These Taco Bites are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a taco in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a quick snack, they combine crispy wonton wrappers with seasoned beef, fresh toppings, and creamy guacamole.
Ingredients:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ tablespoons mild taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded fiesta blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup guacamole
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup pico de gallo
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a regular-size muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. - Prepare the Wonton Wrappers
Press 1 wonton wrapper into the prepared muffin tin opening. Overlay the second wrapper and press it into the first wrapper. Be sure to press the wrappers against the walls of the cups as well as the bottoms. Repeat for the remaining muffin cups. - Bake the Wonton Wrappers
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the wrappers are golden brown. (The tips of the wonton wrappers may get a deeper golden color than the bottom) - Cook the Ground Beef
While the wontons are baking, add the ½ pound of ground beef to a 1½ to 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. (You can also use a small nonstick skillet) Stir continuously, breaking the ground beef into small pieces, until the ground beef is cooked through and no longer pink. - Season the Beef
Reduce the heat to low. Add the taco seasoning and the water. Stir to combine. Allow the meat mixture to simmer for just a few minutes. Remove from the heat. - Assemble the Taco Bites
Add 1 tablespoon of taco meat to each of the baked wonton cups. - Add the Cheese
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the shredded cheese over the taco meat. - Add the Lettuce
Sprinkle ½-1 tablespoon of shredded lettuce over the cheese layer. - Add the Guacamole
Spoon 1-1½ teaspoons of the guacamole over the lettuce. - Add the Sour Cream
Spoon a 1 teaspoon dollop of the sour cream into the center of the guacamole. - Add the Pico de Gallo
Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of the pico de gallo on top of the sour cream. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips :
- Serve Immediately
Taco Bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. The crispy wonton wrappers and the warm, seasoned beef combined with fresh toppings make for a delightful bite-sized treat. - Garnish Options
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a dash of hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavors further. - Pair with Dips
Serve these Taco Bites with a side of salsa, extra guacamole, or a creamy queso dip for added variety and flavor.
Storage Tips :
- Refrigeration
If you have leftovers, store the assembled Taco Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Note that the wonton wrappers may lose their crispiness over time. - Reheating
To reheat, place the Taco Bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This will help to crisp up the wonton wrappers again. - Make Ahead
You can prepare the components in advance. Cook the ground beef and bake the wonton wrappers ahead of time, storing them separately. When ready to serve, assemble the Taco Bites and bake for a few minutes to warm them up. - Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked wonton wrappers and cooked taco meat separately. Place the wonton wrappers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store the taco meat in an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator, assemble, and bake as directed.
Variations:
- Chicken Taco Bites
Substitute ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken. Season the chicken with taco seasoning and follow the same assembly steps for a different protein option. - Vegetarian Taco Bites
Replace the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a mixture of beans and corn. Season the beans with taco seasoning and assemble as usual for a delicious vegetarian alternative. - Spicy Taco Bites
Add a kick by mixing some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the ground beef or chicken. You can also top the Taco Bites with a drizzle of spicy sriracha or hot sauce. - Breakfast Taco Bites
Swap the ground beef for scrambled eggs and crumbled cooked bacon or sausage. Top with cheese and your favorite breakfast taco toppings, like salsa or diced avocado. - Seafood Taco Bites
Use cooked, chopped shrimp or crab meat seasoned with a bit of lime juice, garlic, and chili powder. Assemble as usual and enjoy a seafood twist on the classic Taco Bites. - Mini Taco Salad Bites
Add a layer of refried beans at the bottom of the wonton cups before adding the taco meat. Top with chopped tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a mini taco salad experience. - Buffalo Chicken Taco Bites
Use shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce instead of taco seasoning. Top with blue cheese crumbles, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a buffalo chicken twist. - Greek Taco Bites
Swap the taco meat for ground lamb seasoned with Greek spices like oregano and garlic. Top with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. - BBQ Taco Bites
Replace the ground beef with pulled pork or shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce. Top with coleslaw and pickled jalapeños for a BBQ-inspired treat. - Taco Bites Bar
Set up a DIY Taco Bites bar with various proteins, toppings, and sauces. Let guests assemble their own Taco Bites, customizing to their preferences. This is a great option for parties and gatherings.
FAQs:
- Can I make Taco Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the ground beef and bake the wonton wrappers in advance, storing them separately. When ready to serve, assemble the Taco Bites and warm them in the oven for a few minutes. - How do I keep the wonton wrappers crispy?
To keep the wonton wrappers crispy, serve the Taco Bites immediately after assembling. If storing leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. - Can I use a different type of wrapper?
While wonton wrappers work best for their crispiness, you can experiment with phyllo dough or small tortillas. Adjust baking times accordingly to ensure they become crispy. - What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can use a mixture of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Are Taco Bites suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make Taco Bites gluten-free, use gluten-free wonton wrappers or small corn tortillas. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as taco seasoning, are also gluten-free. - Can I freeze Taco Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the baked wonton wrappers and cooked taco meat separately. Thaw them in the refrigerator before assembling and baking as directed. - What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add diced avocado, black olives, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of queso fresco for added flavor and texture. - How can I make Taco Bites spicier?
To add more heat, mix chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the ground beef. You can also top the Taco Bites with hot sauce or a spicy salsa. - Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter option. Follow the same cooking instructions, and season with taco seasoning as directed. - What sides go well with Taco Bites?
Taco Bites pair well with a variety of sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a simple green salad. Serve with extra guacamole, salsa, and chips for a complete meal.
Taco Bites are a versatile and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a taco in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for any occasion, these crispy wonton cups filled with seasoned beef and fresh toppings are sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, Taco Bites offer endless possibilities for creativity and flavor. Serve them fresh, customize them to your liking, and enjoy this delightful appetizer or snack with friends and family.