Crispy Beef Cones

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, 80% lean and 20% fat
• 1 yellow onion (small, finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic (minced)
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
• 0.5 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers (diced)
• 1 Serrano peppers (Source states 1–2 peppers)
• 2 tbsp oil (for cooking)
• 8 medium tortillas (halved)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 tsp dried parsley (for garnish)
• cooking spray (for lightly spraying the cones)
• toothpicks (for securing the tortilla cones)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat until hot.

2. 2

   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until it changes color.

4. 4

   Add salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, and red chili flakes. Mix well and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the spices are thoroughly combined.

5. 5

   Add the tomato paste and stir until it is fully incorporated into the beef mixture.

6. 6

   Pour in the water. Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes, until the mixture thickens, most of the water has evaporated, and the beef is cooked.

7. 7

   Add the diced bell peppers and Serrano peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and set the beef mixture aside.

8. 8

   Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

9. 9

   Shape each tortilla half into a cone and secure the seam with a toothpick. Lightly spray the outside of each cone with cooking spray.

10. 10

    Place the tortilla cones seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

11. 11

    Bake the empty cones for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crisp.

12. 12

    Fill each crisp cone with the beef mixture and shredded mozzarella cheese.

13. 13

    Stand the filled cones upright in a loaf pan. Bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

14. 14

    Garnish the cones with dried parsley and serve warm.

Notes

The source does not specify how much filling or cheese to place in each cone, nor whether the toothpicks should be removed before serving. Use care when eating or serving with toothpicks still in place.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• appetizer
• baked
• beef
• cheesy
• spicy
• Mexican-inspired
• party food