These Lil Taco Cups are the perfect bite-sized treats everyone will love! Made with crispy tortilla shells filled with seasoned meat, cheese, and fresh toppings, they’re so tasty.
Making these is a breeze! I like to make a big batch for parties. You can customize each cup with your favorite toppings—it’s like a taco bar in a cute little cup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour Tortillas: Small tortillas are great for these cups, but you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. If you prefer a healthier choice, look for whole wheat tortillas.
Ground Beef: This recipe uses beef, but ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner option. You could even use black beans for a vegetarian take.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning saves time, but homemade is often tastier. Just mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a simple homemade version.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice, but feel free to switch it up with pepper jack for some spice or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Vegan cheese works too!
How Do You Make Crispy Tortilla Cups?
Creating these crispy tortilla cups is key for a great texture. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Preheat your oven before putting in the cups to make sure they crisp up nicely.
- Cut the tortillas into quarters and press them into the muffin tin well. This ensures they hold their shape while baking.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be lightly golden, which indicates they’re ready to be filled.
Adjusting the time may be necessary based on your oven, so trust your judgment. Enjoy making these crispy cups!
How to Make Lil Taco Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 12 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Toppings:
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes of prep and cooking time. You’ll spend a little time making the seasoned beef, baking the tortilla cups, and then assembling them with your favorite toppings. Quick and fun to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and hot, perfect for baking your tortilla cups. While it heats, lightly grease a standard muffin tin to prevent the cups from sticking.
2. Prepare the Tortilla Cups:
Next, take your small flour tortillas and cut each one into quarters. You will have 4 pieces from each tortilla. Press each tortilla quarter firmly into the muffin tin cups to form little taco shaped cups. Make sure they fit snugly!
3. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are lightly golden and crisp. Once ready, remove from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the filling.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. After cooking, drain any excess fat. Then, add the taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir it well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
5. Assemble the Taco Cups:
With the seasoned beef ready, spoon it into each tortilla cup so they are nicely filled. Be generous!
6. Add Cheese and Bake Again:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef-filled cups. Pop the muffin tin back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Add Toppings and Serve:
Once they’re done, take the muffin tin out and let the taco cups cool slightly. Then, top each cup with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, diced avocados, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for that fresh touch.
8. Enjoy:
Serve these warm and enjoy your delicious Lil Taco Cups as perfect bite-sized snacks or appetizers!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beans can substitute for ground beef. Just adjust the seasoning for different meats as needed.
How Can I Make These Taco Cups Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply use black beans, lentils, or tofu as your filling. Season them the same way you would with beef for great flavor.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tortilla cups and the beef ahead of time. Assemble and bake the cups just before serving for the freshest taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through; this will help keep the tortilla cups crisp.
