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Taco Cups Recipe

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4.1 from 33 reviews

These delicious Taco Cups are a fun and easy way to serve tacos, perfect for parties or family dinners. Made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and baked crispy flour tortillas, these bite-sized tacos are bursting with flavor and topped with your favorite fresh ingredients.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Taco Cups

  • 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

For Serving

  • Sour cream
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Jalapeños, sliced
  • Guacamole (optional)
  • Black olives (optional)
  • Salsa (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a standard 12-cup cupcake pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Form the tortilla cups: Press one soft flour tortilla into the bottom and up the sides of each cupcake well, folding as needed so they fit evenly. Spray each tortilla lightly with nonstick spray and set aside.
  3. Cook the beef and onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely diced sweet onion; cook until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining and onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Season the beef mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning, dark chili powder, lemon pepper, and seasoned salt into the beef. Add the taco sauce and combine well.
  5. Simmer the filling: Let the mixture simmer uncovered over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and intensify in flavor. Remove from heat.
  6. Assemble taco cups: Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the beef mixture evenly into each tortilla cup.
  7. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of each filled tortilla cup. Place the cupcake pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and tortillas have crisped.
  8. Serve with toppings: Remove from the oven and let the taco cups stand 3 to 5 minutes to set. Serve with sour cream, sliced green onions, cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, and any other favorite taco toppings like guacamole, black olives, or salsa.

Notes

  • Use flour tortillas that are 6 to 7 inches in diameter for the perfect cup size.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
  • For a crispy bottom, make sure to spray the cupcake pan well before adding the tortillas.
  • These taco cups can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if cold.
  • Feel free to customize toppings according to your preference for freshness and flavor.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/taco-cups-recipe/