Big Game Mini Tacos (Printable Version)
Bite-sized corn tortillas filled with seasoned beef and fresh tomato salsa, great for party appetizers or snacking.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Mini Tacos
01 - 24 mini corn tortillas (or cut regular tortillas into 3-inch rounds)
02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tsp chili powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper
11 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - ½ cup shredded lettuce
→ For the Fresh Salsa
13 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
14 - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
15 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
16 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Juice of 1 lime
18 - ½ tsp salt
19 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
→ Optional Toppings
20 - ¼ cup sour cream
21 - 1 avocado, sliced
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let flavors meld while preparing the beef.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pan.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir to coat evenly and let spices cook into the meat for 1 additional minute. Remove from heat.
05 - Warm mini tortillas in a dry pan over medium heat for 15–20 seconds per side or microwave in batches until pliable.
06 - Spoon a small amount of seasoned beef onto each tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, and a generous spoonful of fresh salsa.
07 - Add sour cream or avocado slices if desired. Arrange mini tacos on a platter and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Theyre the ultimate two bite party food that keeps people gathered around the platter
- The fresh homemade salsa transforms everything from ordinary appetizer to something people genuinely get excited about
02 -
- Warm tortillas are not optional here because cold ones crack and fall apart the moment someone tries to pick one up
- The salsa needs at least fifteen minutes to sit or the flavors will taste sharp and separate instead of blended
03 -
- Double the salsa recipe because it disappears faster than the tacos themselves
- Sprinkle a little cheese directly on the warm tortilla before adding the beef so it melts and acts as a barrier against sogginess