My aunt makes these crispy savory bites for every backyard barbecue and it only takes 3 ingredients to create a highly addictive snack.
Oven-Baked 3-Ingredient Beef Chili Scoops
These 3-Ingredient Beef Chili Scoops are an easy appetizer for game days, backyard gatherings, or casual family snacking. Crispy tortilla scoops are filled with seasoned beef and chili beans, topped with cheddar, and baked until hot and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans in mild chili sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 40–50 sturdy tortilla scoop chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish if needed.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains, then drain the excess grease.
- Stir in the chili beans and their sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Arrange the tortilla scoops in the baking dish with the openings facing up.
- Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture into each tortilla scoop.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the filled scoops.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly crisp.
- Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use mild chili beans and cheddar for a family-friendly version.
- For more heat, use spicy chili beans or add a little chili powder.
- For extra-crispy scoops, bake the empty tortilla cups for 3–4 minutes before filling.
- Prepare the beef mixture up to a day ahead, refrigerate it, and assemble just before baking.
- Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help restore some of the crispness.
These little chili scoops are simple, cheesy, and easy to serve—perfect for putting out when you want a warm appetizer without a complicated recipe.