Taco Meatball Bites

Submitted by Genius Kitchen

"These Mexican-inspired meatballs have just the right amount of spice, and can easily be paired with tons of toppings."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 18
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons canned chopped chilies
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1⁄3 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

• Toppings

• 24 -30 corn, chip scoops
• cheese, dip (Queso, see recipe below)
• 1 cup guacamole
• 1 cup small dice pico de gallo
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• 1 cup sour cream

• Queso

• 1 1⁄2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 1⁄2 cups grated monterey jack pepper cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon canned chopped chile

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, taco seasoning, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons chopped chilis, egg, breadcrumbs and chopped cilantro. Form into 2-inch meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Remove and place each meatball in a corn chip scoop. Drizzle with queso, and top with guacamole, pico de gallo and chopped cilantro. Serve with a side of sour cream.

4. For the Queso:

5. In a large bowl, toss to combine cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese and cornstarch. In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a simmer. Whisk in cheeses and chopped chilis. Bring to a simmer to thicken, about 1-2 minutes.