There’s something delightful about biting into a crispy taco cup filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese. These Easy Taco Cups come together in just 30 minutes and offer a fun and tasty twist on traditional tacos. They work perfectly for gatherings, packed with flavors and textures that everyone will love.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, making dinnertime a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Each taco cup has a satisfying crunch from the baked tortilla.
- The savory beef mixture is perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor.
- These cups are customizable with your favorite toppings.
- They’re great for parties or as a quick family meal!
What You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
For the Beef Mixture
- 450 g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 120 ml tomato sauce
For the Cups
- 8 small flour tortillas, cut into rounds
For Toppings
- 150 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 120 g canned corn, drained
- 120 g canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Ground turkey for a leaner meat option.
- Black beans can be replaced with kidney beans.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with a cheese blend.
- Olive oil can be swapped for avocado oil.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your taco cups.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 190°C.
Prepare Tortilla Cups
Press the tortilla rounds gently into the wells of a muffin tin to form small cups.
Bake Tortilla Shells
Bake the tortilla shells for 8 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add Seasoning and Sauce
Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce, mixing well to coat the beef evenly.
Incorporate Vegetables
Add the corn and black beans, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
Fill Tortilla Cups
Spoon the beef mixture into the baked tortilla cups.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the filled cups.
Final Bake
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
How to Store It
Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer: no, texture will suffer
Reheat: microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure to cut the tortillas into even rounds to fit perfectly in the muffin tin.
- Don’t overfill the cups; leave some space for toppings.
- Let the cups cool slightly before serving for easier handling.
- Experiment with toppings like guacamole or sour cream for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa and guacamole.
- Pair them with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- They’re perfect for game day or taco night gatherings!
