Description
Taco Cups Appetizer: A delightful and easy recipe featuring crispy baked tortilla cups filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings. These mini taco cups are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno pepper (optional)
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 avocado, diced
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Chopped cilantro
- 1 package (6 count) large flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease (optional).
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and beef is seasoned. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Press each tortilla into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, stretching gently if needed.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden and crispy. Remove from muffin tin and let cool slightly.
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans in each tortilla cup.
- Add a spoonful of taco meat filling.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Top with diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Add red onion, green bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using).
- Top with sour cream/crema, diced avocado, and cilantro.
Notes
- For leaner tacos, drain the grease from the ground beef.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings like shredded lettuce, black olives, or pickled onions.
- Prepare the meat and chop vegetables ahead of time for faster assembly.
- If tortillas tear, warm them briefly in the microwave before shaping.
- If tortillas aren’t crisping, increase oven temperature or baking time.
- If taco meat is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth while simmering, or add a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese to the finished meat.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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