Mouth-Watering Cheesy Shell Taco Bites Recipe
Welcome to my Cheesy Shell Taco Bites recipe! I believe that this recipe is a game changer in the world of snack foods. It combines the best parts of both tacos and cheesy snacks while keeping things fresh and exciting.
Many classic snack foods can leave us feeling bored with their repetitive flavors and textures, but not these Cheesy Shell Taco Bites. With every bite, you’ll experience a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of flavor from the seasoned ground beef, salsa, cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
These bites are perfect for parties, game day snacks, or just when you’re craving something cheesy and delicious. I can guarantee that they will be a crowd-pleaser.
But don’t just take my word for it – give these Cheesy Shell Taco Bites a try and taste the difference for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love tacos but wish they were more bite-sized and easy to handle? Look no further than these Cheesy Shell Taco Bites! This recipe takes classic taco ingredients like ground beef, cheddar cheese, salsa, and taco seasoning and transforms them into mini cups that are both delicious and convenient.
First of all, who doesn’t love cheese? These Cheesy Shell Taco Bites are made entirely of cheese – get ready for a gooey, cheesy explosion in every bite. The shells are made by baking shredded cheddar cheese until crispy, creating the perfect vessel for your taco fillings.
But it’s not just about the cheese. These taco bites are also incredibly versatile. Don’t have ground beef on hand? Swap it out for turkey or even vegetarian crumbles. Want to add some extra flavor? Top them with diced avocado and cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. Plus, they work great as an appetizer or main dish – perfect for a party or a family dinner.
But perhaps the best part about these Cheesy Shell Taco Bites is how easy they are to make. With only a few simple steps, you can have delicious mini tacos ready in no time. Plus, clean up is a breeze since they’re all contained in one little cup.
In summary, if you’re looking for an easy, tasty and impressive recipe that is highly adaptable and fun to eat, then these Cheesy Shell Taco Bites are definitely worth trying. So let’s dive into the ingredient list and get started!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Cheesy Shell Taco Bites:
Taco Shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning mix (about 2 tablespoons)
- â…” cup water
- 12 wonton wrappers
Cheesy Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- diced avocado
- fresh cilantro leaves
- salsa
- sour cream
All the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. This recipe yields about 12 Cheesy Shell Taco Bites. Make sure to adjust the amount of ingredients according to the number of servings you want.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the exciting part – let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Shell Taco Bites.
Ingredients
Before we start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- 24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions
- Suggested toppings: cilantro, avocado, salsa, sour cream
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook the beef
In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Once your beef is fully cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the taco seasoning mix according to its directions.
Step 3: Cheese those shells!
Next up is the fun part – cheesing those shells! Grab a large mixing bowl and mix together the shredded cheddar cheese and beef mixture.
Evenly spoon this cheesy concoction into each of the jumbo pasta shells, being careful not to overstuff them. Place each filled shell onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Time to bake
Once all shells are filled and arranged on your baking sheet, put it in your preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and bubbly.
When done, remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Add toppings (optional)
Go ahead and top with any additional suggested toppings such as cilantro, avocado or salsa – this is where you can really make this recipe your own!
Now you’re ready to enjoy these deliciously cheesy shell taco bites that are sure to have everyone asking for more!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, sometimes it’s fun to get creative with the ingredients you have on hand or add a different flavor to your go-to recipe. The Cheesy Shell Taco Bites Recipe is no exception! Here are a few substitutions and variations to try out:
1. Swap the Ground Beef for Ground Turkey: If you’re looking for a leaner protein option or simply prefer turkey over beef, go ahead and substitute! Just make sure to season the ground turkey the same way you would the ground beef.
2. Add a Kick of Spice: If you like your food with some heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture before baking. You could also serve with a side of hot sauce for dipping!
3. Vegetarian Version: Want to make this recipe meatless? Substitute the ground beef for cooked black beans or lentils seasoned with taco seasoning.
4. Change Up the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is my personal favorite for this recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of cheese! Colby jack, pepper jack or even queso fresco would work well and add a unique flavor.
5. Taco Salad: Instead of filling shells with the taco mixture, try breaking up some crunchy taco shells into bite-sized pieces and use them as a base for a delicious taco salad. Top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato and avocado.
These are just a few ideas to switch things up and personalize the Cheesy Shell Taco Bites Recipe – feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste preferences!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving up these Cheesy Shell Taco Bites, the possibilities are truly endless. These bites are perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even as a main course for a more casual and laid back get-together with friends and family.
As for pairings, I recommend sticking with some classic Mexican-inspired favorites. A refreshing salsa on the side can add some zing to your meal and help cool down any spice from the taco seasoning. And what’s a taco without some creamy sour cream? A dollop or two of sour cream will go perfectly with these cheesy bites.
If you’re looking for something to drink, you can’t go wrong with a frosty margarita or a cold cerveza. Or, if you want to keep it non-alcoholic, try serving up some ice-cold horchata or agua fresca.
If you’re hosting a larger gathering or potluck style meal, consider setting up a taco bar complete with all the fixings so guests can build their own cheesy taco bites exactly how they like them!
In the end, these Cheesy Shell Taco Bites are versatile enough that they will pair beautifully with just about anything you choose. So feel free to get creative and make them your own – whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying them for dinner!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made these Cheesy Shell Taco Bites, you’ll want to enjoy them again and again. Luckily, they are delicious when reheated and can be kept in the fridge or freezer for later.
To make these taco bites ahead of time, prepare them as instructed in the recipe and then let them cool completely before storing. I recommend placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and putting them in the fridge uncovered for 1-2 hours to help them cool faster. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag and store them in the fridge for up to four days or the freezer for up to one month.
When it’s time to reheat your taco bites, simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and cover them lightly with aluminum foil. If you’re reheating from frozen, add a few minutes to the cooking time. Once heated through, remove the foil and let them bake uncovered for a few more minutes until crisp.
These taco bites are also great for meal prep! Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week as a grab-and-go lunch or snack. They’re perfect for busy weekdays when you don’t have much time to cook.
Pro tip: If you’re making these taco bites ahead of time, reserve some cilantro, avocado, salsa or sour cream for serving after reheating. The toppings can wilt or lose their freshness if added ahead of time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make some scrumptious Cheesy Shell Taco Bites, let me give you some tips on how to achieve the perfect results. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and enhance the flavors of your taco bites.
Firstly, it’s essential to use fresh ingredients when making this recipe. Make sure your ground beef is not expired and has been appropriately handled before use. For the cheese, I recommend shredding it yourself rather than buying pre-packaged shredded cheese. This way, you can control the size of the shreds and ensure it melts evenly.
Secondly, don’t overcook the ground beef. It’s best to cook it until just browned but still slightly pink in the middle. Overcooking can result in a dry and tough texture.
Thirdly, if you prefer your taco bites crunchy, ensure that you preheat your oven well before baking them. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.
Fourthly, for a healthier version of this recipe, opt for low-carb or keto cheese shells rather than regular taco shells. As such, these cheesy shell taco bites make for an excellent low-carb or keto-friendly option.
Finally, try experimenting with different toppings and seasoning combinations to create your unique taste. Some suggested toppings include cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream salsa, or even a dollop of guacamole.
By following these tips, you will be sure to get those perfect Cheesy Shell Taco Bites every time!
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a fun and easy-to-make recipe that is sure to satisfy your craving for a delicious meal, then give Cheesy Shell Taco Bites a try. With their perfect combination of cheddar cheese, ground beef, and taco seasoning, these little bites are not only incredibly tasty, but they’re also simple to prepare.
Furthermore, this recipe is versatile and can be modified to suit your personal taste preferences. You can substitute different types of meat or vegetables, adjust the level of spiciness to match your palate, or even experiment with different types of cheese. The possibilities for variation are endless.
So, whether you’re planning a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is a must-try. With its cheesy goodness and savory flavors, it will make everyone’s taste buds dance with delight.
In conclusion, if you want an easy-to-make meal that will satisfy your hunger and delight your senses, then the Cheesy Shell Taco Bites recipe is the perfect choice. So go ahead and try it out! Once you do, I’m sure you’ll be coming back for more again and again.
Cheesy Shell Taco Bites Recipe
Ingredients
For Shells
- 20 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
For Filling
- 1 lb hamburger
- 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup salsa, or 1/2 cup picante sauce
- 3 tablespoons salsa
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- salsa
- avocado, cubed
- cilantro
Instructions
- For Shells:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop shredded cheese on to parchment and shape into a disk. Make sure each cheese disk does not touch the one next to it.
- Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 7 minutes.
- Lift the melted cheese disks off of the parchment paper and press into mini-muffin tins. Let the cheese cool for 1-minute (or more) in the muffin tin so that they will hold their shape. Remove from muffin tin and set aside.
- For the Taco Filling:
- Cook hamburger until browned.
- Drain the fat and stir in taco mix and 1/2 cup salsa/picante sauce.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Assembly:
- Spoon beef mixture in cooled cheese cups and top with the 3 shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, cubed avocados and cilantro.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.