Taco Cups

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Savor the vibrant flavors of these delightful Taco Cups, perfect for any gathering or casual dinner. Made with crispy tortilla cups filled with seasoned ground meat, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese, these bite-sized treats are a fun twist on traditional tacos. Easy to prepare and customize, they make for an eye-catching addition to your Charcuterie Board.

Olivia Hayes

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2025-11-17T07:19:56.374Z

Taco Cups are a fun and versatile dish that brings a festive flair to any meal. Each cup bursts with flavors and is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite.

Why You'll Love These Taco Cups

  • Crispy and delicious
  • Easily customizable
  • Perfect for gatherings
  • Kid-friendly and fun to eat

A Fun Twist on Traditional Tacos

Taco Cups offer a modern and exciting way to enjoy the classic flavors of tacos. Instead of the typical flat tortilla, these tasty bites are served in a crispy cup, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing. The combination of seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese neatly packed into a small shell creates a delightful explosion of flavor with every bite.

These taco-inspired treats are perfect for casual gatherings and parties. They're easy to serve and allow your guests to customize their toppings to fit their palate. Whether you prefer them spicy, tangy, or mild, Taco Cups give everyone the chance to enjoy their version of this beloved dish.

Perfect For Any Occasion

Whether it's a festive celebration, a casual family dinner, or simply a movie night at home, Taco Cups are the ideal dish to serve. Their bite-sized nature means they are great for mingling—just grab, dip, and enjoy! They can also be made ahead of time, saving you valuable preparation minutes right before your event.

Additionally, these versatile cups can be tailored to fit various dietary needs. Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat for a vegetarian option or switch out ingredients to cater to gluten-free diets. The customizable nature of Taco Cups makes them a crowd-pleaser at any festivity.

Preparation Tips

To ensure your Taco Cups are as flavorful as possible, consider making your own taco seasoning blend. This allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a perfect balance of spices without any preservatives. You can easily store any leftover seasoning for future meals, making it a smart addition to your pantry.

When assembling your Taco Cups, feel free to get creative with the toppings. Beyond the traditional lettuce and tomatoes, you can include guacamole, jalapeños, or shredded olives for an extra kick. This personal touch not only enhances the flavor but also adds a colorful presentation to your taco treats.

Ingredients

For the Taco Cups

  • 12 small tortilla shells
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 cup chopped lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream and salsa for serving

How to Prepare

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Meat

In a skillet, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning according to package instructions.

Assemble Taco Cups

Place the tortilla shells in a muffin tin and fill each cup with the seasoned meat, then sprinkle with cheese.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.

Add Toppings

Once cooked, remove the taco cups from the oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.

Serve

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Taco Cups!

Enjoy Your Meal!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover Taco Cups, storing them properly is essential to maintain their crunch and flavor. Keep the cooked Taco Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, the tortilla may lose its crispiness over time.

For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the Taco Cups on a baking sheet. Warm them in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore some of the original crispiness!

Pairing Suggestions

Taco Cups are incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing them with drinks. A light beer, margarita, or refreshing iced tea complements the flavors wonderfully. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, consider serving them with flavored sparkling water or a traditional soda.

For sides, you can't go wrong with a simple Mexican rice or a fresh corn salad. These side dishes add texture and can enhance the overall experience of enjoying your Taco Cups. Mix and match to find the perfect combination for your next gathering!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat and assemble the cups, then bake them right before serving.

→ What other ingredients can I use?

Feel free to add beans, corn, or different types of cheese for added flavor!

Taco Cups

Savor the vibrant flavors of these delightful Taco Cups, perfect for any gathering or casual dinner. Made with crispy tortilla cups filled with seasoned ground meat, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese, these bite-sized treats are a fun twist on traditional tacos. Easy to prepare and customize, they make for an eye-catching addition to your Charcuterie Board.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Olivia Hayes

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 cups

What You'll Need

For the Taco Cups

  1. 12 small tortilla shells
  2. 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  3. 1 packet taco seasoning
  4. 1 cup shredded cheese
  5. 1 cup chopped lettuce
  6. 1 cup diced tomatoes
  7. Sour cream and salsa for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

In a skillet, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning according to package instructions.

Step 03

Place the tortilla shells in a muffin tin and fill each cup with the seasoned meat, then sprinkle with cheese.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 05

Once cooked, remove the taco cups from the oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.

Step 06

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Taco Cups!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 15g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g