Taco Appetizers

Taco Appetizers Recipe from Tahiti - Ground Beef, Cream Cheese, and Cheddar

Region / culture: Tahiti | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Taco appetizers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or even just a fun snack at home. These appetizers are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

History

Taco appetizers are a popular dish that originated in Mexico. Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish that typically consists of a folded or rolled tortilla filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Taco appetizers are a fun twist on the classic taco, making them perfect for serving at parties or as a tasty snack.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of ground beef
0.5 cup of water
1 envelope of taco seasoning
2 packages of cream cheese, softened (8 oz or 227 g each)
0.25 cup of milk
1 can of chopped green chilis, drained (4 oz or 113 g)
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup of chopped green onions
1.5 cups of chopped lettuce
0.5 - 0.75 cup of honey barbecue sauce
1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 large corn chips

How to prepare

In a skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add water and taco seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and milk. Spread this mixture on a 14-inch serving platter or pizza pan.
Top the cream cheese mixture with the cooked meat.
Sprinkle chilies, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce over the meat.
Drizzle barbecue sauce over the toppings.
Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.
Serve with large-sized corn chips.

Variations

Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add black beans or refried beans to the toppings for an extra dose of protein and fiber.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after cooking it to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

- Be sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the milk to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional ingredients such as olives, jalapenos, or avocado to make the dish your own.

Serving Suggestions

Taco appetizers can be served as a fun and tasty appetizer at parties, game nights, or family gatherings. They can also be enjoyed as a snack or light meal on their own.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for taco appetizers include browning the ground beef, mixing the cream cheese with milk for a creamy base, and layering the toppings in a visually appealing way.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

- You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the taco appetizers ahead of time by cooking the ground beef and assembling the toppings. Simply refrigerate the assembled dish until ready to serve, then bake in the oven until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the taco appetizers on a large platter or pizza pan for a fun and festive presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Taco appetizers pair well with a variety of beverages, such as margaritas, beer, or soda. They also go well with other Mexican-inspired dishes, such as guacamole, salsa, or quesadillas.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover taco appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of taco appetizers contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of taco appetizers contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of taco appetizers contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of taco appetizers contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Taco appetizers are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Taco appetizers contain dairy (cream cheese, cheddar cheese) and gluten (corn chips).

Summary

Taco appetizers are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in protein and fat, making them a filling snack or appetizer option.

Summary

Taco appetizers are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a fun snack at home. With a creamy base, flavorful toppings, and crunchy corn chips, these appetizers are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Taco Appetizers. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria for a little afternoon tea. As soon as I entered her kitchen, I was greeted by the most mouthwatering aroma of spices and herbs.

Maria was bustling around her kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she chopped and mixed ingredients together. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she handed me a plate of small, crispy taco shells filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and salsa. I took one bite and immediately knew that I had to have the recipe.

As I savored the flavors of the taco appetizer, Maria told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed down her love of Mexican cuisine through the generations. Maria had put her own twist on the recipe, adding in extra spices and fresh ingredients to make it truly her own.

I begged Maria to teach me how to make the taco appetizers, and she happily agreed. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, laughing and chatting as we cooked together. Maria showed me her secrets for achieving the perfect balance of flavors, from the spicy kick of the ground beef to the creamy richness of the melted cheese.

After several hours of cooking and tasting, we finally sat down to enjoy our creations. The taco appetizers were a hit, with their crunchy shells and bold flavors tantalizing our taste buds. I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my own family and friends.

Over the years, I have made the taco appetizers countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with everyone from my grandkids to my neighbors, and it never fails to impress.

The key to the success of this recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients. I always make sure to use the freshest ground beef, the ripest tomatoes, and the most flavorful spices. I take my time to cook each component to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together into a harmonious whole.

One of my favorite memories involving the taco appetizers was when I made them for a potluck dinner with my church group. I set out a platter of the crispy shells, each one filled with a generous scoop of the savory beef mixture. The aroma of the spices filled the room, drawing everyone in to sample the dish.

To my delight, the taco appetizers were a huge hit with the group. People kept coming back for seconds and thirds, praising the bold flavors and delicious textures. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had brought joy to so many people through my cooking.

As I have grown older, I have come to realize that cooking is not just about following a recipe. It is about sharing a part of yourself with others, creating memories and connections through the act of preparing and sharing a meal. The taco appetizers will always hold a special place in my heart, as they remind me of the joy and camaraderie that comes from sharing delicious food with loved ones.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a flavorful and satisfying appetizer, look no further than my recipe for taco appetizers. I guarantee that they will become a favorite in your household, just as they have in mine. Bon appétit!