Taco Beef Nuggets With Dipping Sauce

Recipe from P.Hurd, MN. First place recipe in Handheld Kid Pleasers category in the 2003 National Beef Cook-Off.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  lb  ground round
• 2  tablespoons  taco seasoning mix
• 1 (4 ounce) can mild green chilies, drained, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) package colby-monterey jack cheese (cut into 16 1/2-inch cubes)
• 1  egg white
• 1  tablespoon water
• 2  cups nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips, crushed
• 6  tablespoons  taco sauce, thick style
• 3  tablespoons honey

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Combine ground beef, taco seasoning and green chilies in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
3. Divide beef mixture into 16 portions; shape each portion around a cheese cube, completely covering cheese.
4. Beat egg white with water in shallow dish until blended.
5. Place chips in second shallow dish.
6. Dip each meatball into egg white mixture, then into chips to coat completely.
7. Press each meatball with palm into a flattened nugget shape, generously coating both sides of nugget with chips.
8. Spray large baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place nuggets in baking pan; spray tops of nuggets generously with nonstick cooking spray.
9. Bake in 400°F oven 15 to 20 minutes until no longer pink and juices show no pink color.
10. Meanwhile combine taco sauce & honey in a small microwave-safe dish. Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds or until warm.
11. Serve nuggets with sauce.