Crispy Taco Cups in a Muffin Tin: Easy Recipe for a Fun Family Dinner

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for taco night, these taco cups in a muffin tin are an absolute must-try. Made with ground beef, seasoned with your favorite taco seasoning, and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, these mini taco cups are baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin.

They’re easy to make, and each bite has the perfect crunch factor! Whether you’re planning dinner tonight or looking for a fun party appetizer, these little taco cups are sure to be a hit!

What are Taco Cups?

Taco cups are bite-sized versions of classic tacos, made by baking flour tortillas or corn tortillas in a prepared muffin tin. They’re filled with delicious taco meat (such as ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken) and topped with cheese, salsa, sour cream, and other favorite taco toppings like pico de gallo, black beans, or even green chilies. The result is a crispy, cheesy, and super fun version of a traditional taco!

What are Taco Cups Made Of?

These taco cups are made with simple, fresh ingredients. First, you’ll need lean ground beef seasoned with a taco seasoning mix or your own homemade taco seasoning.

This is combined with a little salsa for extra flavor. Then, flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option) are cut and pressed into a muffin tin, where they bake into crunchy little cups. The taco mixture is then spooned in, and the cups are topped with shredded cheddar cheese. After baking, they’re finished with a dollop of sour cream, more salsa, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh burst of flavor.

How to Make Tacos in Muffin Tin – Overview

You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make homemade taco cups!

Making taco cups in a muffin tin couldn’t be easier! Simply cook your seasoned beef on medium heat, then fill your prepared muffin tin with cut tortillas. cake the tortillas in the pan for a bit to crisp them up.

Add the taco meat, top with cheese, and bake until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and golden brown. After baking, you can garnish them with sour cream, salsa, and lime, or get creative with other toppings like Greek yogurt, black olives, or even shredded lettuce for a crunchy contrast.

What Can I use other than Ground Beef?

If you’re looking for alternatives to ground beef for your taco cup filling, there are plenty of delicious options. One great substitute is shredded chicken, which can be seasoned with taco spices and mixed with your favorite toppings like salsa or onion.

For a vegetarian option, you can use black beans or refried beans instead of meat. You can even mix in grilled veggies to add more texture and flavor to your tortilla cup. The versatility of this great recipe makes it perfect for any fun family dinner!

How to Create crunchy Taco Cups

Creating crunchy taco cups is easy with a few simple steps. First, preheat the oven and generously coat a standard size muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, cut your tortillas into rounds and press them into each cup of the muffin pan to form the base. Make sure the edges of the warm tortillas are securely pressed against the sides of the tin. Bake the cups before adding your filling to ensure they get crispy, then add your favorite filling (such as seasoned meat or shredded chicken) and bake again for a perfect crunch. This method gives you a crispy shell that’s perfect for your final layer of cheese and toppings. It's truly a genius idea for a fun family dinner!

Can I use something other than Flour Tortillas?

Yes, you can definitely use alternatives to flour tortillas for your taco cups. Corn tortillas are a great option if you're looking for a gluten-free alternative. Just be sure to slightly warm the tortillas before pressing them into the muffin pan, as this will make them easier to mold into the cups. For a different texture, you can even try using wonton wrappers for a lighter, crispier shell. Whichever you choose, be sure to generously coat your muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and you’ll have the perfect base for your taco fillings. With all the variations you can try, this recipe remains a great recipe and a genius idea for any gathering.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Want to make it vegetarian? Use refried beans or black beans in place of meat.
• Add a kick of spice by mixing in green chiles or a bit of chili powder into the meat mixture.
• Try using wonton wrappers instead of tortillas for an extra crispy crunch factor.
• Change up the cheese by using a mix of Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cheddar cheese.
• Top the taco cups with fresh pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or black olives for extra flavor and texture.

Can I Make Taco Cups Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can definitely make these mini taco cups ahead of time! Simply prepare the taco meat and assemble the cups in the muffin tins, but don’t bake them yet. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, just pop them into the oven, bake, and add your toppings. This is a so much fun way to get dinner on the table quickly when time is tight.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers (though they usually disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the taco cups on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until heated through and crispy. These taco cups can also be frozen! Just cool completely, place in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.

What to Serve with Taco Cups – Serving Suggestions

These crunchy taco cups are great on their own, but you can pair them with classic Mexican sides like Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, or a fresh taco salad. You could also serve them with a variety of dips, like Homemade Guacamole, Salsa Fresca, or Queso Dip.