These Crispy Beef Cones are a fun and delicious twist on tacos! Crunchy tortilla cones filled with spicy, savory beef and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or as a creative appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1 small yellow onion, 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
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced
- 1–2 Serrano peppers, diced (adjust for heat)
- 2 tbsp oil
To Assemble:
- 8 medium tortillas, halved
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (Tillamook or similar)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (for garnish)
- Cooking spray
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Make the Beef Filling Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until onions turn translucent. Add ground beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until it starts to brown. Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red chili powder, and chili flakes. Cook for another 1–2 minutes. Add tomato paste and mix well. Pour in 1 cup water, cover, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and most water evaporates. Add diced bell peppers and Serrano peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Form the Cones Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take each halved tortilla and shape it into a cone. Secure the seam with a toothpick. Lightly spray the outside with cooking spray. Place cones seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake Empty Cones Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from oven and carefully remove toothpicks once cooled slightly.
- Fill & Final Bake Fill each cone with the beef mixture and top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Stand the filled cones upright in a loaf pan (or use a muffin tin). Bake for another 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Garnish with dried parsley and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Pro Tips
- Warm the tortillas slightly before shaping — they become more pliable and less likely to crack.
- Don’t overfill the cones or they may become soggy.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly brush the cones with oil instead of just spraying.
- Adjust spice level by reducing chili flakes and Serrano peppers.
- Make the beef filling ahead of time — it tastes even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a garlic aioli for dipping. These cones also pair great with a fresh salad on the side.
These Crispy Beef Cones are crunchy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Your Turn: Would you try these? Let me know in the comments if you make them, and whether you want a chicken version, vegetarian version, or air fryer method!
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