meatball Nacho Bites
Elevate your snack game with these Spicy Taco Meatball Nacho Bites, perfect for parties or game day gatherings. Juicy, flavorful meatballs made from seasoned ground beef are nestled in crispy corn chip scoops. Topped with a rich, creamy queso, fresh guacamole, vibrant pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of cilantro, these bites bring a fiesta of flavors to your table. With just the right amount of spice, they are sure to please meat lovers and spice enthusiasts alike!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (80/20 blend)
taco seasoning
2 tablespoons
tomato paste
1 tablespoon
canned chopped chilies
2 tablespoons
large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
plain breadcrumbs
1/3 cup
chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons
corn chip scoops
24-30
cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon
milk
1 cup
sour cream
1 cup
guacamole
1 cup
pico de gallo
1 cup (small diced)
finely chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, taco seasoning, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of canned chopped chilies, beaten egg, plain breadcrumbs, and chopped cilantro. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
3
Form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
5
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the queso. In a large bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, grated Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and cornstarch. Set aside.
6
In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, gradually whisk in the cheese mixture until smooth and creamy. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of chopped chilies and allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
7
Once the meatballs are ready, carefully place each one into a corn chip scoop. Drizzle generously with the prepared queso, and top with a spoonful of guacamole, some pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
8
Serve hot with a side of sour cream for dipping and enjoy your flavorful creations!
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
18.8g
Carbs
23.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Taco Meatball Nacho Bites?
Spicy Taco Meatball Nacho Bites are a party appetizer consisting of seasoned ground beef meatballs served in crispy corn chip scoops and topped with creamy queso, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
What ingredients do I need for the meatballs?
You will need ground beef (80/20 blend), taco seasoning, tomato paste, canned chopped chilies, a large egg, plain breadcrumbs, and chopped cilantro.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the meatballs?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to bake the meatballs.
How long should the meatballs bake?
The meatballs should bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
What size should I make the meatballs?
Form the meat mixture into approximately 2-inch meatballs to ensure they fit properly into the corn chip scoops.
How is the homemade queso prepared?
The queso is made by whisking a mixture of grated cheddar, Monterey Jack pepper cheese, and cornstarch into simmering milk until smooth and thickened.
What type of cheese is best for the queso topping?
A combination of grated cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack pepper cheese is recommended for a flavorful and creamy result.
Why is cornstarch used in the cheese mixture?
Cornstarch is tossed with the grated cheese to help thicken the sauce and prevent the cheese from clumping or separating when added to the milk.
What type of corn chips are used for this recipe?
Standard corn chip scoops are used to act as the base or 'cup' for the meatballs and toppings.
What are the recommended toppings for assembly?
Top each meatball bite with prepared queso, a spoonful of guacamole, pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it has a kick due to the taco seasoning, canned chopped chilies, and Monterey Jack pepper cheese, but you can adjust these to your preference.
How many calories are in a serving of these nacho bites?
There are approximately 400 calories in a serving of these Spicy Taco Meatball Nacho Bites.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 26g of fat.
How much protein do these nacho bites provide?
The recipe provides approximately 23.5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this snack?
There are approximately 18.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I serve as a dipping sauce?
A side of sour cream is recommended for dipping to complement the spicy flavors.
Can I use lean ground beef instead of 80/20?
You can, but 80/20 ground beef is recommended to ensure the meatballs remain juicy and flavorful during the baking process.
How many meatball bites does this recipe make?
The recipe ingredients are designed to make approximately 24 to 30 individual nacho bites.
What is in the pico de gallo topping?
Pico de gallo typically consists of small diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro, often seasoned with lime juice and salt.
Is there a specific preparation for the ground beef?
The ground beef should be an 80/20 blend for the best texture and fat content to keep the meatballs moist.
Can I make these for a party ahead of time?
You can bake the meatballs and make the queso ahead of time, but it is best to assemble them just before serving to keep the chips from getting soggy.
What is the role of the egg in the meatball mixture?
The egg acts as a binder, helping the ground beef and breadcrumbs stay together so the meatballs don't fall apart while cooking.
Can I substitute Monterey Jack pepper cheese with something else?
If you want less heat, you can substitute it with regular Monterey Jack or extra mild cheddar cheese.
Should the meatballs be served hot?
Yes, they are best served hot immediately after assembly while the queso is creamy and the chips are crunchy.
What tags are associated with this recipe for searching?
Common tags include meatballs, taco, nacho bites, party food, snacks, mexican-inspired, and appetizer.
Can I use store-bought guacamole and pico de gallo?
Absolutely, using store-bought toppings is a great way to save time when preparing this appetizer for a crowd.
How do I ensure the queso is smooth?
Ensure you whisk the cheese mixture into the simmering milk gradually and keep stirring until everything is fully melted and incorporated.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain breadcrumbs are best so that they don't clash with the taco seasoning and other spices in the meatballs.
Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double; simply ensure you have enough baking sheet space for the additional meatballs.
Are these nacho bites suitable for kids?
They can be, though you may want to reduce the chilies and use a milder cheese if the children are sensitive to spicy food.