These fun lil taco cups are perfect for a tasty snack or party treat! With crispy tortilla cups filled with your favorite taco goodies, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Honestly, who can resist tiny tacos? Just load them up with beef, cheese, and fresh toppings. I love adding a little salsa for an extra kick! 🌮❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, corn tortillas work too! Gluten-free tortillas are also a great substitute for those with dietary restrictions.
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef, but you can easily substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even meat alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version!
Taco Seasoning: While a packet is convenient, making your own taco seasoning with spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika lets you control the flavor. It’s also a great way to adjust for any spice preferences.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is delicious, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, or you can use a blend of Mexican cheeses for more flavor.
Toppings: Diced tomatoes and red onion are tasty, but you can throw in other favorites too, like avocado or jalapeños. If you prefer a creamier topping, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream!
How Can I Ensure My Tortilla Cups Are Perfectly Crispy?
Creating crispy tortilla cups is key to this recipe. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven to the right temperature before baking the cups to get started on that perfect crunch.
- Cut your tortillas into quarters and press them firmly into the muffin tin. Overlap them slightly so they form a nice cup shape.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven! Bake until they’re golden and crispy, usually 8-10 minutes, but every oven is different.
Let them cool for a minute before filling, so they hold their shape and maintain their crunch. Enjoy your taco cups!
How to Make Lil Taco Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil for greasing
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Sour cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll have delicious lil taco cups ready to enjoy in roughly 35-40 minutes! It’s a quick and fun option for parties or family dinners.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or vegetable oil. This will ensure your taco cups come out easily after baking.
2. Create the Tortilla Cups:
Next, take each small tortilla and cut them into 4 equal pieces, which will resemble quarters. Press each quarter into the muffin tins, overlapping them slightly to create little cups. Bake the tortilla cups in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are crispy and have a nice golden color. This will make them sturdy for holding all the tasty fillings!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the tortilla cups are baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it by breaking it apart with a spoon. Once the beef is nicely cooked, drain any excess fat. Then, add your taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens up.
4. Assemble the Taco Cups:
After your tortilla cups are baked and crispy, pull them out of the oven and spoon the seasoned beef into each cup evenly. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of the beef in each cup.
5. Final Baking:
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step adds that delicious cheesy goodness to each taco cup!
6. Add Toppings and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, remove the taco cups from the oven and let them cool slightly. Now comes the fun part! Top each taco cup with diced tomatoes, red onion, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your lil taco cups warm as a delightful appetizer or a fun snack for any gathering. Enjoy every bite of these tasty treats!
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. For a vegetarian twist, consider using black beans, lentils, or a mix of sautéed vegetables.
Can I Make These Taco Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and bake the tortilla cups a few hours in advance. Just assemble and add cheese just before serving, then reheat in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, as microwaving may make the cups soggy.
What Are Some Good Topping Ideas?
Besides diced tomatoes and sour cream, you can get creative with toppings! Try adding jalapeños, avocado, diced bell peppers, or even guacamole. Shredded lettuce or sliced olives also make great additions!