Get ready to bring the legendary Chili's restaurant experience right into your own kitchen with these mouthwatering Big Mouth Bites that are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seasoned, cheesy beef bites with a spicy kick that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're hosting a game night, looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or simply craving a delicious bite-sized treat, these copycat bites will become your new go-to comfort food that rivals the restaurant version.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced jalapeños, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Gently form the meat mixture into small, bite-sized balls approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Be careful not to compress the meat too tightly to maintain a tender texture.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Ensure the cooking surface is evenly heated to promote proper browning.
- Place the meat bites onto the hot skillet, leaving space between each bite to allow even cooking. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, developing a golden-brown crust.
- Carefully flip each bite and cook an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.
- During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each bite, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Remove bites from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side for dipping, garnishing with additional chopped jalapeños if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 works best) to ensure juicy, flavorful bites.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture when forming the bites - gentle handling keeps them tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Let the bites rest after cooking to help retain their juices and prevent dryness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of minced garlic or finely chopped onions to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and melted cheese experience.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for added flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
