Taco Cups
Spice up Taco Tuesday with these fun and easy Taco Cups! Perfectly portable and packed with flavor, they’re the ultimate party snack or easy dinner option that everyone will adore, leaving room on the plate for all your favorite dips, salsa, and sides.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 package (8 count) flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Lettuce
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole (optional)
- Black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Brown ground beef with taco seasoning.
- Cut tortillas in half, then in half again, making four pieces per tortilla.
- Place two tortilla pieces in each hole of a muffin tin, pressing to form a cup shape.
- Place browned ground beef in each cup, then top with shredded cheese.
- Bake 15 minutes, or until tortillas reach desired crispiness.
- Using a kitchen knife, shred the lettuce and cilantro.
- Top each cup with sour cream, salsa, lettuce, and cilantro, as desired.
- Add guacamole and olives, if desired, then serve immediately.
Cook’s Notes
Press the tortilla pieces firmly into the muffin tin so they hold their cup shape while baking. For a spicier kick, use a hot taco seasoning blend or add a pinch of cayenne to the beef while it browns.
Ingredient Swaps
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or use seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version. Corn tortillas or small flour tortillas can be used in place of the standard flour tortillas if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these taco cups alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple corn and avocado salad for a full Taco Tuesday spread. They also pair well with extra salsa, guacamole, and a cold beverage for game-day snacking.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to re-crisp the tortillas; toppings like lettuce and sour cream are best added fresh after reheating.
Common Questions
Can I make taco cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can brown the beef and assemble the tortilla cups with meat and cheese ahead of time, then refrigerate and bake just before serving. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, sour cream, and salsa right before eating.
Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Absolutely — corn tortillas or smaller flour tortillas work well too, just adjust the cutting so the pieces fit snugly into the muffin tin cups.
How do I keep the tortilla cups from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain any excess grease from the browned beef before filling the cups, and add moist toppings like salsa and sour cream only right before serving.
