These Lil Taco Cups are a fun twist on your favorite tacos! They’re made with crispy tortilla shells filled with seasoned meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Yum!
They’re perfect for parties or a quick snack. I love serving them with salsa for dip. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even kids can help! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: I recommend using small flour or corn tortillas for crispy taco cups. If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are a great choice. You could also try mini pita bread for a fun twist!
Ground Beef: Ground beef is classic, but you can easily substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. To go plant-based, try crumbled tofu or lentils cooked with taco seasoning.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is super convenient, but you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This way, you can adjust the spices to your liking.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is perfect for these taco cups, but you can mix it up! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese would add a nice kick. Vegan cheese is also available for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Ensure My Taco Cups Hold Their Shape?
Getting your taco cups to hold their shape starts with baking them correctly. Here are a few tips:
- Press the tortillas firmly into the muffin tin, really pushing them down to form a cup shape.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy—watch closely to avoid burning!
- If they puff up while baking, you can gently press them down again with the back of a spoon to keep their shape.
By following these steps, you should have perfectly shaped taco cups ready for filling!
How to Make Delicious Lil Taco Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Cups:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1/2 cup water
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Optional toppings: diced onions, jalapeños, sliced black olives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dish for parties or a fun snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent the tortillas from sticking.
2. Shape the Taco Shells:
Press each tortilla into the muffin tin cups to create small taco shells. Make sure to press them down well so they hold their shape while baking.
3. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the tortillas for about 8-10 minutes. You want them to become crispy and hold their shape nicely. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
5. Fill the Taco Cups:
Spoon a generous amount of seasoned beef into each baked tortilla cup. Don’t skimp on the beef—this is where the flavor is!
6. Add Cheese and Melt:
Top each cup with shredded cheddar cheese, then return the muffin tin to the oven for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the taco cups from the oven. Top each cup with diced tomato, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro leaves. You can also add any optional toppings like jalapeños or olives for extra flavor.
8. Enjoy Your Taco Cups!
Serve these fun, bite-sized Lil Taco Cups immediately. They’re the perfect snack for gatherings, parties, or just a tasty treat at home!
This recipe makes about 12 taco cups and is sure to be a hit! Enjoy your cooking and sharing experience!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tofu, black beans, or lentils seasoned with taco spices.
How Do I Store Leftover Taco Cups?
Store any leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through, or microwave for a quick option.
Can I Make the Taco Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tortilla cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just fill and bake them with the beef and toppings just before serving for the best crispy texture!
How Can I Make These Taco Cups Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper in with the taco seasoning. For extra spicy toppings, consider adding hot salsa or pepper jack cheese.
