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If you are looking for a fun and easy way to serve tacos, this Mini Tacos Recipe is it. These bite-sized tacos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for kids, parties, or meal prep. They bake golden in the oven, but you can also make them in the air fryer for an even quicker version.
Whether you want mini beef tacos, chicken mini tacos, or even a vegetarian version, this recipe is easy to customize and budget-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for entertaining, a great appetizer or game-day snack
- Kid-friendly and fun, great for lunchboxes or family dinners
- Budget-conscious, uses simple and inexpensive ingredients
- Versatile, make them with beef, chicken, or beans
- Oven or air fryer, bake a batch or crisp them up in minutes in the air fryer
Ingredients For Mini Tacos
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 medium tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef (or use chicken for chicken mini tacos)
- 1½ cups marinara sauce (about 400 ml)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (about 150 g)
- 1 small can corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
How to Make Mini Tacos
- Heat oil in a large pan and cook the ground beef until crumbly.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté briefly.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, corn, paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer 5-10 minutes.
4. Cut small rounds from tortillas (use a cookie cutter or glass, about 3 in / 7-8 cm).
5. Place tortilla rounds in a muffin tin or baking dish, add 1-2 tbsp of filling.
6. Top with cheese and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, until golden.
7. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or your favorite dip.
Air Fryer Method: Assemble mini tacos as directed, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
Tips for Success
- Switch proteins, try shredded chicken, ground turkey, or beans
- Use a muffin tin to keep the tortillas upright and neat
- Do not overfill, 1 to 2 tbsp per tortilla is enough
- Make ahead by cooking the filling the day before
- Freeze assembled tacos and bake or air fry straight from frozen
FAQ
Yes! Air fryer mini tacos are extra crispy and quick. Just cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work beautifully.
Definitely – black beans, refried beans, or lentils are great substitutes.
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes, or reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Serving Ideas + More Taco Recipes
Pair these mini tacos with classic toppings and dips:
- Easy Blender Salsa
- Pickled Red Onions
- Guacamole, sour cream, or shredded lettuce.
And if you’re craving more taco inspiration, try:
- Tequila Lime Chicken Tacos
- Shrimp Tacos
- Blackened Cod Fish Tacos
- Skirt Steak with Poblano Peppers Tacos
Mini Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 medium tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef, or chicken for chicken mini tacos
- 1½ cups tomato sauce, about 400 ml
- 1½ cups shredded cheese, about 150 g
- 1 small can corn, drained, (1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the ground beef and cook until crumbly.
- Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, corn, paprika, pepper flakes, and salt. Cover and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Cut small circles from tortillas using a glass or cutter (about 3 in / 7–8 cm wide).
- Place the tortilla rounds in a muffin tin, spoon in 1–2 tbsp of filling.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or pickled onions.
Video
Notes
- Air fryer option: Cook the filled mini tacos at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Don’t overfill the tacos — 1–2 tablespoons is enough.
- Use a muffin tin so the tortillas keep their shape.
- Swap the beef for chicken or beans to make it different.
- Freeze extras and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
