Easy Taco Cups Recipe: Quick Weeknight Crunch (Print Version)
Whip up a batch of these Easy Taco Cups for a fun, deconstructed taco night! Perfect for busy evenings and picky eaters. An Easy Taco Cups recipe win!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
02 -
12 mini flour tortillas
03 -
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
04 -
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
05 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
1/2 small onion, finely diced
07 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Fresh Toppings
08 -
3 cups shredded lettuce, for serving
09 -
2 medium tomatoes, diced, for serving
10 -
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
→ Optional Kickers
11 -
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños, for serving
12 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
13 -
Hot sauce for drizzling
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that ground beef (or turkey!) into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it brown beautifully. This is where all the flavor starts, you know? I always make sure to get a good sear on it. Once it's all cooked through, drain any excess fat. Honestly, nobody wants a greasy base for their Easy Taco Cups, so don't skip this step!
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Toss in your finely diced onion and minced garlic. Stir them into the cooked beef, letting them soften and get fragrant for about 3-5 minutes. Oh, the smell! It's the best part of cooking, right? Just be careful not to burn the garlic; a gentle sizzle is what we're after. This step builds so much depth for your Easy Taco Cups filling.
03 -
Now for the magic! Stir in your taco seasoning and the tomato sauce. Give it a good mix, making sure every bit of beef is coated in that glorious spice blend. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. I always taste it here, adjusting the seasoning if I feel it needs a little extra something. This seasoned mixture is what makes these Easy Taco Cups sing!
04 -
While your beef mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray – trust me, it helps prevent sticking. Carefully press each mini flour tortilla into a muffin cup, forming a little bowl. Sometimes they fight you a bit, but gently coax them into shape. This is the foundation for your awesome Easy Taco Cups!
05 -
Spoon your delicious taco meat mixture evenly into each tortilla cup. Don't overfill them, or they'll spill over when the cheese melts. I've made that mistake, ending up with cheesy crusts stuck to the tin! Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each cup. More cheese is always a good idea, right? It's the key to that gooey finish for your Easy Taco Cups.
06 -
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are lightly golden and crispy at the edges, and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. When they come out, the kitchen smells incredible! Let them cool for just a minute or two before carefully removing them. These Easy Taco Cups will be hot, so watch those fingers!
# Notes:
01 -
Personal cooking tip I've learned through experience: Don't overfill the tortilla cups, they'll make a mess!
02 -
Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: Reheat in the oven for crispy tortillas, not the microwave.
03 -
Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: Black beans and corn for a vegetarian version.
04 -
Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: Set up a topping bar for customization!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
wooden spoon
03 -
12-cup muffin tin
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 12 g
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
Protein: 18 g