Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taco Balls are quick, cheesy, and packed with bold taco flavor. They’re incredibly simple to put together, using just a handful of ingredients you likely already have on hand. Their size makes them ideal for snacking, sharing, or serving at gatherings, and they pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces. Plus, they’re customizable, so you can get creative with different cheeses or spice levels to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 cups cheddar or pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef with taco seasoning according to the packet or your homemade mix. Stir to combine and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, and biscuit mix. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture holds together.
- Form the balls: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the taco balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12-15 taco balls
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15-18 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for some heat.
- Cheese swap: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for different cheesy profiles.
- Add-ins: Mix in corn, black beans, or finely chopped onions for more texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils instead of beef.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix to make these suitable for gluten-free diets.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover taco balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until heated through. For best texture, avoid microwaving too long to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
1. Can I make Taco Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the taco balls ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them raw for later use.
2. Can I freeze Taco Balls?
Absolutely. Freeze the baked or unbaked taco balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake or reheat from frozen at 375°F until heated through.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar and pepper jack are great for flavor and meltability, but you can use any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
4. Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey works just as well. Just make sure to season it well with taco seasoning.
5. How do I make them spicier?
Add a bit of hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for extra heat.
6. What dipping sauces go well with Taco Balls?
Great options include salsa, sour cream, guacamole, queso dip, or a creamy ranch-style dressing.
7. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Definitely. Use about 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning in place of a store-bought packet.
8. What can I use instead of biscuit mix?
You can make your own biscuit mix using flour, baking powder, and butter or use refrigerated biscuit dough cut into pieces.
9. Are Taco Balls kid-friendly?
Yes! They’re fun to eat, flavorful but not too spicy, and great for kids to dip in their favorite sauces.
10. Can I serve these as a main dish?
Absolutely. Serve with a side salad, rice, or beans to turn them into a full meal.
Conclusion
Taco Balls are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, combining seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a tender biscuit bite in every mouthful. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or game day snacks, these easy-to-make bites are packed with flavor and endlessly customizable. Whip up a batch and watch them disappear fast!
Print
Taco Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Taco Balls are bite-sized, cheesy, and savory snacks that combine seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and biscuit mix into the ultimate party appetizer or game-day snack. These easy-to-make taco-inspired balls are packed with flavor and can be customized to suit your spice preferences.
Ingredients
½ pound ground beef
1 package taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
2 cups cheddar or pepper jack cheese, shredded
1 cup biscuit mix
Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
-
Add taco seasoning to the beef and stir to combine. Let it cool slightly.
-
In a large bowl, mix the seasoned beef, shredded cheese, and biscuit mix until well combined.
-
Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
-
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Serve warm with dipping sauces such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
Optional Variations: Add chopped jalapeños for heat, or try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of beef.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free biscuit mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
