Taco Cups Recipe: Bite-Sized Tacos Perfect for Any Occasion

Taco cups are bite-sized versions of tacos made by baking taco filling inside a crispy, cup-shaped shell. These shells are typically made from wonton wrappers, flour tortillas, or even biscuit dough and are baked in a muffin tin. Once cooked, they hold a delicious mix of seasoned ground beef or chicken, cheese, beans, veggies, and whatever else your taco-loving heart desires.

They’re a fun and mess-free alternative to traditional tacos — perfect for kids, parties, or appetizers at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Kid-friendly: Bite-sized and fun to eat.
2. Customizable: Use your favorite proteins, cheeses, and toppings.
3. Perfect for parties: Make ahead and warm up before serving.
4. Portion-controlled: Great for meal prep or casual snacking.

Ingredients for Classic Taco Cups

For the Cups:

• 12 small flour tortillas (or 24 wonton wrappers)
• Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1/2 cup salsa or diced tomatoes

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Sour cream (optional)
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Chopped cilantro
• Jalapeño slices
• Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo

Steps

1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

2. Cut and Shape the Tortillas

   If using flour tortillas, cut them into circles using a large biscuit cutter or kitchen scissors so they fit snugly into the muffin cups. Press each piece into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup. Wonton wrappers can be used as-is and stacked for double thickness.

3. Cook the Taco Filling

   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add beans, corn, and salsa. Mix thoroughly and let it cook another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

4. Assemble the Cups

   Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each tortilla-lined muffin cup. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.

5. Bake

   Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.

6. Add Toppings and Serve

   Remove the taco cups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully lift each cup out with a spoon. Top with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro. Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Taco Cups

1. Don’t overfill: The filling expands a bit while baking, so leave a little room at the top.
2. Double the layers: For extra crunch, stack two wonton wrappers with a bit of oil between layers before filling.
3. Pre-bake the shells: For ultra-crispy cups, bake the tortillas for 5 minutes before adding filling.
4. Cheese barrier: A sprinkle of cheese at the bottom helps prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy.

Variations

1. Chicken Taco Cups

   Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with taco seasoning and salsa.

2. Vegetarian Taco Cups

   Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers with black beans and corn.

3. Breakfast Taco Cups

   Fill cups with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage or bacon, and cheddar. Top with avocado and salsa.

4. Buffalo Chicken Taco Cups

   Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, bake with cheese, and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

5. Taco Cup Bar

   Prepare the taco cups with a basic filling and cheese, then let guests top their own with various options, such as lettuce, sour cream, hot sauce, and salsa.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

1. Make-Ahead: You can fully assemble and bake the taco cups, then refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
2. Freezer-Friendly: Let baked taco cups cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

1. Appetizer Platter: Serve taco cups as part of a party platter with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and queso for dipping.
2. Main Course: Pair them with a fresh salad (like a corn and avocado salad or Mexican street corn) and Spanish rice for a complete meal.
3. Game Day: Spread Taco cups are a fan favorite for football watch parties and casual gatherings. Add nachos, wings, and sliders for the ultimate lineup.
4. Taco Tuesday: Twist Switch up your weekly taco routine with these fun and filling mini taco cups. Let the family customize their toppings for a DIY taco night.

Taco Cups for Kids

Kids love anything mini — and taco cups are no exception. They’re less messy than traditional tacos and just the right size for little hands. For a kid-friendly version:

• Skip the jalapeños
• Use mild salsa
• Add corn, cheese, and a touch of sour cream Let the kids help with assembly — it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen!

About One Stop Halal

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