Tortilla Basket with Tomato Salsa

Tomato Salsa

These crispy tortilla baskets filled with fragrant, spiced beef mince are a guaranteed crowd‑pleaser - bold, colourful, and full of texture. With jalapeños for heat, white beans for body, and Frenchmaid Tomato Salsa for bright acidity, this dish delivers everything you want in a modern appetiser: crunch, warmth, freshness, and instant visual appeal.

Finished with sour cream, spring onions, and snow pea sprouts, these baskets bring together creamy, cool, spicy, and crisp elements in one bite. They’re perfect for sharing platters, event grazing tables, or casual bar menus where flavour and efficiency need to work hand‑in‑hand.

Think of them as your upgraded nacho bowls - handheld, vibrant, and built for dipping.

Ingredients

Beef Filling

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 500g beef mince

• 2 garlic cloves

• 10g jalapeño

• 1 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup diced tomato

• 1 x 425g can white beans, rinsed

• 2 Tbsp parsley, chopped

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Garnish

• 3 Tbsp sour cream

• 2 Tbsp sliced spring onion

• 1 Tbsp snow pea sprouts

• 1/2 cup Frenchmaid Tomato Salsa

To Serve

• 6 tortillas

Method

1. Build the Base: Heat olive oil in a shallow pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in the beef mince and cook until lightly browned.

2. Add Flavour & Body: Mix in the tomato paste, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy in texture. Add the rinsed white beans and chopped parsley, then season to taste.

3. Create the Tortilla Baskets: Lightly oil each tortilla. Press into a small stainless‑steel bowl or mould to create a basket shape. Bake in a moderate oven until crisp and golden. Repeat until you have enough for your platter.

4. Assemble: Fill each tortilla basket generously with the hot beef mixture. Top with sour cream, sliced spring onion, and snow pea sprouts.

5. Serve: Arrange on a platter with a bowl of Frenchmaid Tomato Salsa for dipping or spooning over the top.

Chef’s Tips

• Add extra crunch: Top with crushed corn chips or fried onions before serving.

• Make it smoky: Add smoked paprika or chipotle paste to the mince for depth.

• Prep ahead: Tortilla baskets can be baked in advance and reheated to crisp just before service.

Why It Works

These tortilla baskets combine crisp shells with rich, spiced beef, creamy garnishes, and the bright acidity of Frenchmaid Tomato Salsa. The textures balance beautifully - creamy, crunchy, spicy, and fresh - making them an ideal appetiser for sharing. They’re fast to assemble, visually striking, and packed with layers of flavour.