Crispy Cheesy Beef Cones are pan-fried flour tortilla cones filled with seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and melted cheese. The standout trait is their golden-brown crispy exterior paired with a savory, spiced beef filling, making them an ideal handheld Tex-Mex meal.
Delivery in as fast as one hour.*
Prices vary by store
*Service fees apply. Instacart® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned all over.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, diced bell peppers, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
While the beef cools, prepare the avocado crema. In a blender, combine the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth.
Prepare the tortillas by cutting each one in half.
Take one half-tortilla and roll it into a cone shape. Secure the tip with a toothpick to hold its shape.
To fill the cones, place a stick of mozzarella cheese at the bottom, then spoon in the beef mixture, and top generously with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Carefully place the filled cones in the hot skillet. Pan-fry for 1-2 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until all sides are golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Remove from the skillet and let cool for a moment. Serve hot with the avocado crema for dipping.
Store leftover cones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
Warm the flour tortillas first to make them pliable, then carefully wrap and mold them around a cone-shaped mold or oven-safe cone form while still warm. Secure with toothpicks if needed before frying.
Yes, prepare the seasoned beef and bell pepper mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before stuffing the tortilla cones.
Drain the fried cones on paper towels immediately after pan-frying. Serve within 15–20 minutes of cooking, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
Pan-frying is essential for the crispy exterior; baking will not achieve the same texture. However, you can brush cones lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes for a lighter alternative, though they won't be as crispy.
Plan for approximately 1/4 cup of avocado dip per 2–3 cones. Make or prepare dip fresh just before serving to prevent browning.
Honey Chipotle Chicken Wrap
35 min
Mexican Pizza
25 min
Chicken Fajita Tortilla Pie
55 min
Cajun Spaghetti With Creole Meat Sauce
55 min
Ground Beef and Vegetable Skillet
30 min
Chunky Chili
490 min
Tres Leches Cake
70 min
Homemade Crunchwrap
25 min
