Name: Taco Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 12 small flour tortillas (6-7 inch); 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 (1.0 oz) packet taco seasoning; 1 tsp seasoned salt; 1 tsp dark chili powder; 1 tsp lemon pepper; 1/2 cup taco sauce; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Sour cream; Green onions, sliced; Cherry tomatoes, halved; Jalapeños, sliced; Guacamole (optional); Black olives (optional); Salsa (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 33 reviews

If you love tacos but want a fun, bite-sized twist to serve at your next gathering or family dinner, this Taco Cups Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine crispy, golden tortilla cups bursting with savory seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and all your favorite toppings, all packed into a convenient handheld delight. It’s like taco night transformed into party-perfect appetizers that will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with cooking ingredients neatly arranged. In the center right, there are three light yellow tortillas stacked. Below the tortillas, a mound of raw ground meat with a pinkish color rests on a round wooden board lined with parchment paper. To the right of the meat, there's a white bowl filled with shredded yellow and white cheese. On the left side, there are four small clear bowls stacked vertically, with different ground spices in red, brown, and yellow shades, and one with salt. Below these spices, a white bowl with sliced green jalapeño peppers sits next to another bowl with chopped light green onions. Below these, two more white bowls hold chunky red salsa and creamy white sour cream. The image is bright and clean, with all the elements spaced evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Taco Cups Recipe started is all about simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a sensational taste experience. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the tender ground beef seasoned just right or the sharp cheddar cheese that melts beautifully to bind everything.

12 small flour tortillas (6-7 inch): Flexible and soft, these form the perfect edible cups that hold all the delicious fillings.
1 1/2 lb lean ground beef: The hearty base that carries all the taco flavors.
1 medium sweet onion (finely diced): Adds a slight sweetness and wonderful aroma to the beef mixture.
1 Tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the onion and beef without weighing down the flavors.
1.0 oz packet taco seasoning: Your quick shortcut to bold, authentic taco spice.
1 tsp seasoned salt: Enhances all the other spices and balances the savory profile.
1 tsp dark chili powder: Adds mild heat and depth to the filling.
1 tsp lemon pepper: Gives a subtle brightness that lifts the rich beef mixture.
1/2 cup taco sauce: Brings moisture and tangy flavor to keep the filling juicy.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The gooey, melty topping that makes these cups utterly irresistible.
Sour cream, green onions, cherry tomatoes, jalapeños: Essential toppings for freshness, color, and a little kick.

How to Make Taco Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, take a standard 12-cup cupcake pan and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray so your tortilla cups don’t stick during baking. These little prep steps set the stage for perfectly crispy cups.

Step 2: Shape the Tortillas

Gently press one soft tortilla into each cup of the pan, folding as needed to evenly fit the sides and bottom. To help them get crisp and golden, give each tortilla a quick spray of the nonstick cooking spray. Now your tortilla cups are ready to hold all that delicious filling!

Step 3: Cook the Beef and Onions

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced sweet onion and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess grease to keep things flavorful but not greasy.

Step 4: Season the Filling

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, seasoned salt, dark chili powder, and lemon pepper. Stir everything together so the spices coat the meat evenly. Then pour in the taco sauce and let the beef mixture simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens up—this ensures every bite is packed with rich flavor.

Step 5: Fill the Tortilla Cups

Spoon the savory beef mixture into each tortilla cup, aiming for about a quarter to a third of a cup per cup. This portion fills the cups nicely without overflowing, making them easy to handle.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Top each cup generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Carefully transfer your pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown. The cheese helps seal the filling inside while adding that irresistible gooeyness.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the taco cups from the oven and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes so they set up a bit before serving. This little patience bonus makes for easier handling and a more enjoyable eating experience.

How to Serve Taco Cups Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a two-layer taco cup on a white plate with a white marbled background. The bottom layer is a crispy tortilla cup with a light tan color and slightly curled edges. Inside the tortilla cup is a thick layer of cooked ground beef with a crumbly texture and brown color. On top of the beef is a smooth white layer of sour cream, followed by a small spoonful of bright red chunky salsa. Two fresh green jalapeño slices decorate the top layer, adding a pop of color. In the background, there is a blurred bowl of red salsa with a black spoon, some green jalapeño slices, and small red tomatoes for garnish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Taco cups love toppings! A dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped green onions, juicy cherry tomato halves, and a few sliced jalapeños add layers of flavor, color, and texture that bring these cups to life. Customize the garnishes to suit your mood and guests.

Side Dishes

Complete your meal by pairing taco cups with simple sides like a crisp lettuce salad, Mexican rice, or even a scoop of guacamole and chips. These sides complement the richness of the taco cups perfectly without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, serve these taco cups on a large platter with colorful napkins and small bowls of assorted toppings nearby so guests can build their own creations. You can even use mini cupcake liners inside the pan for an extra splash of color and easier removal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover taco cups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The tortillas might soften slightly but will still be delicious and flavorful.

Freezing

Freeze individual taco cups on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly so they don’t pick up freezer smells.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen taco cups in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if you can, to keep the tortillas crispier.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas give a slightly different texture and flavor—plus they crisp up nicely—but they can be a bit more fragile when shaping. Just warm them beforehand to make them more pliable.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

Is it possible to bake this recipe in a muffin tin?

Yes, a standard muffin tin works the same way as a cupcake pan. Just press the tortillas into each muffin cup and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Definitely! Cook the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble the taco cups and bake. It saves time on busy days.

What’s the best way to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Using nonstick spray on the tortillas before baking helps them crisp up nicely. Also, simmering the beef filling until thicker reduces excess moisture that can make the tortillas soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Cups Recipe is pure joy on a plate—easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family meal, these crispy, cheesy, flavorful bites turn the classic taco into a delightful new experience. Don’t wait to try making them; your taste buds will thank you!