Description
These Red, White, and Blue Taco Bites are a patriotic and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crunchy blue corn tortilla chips, melty Monterey Jack cheese, zesty salsa, and creamy sour cream, these bite-sized tacos offer a delightful mix of textures and patriotic colors. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
- 35 round blue corn tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1 cup red salsa
- ½ cup sour cream, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook and stir 1 pound of ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess oil from the skillet to avoid greasiness.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix until the beef is evenly coated. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Then, transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra moisture for a better texture on the bites.
- Arrange Tortilla Chips: Spread the 35 round blue corn tortilla chips in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow even cooking and topping distribution.
- Assemble the Taco Bites: On each tortilla chip, place a small amount of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, followed by a spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture, then add a dollop of red salsa and a little sour cream. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of each chip for a cheesy finish.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the assembled taco bites for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Add Finishing Touches and Serve: Once baked, add a small amount of the remaining sour cream on top of each taco bite using a piping bag or spoon. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy these colorful, tasty appetizers.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped cilantro or jalapeños on top before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- If blue corn chips are unavailable, regular corn tortilla chips work as well but will alter the colors slightly.
- Make sure not to overlap chips on the baking sheet to keep them crispy.
- These taco bites are best served warm but can be stored in the fridge and reheated before serving.
