Taco Cups Ground Beef Cheese

My friend Sarah brought these to a game night last winter and I literally hovered near the platter the entire evening. Everyone kept asking what made them so addictive, and I realized it was that perfect crispy cheese edge against the soft seasoned beef. The next day I called her for the recipe because I needed them in my life immediately.

I made these for my daughters birthday party and watched her picky eater friend tentatively try one, then immediately ask if there were more. Her mom emailed me the next day asking for the recipe because her daughter wouldnt stop talking about the crispy taco cups. Now theyre our go to for every gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: The fat content here helps keep the meat mixture juicy, so dont go extra lean
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: I pulse mine in the food processor so they virtually disappear for picky eaters
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes such a difference compared to the stuff in jars
• 1 packet taco seasoning: Homemade works beautifully too, just adjust salt to taste
• 1/3 cup water: This helps the seasoning coat everything evenly and create that sauce like consistency
• 12 small flour tortillas: Street taco size is perfect, or use wonton wrappers for extra crunch
• Nonstick cooking spray: Get into every nook and cranny of the muffin cups
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This melts beautifully and balances the cheddar
• 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup green onions, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 jalapeño: These toppings make everything pop and look gorgeous on the platter

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat that oven to 375°F and give your muffin tin a thorough spray with nonstick coating, paying special attention to the sides.

Shape the cups:

Warm those tortillas for about 20 seconds so they dont crack, then press each one into a muffin cup like youre making a little edible bowl.

Cook the beef:

Brown the ground beef with the onion over medium heat until the meats no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes, then drain any excess fat.

Add the flavor:

Stir in the garlic for just one minute, then add the taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer until it thickens into a sauce that clings to the meat.

Fill and top:

Spoon that beef mixture evenly into all your tortilla cups, then sprinkle both cheeses over the top like youre tucking them in for a cozy nap.

Bake until golden:

Slide them into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the tortilla edges are turning a beautiful golden brown.

Add the finishing touches:

Let them cool for just 2 minutes so you dont burn your fingers, then top with whatever fresh toppings make your heart sing before serving warm.

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My husband originally turned his nose up at these, calling them deconstructed tacos, but then ate five in one sitting while insisting he was just quality control testing. Now he requests them for Sunday football and pretends he came up with the idea. Ive stopped correcting him.

Making Them Ahead

Ive learned you can cook the meat mixture up to two days ahead and keep it in the fridge. When party time rolls around, just reheat it gently while you shape the tortilla cups. This saved me when we had unexpected guests show up last weekend and I needed something impressive in under 20 minutes.

Getting That Perfect Crisp

The secret is spraying the muffin tin thoroughly and letting the cups bake until theyre genuinely golden, not just warmed through. I made the mistake of rushing them once and ended up with soggy bottoms. Now I set a timer and walk away so I dont get impatient.

Serving Ideas That Work

These shine at everything from casual game nights to fancy cocktail parties because they feel special but are so easy to eat standing up. I arrange them on a wooden board with little bowls of toppings and let people customize.

• Set up a toppings bar so guests can build their own
• Keep them warm in a 200°F oven if people are grazing
• Make double the meat mixture and freeze half for next time

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Hope these become your go to party trick too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.

→ What type of tortillas work best for these cups?

Small flour tortillas or wonton wrappers are ideal as they shape easily into muffin tins and crisp nicely when baked.

→ How can I make these taco cups gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas that fit your muffin tin size to ensure a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture.

→ Are there suggested toppings to enhance flavor?

Fresh diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeño slices add brightness and balance to the rich beef and cheese filling.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

The beef filling can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge; assemble and bake taco cups just before serving for best results.