Description
Crispy Beef Cones feature seasoned ground beef flavored with onions, garlic, paprika, and fresh bell peppers, wrapped in golden-crispy tortilla cones and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. These fun, handheld creations are perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who want something interactive and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend for the best flavor and texture
- 1 tablespoon oil, for sautéing the onions and beef
- 1 small onion, chopped, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika, adds mild smokiness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, chopped, red, yellow, or orange for color and sweetness
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 4 mozzarella cheese sticks, whole milk mozzarella works best
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
- as needed oil spray, for coating the tortilla cones
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
- for garnish chili flakes
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the tomato paste and water, stirring well, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are slightly softened.
- Form the Cones: Cut each tortilla halfway through the center, then roll it into a cone shape and secure with a toothpick so it holds its form while cooking.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly coat each cone with oil spray on all sides to ensure even crisping.
- Cook the Cones: Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, or bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes, until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove Toothpicks: Carefully remove the toothpicks from each cone before filling.
- Insert the Cheese Stick: Place a mozzarella cheese stick inside each warm cone.
- Fill with Beef: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture generously into each cone, packing it loosely so the flavors blend well.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle about 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each filled cone.
- Final Bake: Return the assembled cones to the oven at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until all the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each cone with fresh parsley and chili flakes before serving for color and extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes