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Football Taco Boats Recipe

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3.8 from 11 reviews

These Football Taco Boats are a fun and festive appetizer or party snack perfect for game day. Lean ground beef seasoned with classic taco spices is shaped into football-like meatballs and baked to juicy perfection. The mini soft tortilla boats add a delightful handheld element, adorned with cheese ‘laces’ and your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, and green onions – making each bite flavor-packed and fun!

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs

Taco Boats & Toppings

  • 1 package Old El Paso Soft Tortilla Mini Taco Boats
  • 2 slices cheese (cut into small strips for “laces”)
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Lettuce
  • Green onion
  • Or your favorite toppings

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped green pepper, finely chopped onion, taco seasoning mix, bread crumbs, and eggs.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Use your hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well incorporated and evenly combined, ensuring consistent flavor.
  4. Form Football Meatballs: Using a 3-tablespoon scoop or your hands, portion the mixture into 20 to 24 equal parts. Shape each portion into an oblong football shape.
  5. Bake Meatballs: Arrange the football-shaped meatballs on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked.
  6. Heat Tortilla Boats: While the meatballs are baking, heat the Old El Paso Soft Tortilla Mini Taco Boats in the microwave according to the package instructions to soften them slightly.
  7. Create Cheese Laces: Once the meatballs are baked, immediately place four small strips of cheese on top of each football-shaped meatball to mimic football laces.
  8. Assemble Taco Boats: Fill the warmed tortilla boats with your preferred toppings such as sour cream, salsa, lettuce, and green onion.
  9. Add Meatballs: Place one football-shaped meatball with cheese laces into each tortilla boat on top of the fillings.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the taco boats warm and fresh.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture or toppings.
  • These boats are perfect for game day snacks or kids’ parties.
  • Use gluten-free bread crumbs if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Double the cheese strips if you want more pronounced ‘laces’ on your footballs.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/football-taco-boats-recipe/