If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and fun way to serve taco salad, look no further than these Mini Taco Salad Cups! These mini taco bowls are a crowd-pleaser, with their crispy tortilla cups and savory filling topped with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a simple dinner, these Taco Salad Cups will fit the bill perfectly.
In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through this mouthwatering recipe, explaining every detail from the preparation to serving. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
For the Taco Cups:
- 8 small flour tortillas (or taco-sized tortillas)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup guacamole
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions & Preparation Method
These Mini Taco Salad Cups are straightforward to make, but they pack a lot of flavor and texture in every bite. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Cups
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a muffin tin lightly with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Warm your flour tortillas slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will make them easier to mold.
- Take each tortilla and press it into the muffin tin to form a cup shape. Make sure the edges are crimped slightly over the top of the tin.
- Brush each tortilla with olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.
- Bake the tortilla cups in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Once they’re done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the taco cups cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- While your tortilla cups are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef or turkey. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Season the meat with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning, then stir well.
- Add the black beans and corn to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until heated through. Once done, remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Taco Cups
- Fill each crispy tortilla cup with a generous scoop of the seasoned meat mixture, making sure each cup is filled to the top.
- Top each taco cup with shredded lettuce, chopped cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and guacamole.
- Sprinkle a little fresh cilantro on top of each cup for a burst of color and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these Mini Taco Salad Cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and the tortilla cups separately in advance. Store the cooled taco cups in an airtight container and keep the filling in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the filling, assemble the cups, and add your fresh toppings.
2. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork in place of the ground beef. For a vegetarian version, you can use crumbled tofu, black beans, or a mixture of vegetables for the filling.
3. Can I make these Mini Taco Salad Cups gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free tortillas, you can make these taco salad cups suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. Just be sure to check the taco seasoning mix, as some pre-made ones contain gluten.
4. How do I store leftover taco cups?
If you have any leftover taco cups, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. While the tortilla cups may soften a bit, the flavor will still be just as delicious. If you prefer to store the cups and filling separately, the filling can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
5. Can I freeze these Mini Taco Salad Cups?
Yes, you can freeze the tortilla cups once they have cooled. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The filling can also be frozen separately for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the cups and filling overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven before assembling.
Conclusion
Mini Taco Salad Cups are a fantastic way to enjoy a taco salad in a more portable, individual serving format. They’re perfect for a party, a quick weeknight dinner, or even as a fun lunch. With the crispy tortilla cups, savory beef filling, and fresh toppings, these little bites are packed with flavor and texture that everyone will love.
Try this recipe out and customize it to your liking with different toppings or meat alternatives. It’s versatile, easy, and most importantly – delicious!
Enjoy your Mini Taco Salad Cups 🌮 – a perfect combination of crunch, spice, and everything nice!