Taco Cups Ground Beef Cheese

The first time I made these for a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah stood by the counter eating them straight from the tin as they came out of the oven. By the time I actually plated them for serving, half had already mysteriously disappeared. Now I always double the batch.

Last summer my niece asked if she could help make taco cups for her birthday sleepover. She carefully placed each tortilla into the muffin tin like she was conducting some very important scientific experiment. The girls devoured three batches while watching movies in sleeping bags.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The foundation that gives these cups their hearty satisfying bite
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics build layers of flavor that make the filling taste like it simmered for hours
• Taco seasoning: A shortcut that delivers all those warm cumin and chili notes without measuring a dozen spices
• Flour tortillas: Street taco size is perfect but wonton wrappers work beautifully too
• Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: The cheddar brings sharpness while Jack adds that perfect melt factor
• Toppings: Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime wake everything up

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 375°F and give your muffin tin a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray

Shape the cups:

Warm tortillas for 20 seconds in the microwave so they do not crack then press each into a muffin cup

Cook the beef:

Brown the meat with onion over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes then drain any excess fat

Add the flavor:

Stir in garlic for 1 minute then add taco seasoning and water letting it simmer until thickened

Fill and cheese:

Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each cup and top with both shredded cheeses

Bake to golden:

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tortilla edges are crisp and golden

Finish and serve:

Let them cool for just 2 minutes before removing then pile on your favorite toppings and serve warm

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My dad usually turns his nose up at fancy appetizers but when I brought these to a family reunion he admitted to eating six. Now every gathering includes at least two dozen because somehow they vanish faster than anything else on the table.

Making Them Ahead

You can cook the beef filling up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The day of your party just reheat it gently while the oven preheats then assemble and bake. This trick has saved me so much stress when hosting.

Tortilla Tips

Sometimes street taco tortillas vary in size so I always test one in my muffin tin before committing to the whole package. If they seem too large you can trim them with kitchen shears. Wonton wrappers need no trimming and get incredibly crispy.

Serving Ideas

Set up a toppings bar and let people customize their own cups. Put out bowls of pico de gallo pickled jalapeños guacamole and crumbled cotija cheese alongside the standard options. The interactive element makes these even more fun for parties.

• Double the recipe for a crowd because leftovers rarely happen
• A cold beer or lime margarita is the perfect partner
• These reheat surprisingly well in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes

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Hope these become the most requested snack at your gatherings too.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option, but ensure they are soft enough to shape into the cups without cracking.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives and can be seasoned equally to maintain flavor.

→ How do I make the cups crispy?

Bake the filled tortilla cups in a preheated oven until they turn golden and the cheese melts, ensuring a crisp exterior.

→ Can I add extra ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely, black beans or corn can be added to the beef mixture to enhance texture and flavor complexity.

→ What toppings complement these cups best?

Traditional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños add freshness and a spicy kick.

→ How long do these cups keep after baking?

They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.