Touchdown Taco Cups Ground Beef

The smell of cumin and sizzling beef always takes me back to my apartment during playoff season, when wed crowd around the TV with platters of these disappearing in minutes. My friend Sarah actually asked for the recipe before she even finished her first one. Theyre basically everything you love about tacos, but in a cute handheld package that prevents the dreaded taco spill.

Last Super Bowl, I made three batches and still ran out. These have become my go-to for potlucks because they travel well and reheat beautifully. Plus, watching people figure out the best way to eat them has become its own kind of entertainment.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef: I like 90% lean to avoid too much grease in the cups
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: The smaller you chop, the more even the texture in every bite
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes such a difference here
• 1 packet taco seasoning: Homemade works too if you prefer less sodium
• 1/3 cup water: Helps the seasoning coat everything evenly
• 12 small flour tortillas: Warm them first or theyll crack when you try to shape them
• Cooking spray: Essential for getting these out without tearing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Buy a block and shred it yourself for better melting
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Full fat gives the best texture
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes: Seed them first so the cups dont get soggy
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Adds a fresh bite against the rich beef
• Optional toppings: Olives, cilantro, and jalapeños let everyone customize

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 375°F and give your muffin tin a good coating of cooking spray, getting into all the corners.

Shape the tortilla cups:

Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds so theyre pliable, then cut circles and gently press them into the muffin cups, letting the edges ruffle naturally.

Cook the beef filling:

Brown the beef with the onion for about 6 minutes, draining any excess fat before adding the garlic.

Season it up:

Stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.

Assemble and bake:

Fill each tortilla cup with the beef mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.

Add the finishing touches:

Let them cool for just a couple minutes before adding the cold toppings so they dont wilt immediately.

Save

My niece actually called these taco cookies and honestly, shes not wrong. Theres something about having your own little vessel that makes everything taste better.

Making Ahead

You can cook the beef filling up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. The tortilla cups can be assembled and refrigerated for a few hours before baking, but add the cheese just before they go into the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Set up a toppings bar and let people customize their own cups. Ive found that having everything in small bowls makes it feel more interactive and fun.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat at 350°F for about 5 minutes to crisp the tortillas back up again.

• Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tortilla crispy
• Freeze cooked cups without toppings for up to a month
• Let them thaw in the fridge before reheating

Save

These taco cups have saved me more times than I can count when I need something impressive but manageable. Hope they become a household favorite for you too.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of tortillas work best for taco cups?

Small flour tortillas (around 6-inch) are ideal as they form sturdy shells that crisp up nicely while baking.

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

→ How do I prevent the tortilla cups from becoming soggy?

Lightly spraying the muffin tin and warming tortillas before shaping helps them crisp during baking, keeping the cups firm.

→ What toppings complement these taco cups well?

Cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, olives, cilantro, and jalapeños all add layers of flavor.

→ Is there a gluten-free alternative for the tortilla cups?

Gluten-free small tortillas can be used in place of flour tortillas to accommodate dietary needs.