Taco Cups Ground Beef Cheese

The smell of seasoned beef filling my kitchen always takes me back to that Super Bowl party where I first served these tiny taco cups. My friend Sarah actually ate six before realizing they were meant to be shared among the group. Now they are the most requested appetizer at every gathering I host.

Last summer I made these for my daughters birthday party and watched the platter disappear in under five minutes. The best part was seeing the kids actually eat something with diced tomatoes and cilantro without complaint. Sometimes the smallest portions make the biggest impressions.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: The fat content here keeps the filling juicy and rich
• 1 small onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the meat mixture
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic beats powder every single time
• 1 packet taco seasoning: Homemade blend works beautifully if you prefer controlling the salt
• 1/3 cup water: Helps the seasoning bloom into a thick sauce
• 12 small flour tortillas: Street taco size fits perfectly in muffin tins
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic taco flavor
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack: Adds creaminess and better melt
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Cool contrast to the spiced beef
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Fresh brightness on top
• 1/4 cup green onions: Mild onion flavor and pop of color
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro: The essential herb that makes tacos taste like tacos

Instructions

Prep your muffin tin:

Spray each cup generously with nonstick spray and preheat that oven to 375°F

Warm the tortillas:

Twenty seconds in the microwave makes them pliable enough to shape without cracking

Shape your cups:

Press each warm tortilla into a muffin cup creating little edible bowls

Brown the beef:

Cook the meat with chopped onion until no pink remains then drain any excess fat

Add the aromatics:

Stir in garlic for one minute then add seasoning and water

Simmer the filling:

Let it bubble until the sauce thickens and coats everything nicely

Fill the cups:

Spoon that beefy goodness evenly into each waiting tortilla cup

Add the cheese:

Sprinkle both cheeses over the top so every bite gets that gooey pull

Bake until golden:

Ten to twelve minutes until cheese bubbles and tortilla edges turn crispy brown

Top and serve:

Let them cool just two minutes then add your favorite toppings and watch them vanish

Pin This

My neighbor texted me at midnight after trying these demanding the recipe because her husband would not stop talking about them. There is something magical about serving food that makes people act like excited kids again.

Make Ahead Magic

Cook the meat filling up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently while the oven preheats and you will have these on the table in half the time. The flavors actually meld together even better after a night in the fridge.

The Perfect Cheese Blend

After testing countless cheese combinations I learned that equal parts sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack creates the ideal flavor and melt. The cheddar brings that bold taco taste while Monterey Jack adds the creaminess that prevents the filling from becoming dry.

Serving Size Success

Plan on three taco cups per person when these are the main appetizer. I learned this the hard way when I made two batches for twenty people and ran out within the first hour. They look small but people tend to grab multiples once they taste how good they are.

• Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own cups
• Keep a second batch warm in the oven at 200°F if serving a crowd
• These reheat surprisingly well in a toaster oven the next day

Pin This

These taco cups have become my go to for everything from weeknight dinners to fancy cocktail parties because they never fail to make people smile while they eat.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives while maintaining great flavor.

→ What type of tortillas work best for these cups?

Small flour tortillas or wonton wrappers are ideal for shaping into cups; corn tortillas can be used but should fit your muffin tin.

→ How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?

Lightly spraying the muffin tin and baking until the cups are golden and crisp helps ensure a crunchy texture.

→ Can I add extra veggies to the filling?

Absolutely, adding black beans or corn to the seasoned beef mixture adds flavor and texture.

→ What toppings complement these taco cups?

Sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, and sliced jalapeño provide fresh and zesty finishes.