Taco Cups

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Introduction

Taco Cups are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic tacos, combining all your favorite taco flavors in a crispy, handheld cup. These mini tacos are made with crispy tortilla shells, seasoned ground beef or chicken, and topped with cheese, fresh veggies, and creamy toppings. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or even a fun family dinner.

I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. The crispy tortilla cups filled with flavorful meat and fresh toppings disappeared in minutes! What makes taco cups so great is how customizable they are—you can go classic with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream or spice things up with jalapeños, guacamole, or a drizzle of chipotle sauce.

These taco cups are surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a muffin tin and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer, a fun dinner idea, or a crowd-pleasing snack, these crispy taco cups are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Family dinners
• Parties and gatherings
• Kid-friendly meals
• Quick and easy appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Taco Cups will be a hit at your next meal or event:

• Crunchy and Flavorful: Crispy tortilla shells paired with perfectly seasoned meat and fresh toppings create the perfect bite.
• Easy to Make: These taco cups require simple ingredients and come together quickly.
• Customizable: Add your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or shredded lettuce.
• Great for Sharing: Perfectly portioned, these cups make a great party appetizer or snack.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love assembling their own taco cups with different toppings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 taco cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Taco Cups:

For the Taco Cups:

• 6 small flour or corn tortillas (cut in half)
• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup guacamole (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Tortillas: Used to create crispy, edible cups that hold all the delicious taco fillings.
• Ground Beef or Chicken: Provides the flavorful, protein-packed base for these taco cups.
• Spices: A combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika enhances the savory, bold taco flavor.
• Cheese: Melted cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the taco cups.
• Fresh Toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream add a refreshing contrast to the savory meat.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Here’s how to make Taco Cups:

Prepare the Tortilla Cups:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut and Shape the Tortillas: Cut each small tortilla in half. Press the halves into a greased muffin tin to create cup shapes. Lightly press down so they hold their form.
3. Bake the Tortilla Cups: Bake for 10 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the Taco Filling:

4. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
5. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
6. Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Assemble the Taco Cups:

7. Fill the Tortilla Cups: Spoon the seasoned meat mixture evenly into the baked tortilla cups.
8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each taco cup.
9. Bake Again: Return the taco cups to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Serve and Garnish:

10. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the taco cups from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.
11. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or sliced black olives if desired. Serve warm.

How to Serve

Taco Cups are fun and versatile! Here are some serving ideas:

• With a Side of Rice and Beans: Serve alongside Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal.
• As a Party Appetizer: Arrange on a platter and let guests customize their toppings.
• For a Fun Family Dinner: Set up a taco bar so everyone can add their favorite toppings.
• With a Dipping Sauce: Serve with salsa, queso, or a creamy avocado dip for extra flavor.
• For Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat for a quick, delicious snack.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Taco Cups turn out perfectly:

• Use a Muffin Tin: A standard muffin tin helps the tortillas hold their cup shape while baking.
• Make Ahead: Cook the meat filling in advance and store it in the fridge for quicker assembly.
• Choose the Right Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a classic crunch, while flour tortillas provide a softer texture.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the cups with filling before baking to prevent spills.
• Reheat Properly: To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to customize your Taco Cups:

• Vegetarian Taco Cups: Substitute the meat with black beans, pinto beans, or crumbled tofu.
• Spicy Taco Cups: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Cheesy Taco Cups: Add an extra layer of melted cheese or a drizzle of queso sauce.
• Buffalo Chicken Taco Cups: Use shredded buffalo chicken instead of ground beef.
• Taco Salad Cups: Skip the cheese and top with extra lettuce for a lighter option.
• BBQ Chicken Taco Cups: Replace the tomato sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
• Southwest Taco Cups: Add corn and black beans to the filling for a Tex-Mex touch.
• Breakfast Taco Cups: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and avocado for a breakfast version.
• Dairy-Free Taco Cups: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
• Gluten-Free Taco Cups: Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Store the baked tortilla cups and the taco meat separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Assemble and reheat when ready to serve.
• Storage: Keep leftover taco cups in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools that will make preparing your Taco Cups easier:

• Muffin Tin: Helps shape and bake the tortilla cups.
• Skillet: For cooking the taco filling.
• Tongs: Useful for handling hot tortilla cups.
• Cheese Grater: For freshly grated cheese.
• Chopping Board and Knife: Essential for prepping toppings.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
   Yes! You can use 1 packet of taco seasoning instead of the homemade spice blend.
2. Can I make these in an air fryer?
   Yes! Air fry the tortilla cups at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
3. Can I use mini tortillas instead?
   Yes! Mini tortillas fit perfectly in muffin tins without needing to cut them.
4. How do I keep the taco cups crispy?
   Bake the tortillas until golden brown and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients.
5. Can I make a vegan version?
   Yes! Use plant-based meat alternatives and dairy-free cheese.

Print

Conclusion

Taco Cups are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy all the classic taco ingredients in a crispy, bite-sized form. With their crunchy shell, savory filling, and customizable toppings, these mini tacos are a delicious and mess-free way to satisfy your taco cravings.

Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, Taco Cups are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying a quick family meal, or making a kid-friendly snack, these handheld delights are always a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is endlessly customizable—fill your taco cups with seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or beans, and top them with cheese, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a personal touch. However you make them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

I’d love to see your Taco Cup creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can admire your delicious masterpiece. Happy cooking!