Name: Taco Bites: Cheesy Bean Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 Bites
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 30, 2026

Taco Bites are the ultimate easy appetizer, perfect for your next party, game day gathering, or even a fun taco night with the family. While traditional tacos can be a bit messy, these bite-sized taco cups keep all the deliciousness contained in a crispy tortilla shell. This recipe uses black beans for a hearty vegetarian option, but you can easily swap in taco meat, ground turkey, or refried beans for a different spin.

From the Cook

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Taco Bites: Cheesy Bean Appetizer

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ½ cup chopped red onion and ½ teaspoon salt, then sauté for 6-7 minutes. Stir in 1 can of black beans (undrained) and 1 teaspoon taco seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, mashing some of the beans. Remove from heat.

Using a cookie cutter, cut four large tortillas into 3.5-inch rounds. Microwave for 15-30 seconds to soften, then brush with olive oil.

Press tortilla rounds into the muffin tin to form cups. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the bean mixture into each, then top with 1 cup shredded cheese.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes, then add toppings of choice. Enjoy!

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Tortilla Crisp Perfection 🌯
Use a muffin tin and gently press flour tortillas into each cup, creating a crispy shell by brushing with olive oil and baking at 375°F for 5-7 minutes before adding fillings.
Cheese Melting Technique 🧀
Sprinkle Mexican blend cheese in layers, allowing it to melt between bean fillings for maximum flavor distribution and a gooey, stringy texture.
Bean Preparation Pro Tip 🫘
Drain and pat black beans dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crisp, concentrated flavor in your taco bites.
Onion Flavor Boost 🧅
Finely dice red onions and briefly sauté with taco seasoning to soften their sharp edge and intensify their aromatic qualities before adding to the taco bites.
Make-Ahead Magic 🕒
Prepare tortilla shells and bean mixtures separately in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and fresh flavor.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.