Taco Salad Cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic taco salad in a convenient, bite-sized form. These are perfect for parties, appetizers, or a fun family meal. With a crispy tortilla or wonton shell filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh toppings, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make Taco Salad Cups, you will need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 12 small flour tortillas or wonton wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Shells
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the Shells: Lightly grease a muffin tin. Press the flour tortillas or wonton wrappers into the muffin cups to form small bowls.
- Bake the Shells: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the seasoning is fully incorporated. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Taco Salad Cups
- Fill the Shells: Once the taco shells have cooled, fill each shell with a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef in each cup.
- Top with Lettuce and Tomatoes: Add a layer of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
- Garnish: Top each cup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and, if desired, sliced black olives and diced avocado.
Cooking Notes
- Tortilla vs. Wonton Wrappers: Both flour tortillas and wonton wrappers work well for this recipe. Wonton wrappers tend to be crispier and are a great option for a lighter shell.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese. A Mexican blend, cheddar, or even pepper jack cheese adds a nice flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the taco shells and the beef mixture ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the cups just before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Follow the same instructions, substituting turkey for beef.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortillas or wonton wrappers and ensure that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the components separately: keep the beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The baked tortilla or wonton shells can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble the taco salad cups just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
What other toppings can I add?
You can get creative with the toppings. Consider adding diced onions, jalapeños, corn, black beans, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Keto/Low Carb Version
For a keto-friendly version:
- Taco Shells: Use cheese shells. Bake small piles of shredded cheese on parchment paper until crispy and form into cups while warm.
- Toppings: Skip the black beans and corn. Load up on cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and avocados.
Taco Salad Cups are a delightful and versatile dish that brings the best of taco flavors into a fun, easy-to-eat format. Perfect for any gathering, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe out today and bring a bit of fiesta to your meal!
Give these Taco Salad Cups a try and let us know how they turned out in the comments below! If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!
