A Quick & Tasty Family Favorite
Taco night just got a mini makeover! Introducing our mini taco bites – a fun, kid-friendly twist on a classic favorite that the whole family will love. Not only are these mini taco bites delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make and perfect for little hands.
Why Mini Taco Bites?
Kids love bite-sized food, and these mini taco bites are no exception. They’re easy to handle, making them less messy and more enjoyable for little ones. Plus, they’re customizable, so everyone can add their favorite toppings.
Get the Kids Involved!
These mini taco bites are a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. Let them help assemble the bites, sprinkle on the cheese, or choose their favorite toppings. It’s a fun and interactive way to teach them about cooking and healthy eating.
Time-Saving Tip: Batch Cooking
Save time by cooking a batch of ground beef at the beginning of the week can save you a ton of time. Whether you’re making tacos, chili, spaghetti, or these mini taco bites, having pre-cooked ground beef on hand makes meal prep a breeze.
Nutrition highlights
Ground beef benefits
Ground beef is a convenient way to include protein in your diet and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins and iron. For good health, choose 90 percent lean versions of ground beef to limit your saturated fat intake.
Essential amino acids
Beef contains many essential amino acids, especially leucine. Leucine is critical for protein synthesis and muscle repair. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, stimulates wound healing, and produces growth hormones (1).
Source of L-carnitine
L-carnitine is hot supplement touted for its benefits in fat metabolism, but supplements are not regulated by the FDA and may not provide absorbable forms of the ingredient (in fact, synthetic form of l-carnitine is poorly absorbed (2)). That is why I always recommend FOOD FIRST!
L-carnitine is an amino acid produced by the body. Some studies suggest it may offer some health benefits, including increased weight loss, improved brain function, and more.
L-carnitine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in meat products and beef is one of the highest sources (3). Studies have shown L-carnitine to be helpful in managing heart disease (4), diabetes (5), and weight loss (6).
High in glutathione
Glutathione is known as the ‘master antioxidant,’ as research has linked it to many benefits including: anti-aging, reducing risk of chronic disease, strengthening the immune system, preventing illness, and more.
It helps protect every cell in our body from cellular damage, which can lead to many chronic diseases. A deficiency in glutathione contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation (7).
Antioxidants in Taco Toppings:
Avocado:
- Vitamin E: This antioxidant protects cells from damage and supports skin health.
- Lutein: A carotenoid that promotes eye health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Tomatoes:
- Lycopene: A potent antioxidant known for its cancer-fighting properties and heart health benefits.
- Vitamin C: An immune-boosting antioxidant that also aids in collagen production.
Onions:
- Quercetin: A flavonoid antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.
- Allicin: Known for its antimicrobial properties and potential to lower blood pressure.
Lettuce:
- Vitamin A: Supports vision and boosts the immune system.
- Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Salsa:
- Vitamin C: Enhances immune function and skin health.
- Capsaicin: Found in spicy salsas, it has anti-inflammatory properties and can boost metabolism.
Incorporating these antioxidant-rich toppings not only adds flavor and texture to your tacos but also boosts their nutritional value, making your meal both delicious and healthful!
Mini Taco Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 can refried beans
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onions
- taco sauce or salsa
Instructions
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Cooking Ground Beef: Start by heating a skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, usually around 7-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Adding Taco Seasoning: Once the ground beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the pan. Add your preferred taco seasoning to the cooked beef. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own blend using spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine, ensuring the beef is well coated with the seasoning.
Incorporating Refried Beans: Open a can of refried beans and add half of it to the seasoned ground beef. Stir the mixture well to combine the beans with the beef and taco seasoning. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the refried beans are heated through.
Now your seasoned ground beef with refried beans is ready to use in your favorite dishes like tacos, burritos, taco salads, or the mini taco bites mentioned earlier. This versatile mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making meal prep even easier!
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Assemble the Bites: Place tortilla chip scoops on a baking sheet. Fill each scoop with a spoonful of the meat mixture, followed by a dollop of refried beans.
Add Cheese and Bake: Top each mini taco bite with cheese and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with Toppings: Once out of the oven, top your mini taco bites with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and any other taco toppings you love.
In Conclusion
Our mini taco bites are not only delicious but also a fun and easy way to enjoy taco night with the family. With simple ingredients, quick assembly, and endless customization options, these mini taco bites are sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, get the kids in the kitchen, and enjoy a fun and tasty taco night!