Print

Mini Taco Bites – Quick and Easy Recipe

4.6 from 117 reviews

These Mini Taco Bites are a quick and easy appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with Velveeta cheese, served in crispy Tostitos Scoops and topped with sour cream, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, they combine cheesy, savory flavors with a convenient bite-size presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Taco Meat:

  • 1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef
  • 3 Tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) cubed Velveeta cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons cornmeal (optional, for thickening)

Assembly and Toppings:

  • 24 Tostitos Scoops
  • 1/2 cup taco meat (from above recipe or your favorite)
  • 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons (1 ounce) sour cream
  • 1 Tablespoon shredded lettuce
  • 1 Tablespoon diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Taco Meat: Brown and crumble the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain the cooked beef in a colander to remove excess grease, rinsing with hot water if desired for less grease.
  2. Simmer with Seasoning: Return the beef to the skillet. Add taco seasoning, undrained Rotel tomatoes, and water. Stir to combine, cover, and cook over medium heat until most of the water evaporates, about 20 minutes.
  3. Add Cheese and Thicken: Add cubed Velveeta cheese, cover, and heat until melted, about 5 minutes. Stir in cornmeal if you want to thicken the mixture to your preferred consistency.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  5. Fill Scoops: Place Tostitos Scoops cup side up on the baking sheet. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of taco meat into each scoop, then top with about 1/2 teaspoon of shredded Cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the scoops are warmed through.
  7. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove from oven and top each bite with a dollop of sour cream, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • Drain and rinse cooked beef to reduce grease for a less oily taco meat.
  • Use Velveeta for extra creamy, melty taco meat texture.
  • Add cornmeal gradually to control the thickness of the meat mixture.
  • If you want spicier bites, adjust the amount or type of taco seasoning.
  • Serves as a perfect appetizer or party snack for 24 servings.

Keywords: Mini Taco Bites, Taco Appetizer, Party Snacks, Ground Beef Appetizer, Cheese Taco Bites, Easy Appetizer