These Lil Taco Cups are mini bites of fun! Made with crispy shells and stuffed with your favorite taco fillings like seasoned meat, cheese, and fresh veggies, they’re perfect for sharing.
They’re like tiny taco parties in a cup! I love making them for game nights or just because—they’re so easy to assemble and disappear quickly! Who can resist cute, tasty tacos? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas work best for these cups, but you can easily swap them out for corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option. You can even try using mini taco shells for a crunchier texture!
Ground Beef: Ground beef is a classic choice, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, black beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein work well too!
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning makes it easy, but you can create your own mix using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s often fresher and you can adjust the spices to your liking.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different twist. Vegan cheese is also a good substitute for a dairy-free option.
Sour Cream: While sour cream is delicious, you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative. If you’re avoiding dairy, look for dairy-free sour cream or guacamole as toppings.
How Do You Make Crispy Tortilla Cups?
Getting the tortilla cups crispy is key for a great texture. Here’s how to make them perfectly!
- Start by pressing each tortilla piece into the greased muffin tin, ensuring there’s no empty space. They’ll need to hold the filling!
- Don’t rush the baking process. Bake them on a medium rack in the oven at 375°F and keep an eye on them for about 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges as a sign they’re ready.
- After baking, let the cups cool for a few minutes in the pan before removing them. This helps them set and hold their shape better!
How to Make Lil Taco Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Cups:
- 12 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to bake, making your total time around 30 minutes. That’s just enough time to whip up a fun snack or appetizer for your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Tortilla Cups:
Take your small tortillas and cut each one into quarters or strips. These pieces need to fit nicely into the muffin cups, forming little cups or shells. Gently press the tortilla pieces into each muffin cup, overlapping them as needed to create a stable shape.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned all over. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a lighter filling. It’s time to season it, so add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens and the flavors blend together. Once it’s ready, remove from heat.
4. Fill the Tortilla Cups:
With a spoon, carefully scoop a small amount of the seasoned beef into each tortilla cup, being mindful not to overfill. Just enough to keep it balanced!
5. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the beef in each cup. Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the tortilla cups are crispy and the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the taco cups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Finally, add a small dollop of sour cream on top of each cup, and finish it off with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro for freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of these Lil Taco Cups!
This recipe makes about 12 mini taco cups, perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun family snack. Feel free to get creative with toppings—diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can take these cups to the next level!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is a classic choice, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like black beans or lentils for a meat-free version. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat you choose.
How Do I Keep the Tortilla Cups Crispy?
To ensure your tortilla cups come out crispy, make sure to press them firmly into the muffin tin and watch the baking time closely. Bake them until golden, usually around 10-12 minutes. Allowing them to cool slightly in the pan will help them retain their shape and crispiness.
Can I Make These Taco Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and assemble the cups ahead of time. Store the uncooked cups in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add the cheese and bake as directed. They can also be assembled and frozen; just bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for alternatives to sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. For a dairy-free option, consider using dairy-free sour cream or guacamole to top your taco cups. Both options will add delicious flavor!
