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Mini Taco Cups

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Crispy mini tortilla shells filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for quick, portable lunches or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt)
  • 12 mini flour or corn tortillas (4-inch size)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing and brushing tortillas)
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add taco seasoning and diced onions to the beef. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant and onions soften. Remove from heat.
  4. Lightly brush both sides of each mini tortilla with olive oil or cooking spray.
  5. Press each tortilla gently into the cups of a mini muffin tin to form little bowls. Warm tortillas in microwave for 10 seconds if they crack.
  6. Fill each tortilla cup with about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and cheese is melted.
  8. Let cool 2-3 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings before serving.

Notes

Warm tortillas before shaping to prevent cracking. Brush tortillas with oil for crispiness. Drain excess fat from cooked meat to avoid soggy cups. Do not overfill to keep cups crisp. Check baking time closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini taco cups, easy lunch, taco recipe, portable tacos, ground beef tacos, snack recipe, kid-friendly lunch