Zesty Taco Salad Cups Recipe: Mini Fiesta Flavor Explosion

Crispy wonton wrappers create these delightful taco salad cups that’ll make your next gathering unforgettable.

Crunchy shells cradle seasoned meat and vibrant toppings for a handheld fiesta.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Lightweight and portable, these little cups eliminate the messy drama of traditional taco eating.

Colorful ingredients peek out from their crisp edible vessels, promising a zesty culinary adventure.

Fresh ingredients and minimal prep time mean you can whip up these crowd-pleasers in minutes.

Serve these playful bites, and watch everyone devour them with pure joy and excitement.

Ingredients For Taco Salad Cups

• Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable wraps perfect for creating crispy cups.
• Olive Oil: Light coating helps tortillas become golden and crunchy.

• Ground Beef: Lean protein with rich, savory flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Blend of warm spices that adds zesty southwestern taste.

• Lettuce, Tomatoes: Crisp and juicy salad components.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy accent to the meat.
• Avocado: Creamy green fruit with smooth texture.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty and classic taco companion.
• Sour Cream: Cool and tangy finishing touch.
• Salsa: Bright and chunky condiment with fresh ingredients.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb with bright green color and vibrant flavor.

How To Assemble Taco Salad Cups

Step 1: Create Crispy Tortilla Shells

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Take flour tortillas and gently brush them with olive oil.

Press each tortilla into a muffin tin, shaping them into cup-like forms.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy.

Step 2: Sizzle the Seasoned Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Add ground beef and cook until it browns completely.

Drain excess fat from the pan.

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Build Flavorful Layers

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped onions
• Sliced avocado

Start filling each crispy tortilla shell with a generous scoop of seasoned beef.

Layer the toppings in a colorful, appetizing arrangement.

Step 4: Finish with Zesty Garnishes

• A dollop of sour cream
• A spoonful of salsa
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Serve immediately while the shells are still warm and crisp.

Enjoy your handheld fiesta of flavors!

Tips For Crisp Taco Salad Cups

• Choose thick, soft tortillas for sturdy cups that hold fillings without breaking. Brush olive oil evenly for golden, crispy edges that enhance texture.
• Remove excess fat completely to prevent soggy, greasy taco cups. Use a colander or paper towels to ensure lean, flavorful meat.
• Chop vegetables and shred cheese in advance for quick assembly. Store prepped ingredients in separate containers to maintain freshness and crunch.
• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by mixing homemade blend or reducing store-bought packet. Taste meat while cooking to ensure perfect flavor profile.
• Assemble taco cups right before serving to keep tortilla cups crisp. Warm meat slightly and add cool, fresh toppings for temperature contrast and maximum enjoyment.

Storing And Reheating Taco Cups

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping tortilla cups and fillings separate to maintain crispness.
• Quickly crisp cups in a preheated 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes before reassembling.
• Gently reheat ground beef in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.
• Add fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado just before serving to keep ingredients crisp and vibrant.

Taco Cup Pairings That Work

• Pair with Mexican-Inspired Margaritas: Blend fresh lime margaritas with silver tequila for a zesty companion that complements the spicy beef and tangy salsa.
• Refresh with Crisp Cerveza: Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to balance the richness of ground beef and cool down the taco salad's spiciness.
• Match with Citrus-Infused Agua Fresca: Create a non-alcoholic drink with fresh lime, cucumber, and mint that cuts through the salad's hearty flavors and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Roasted Jalapeño Sangria: Craft a white wine sangria with roasted jalapeños to add subtle heat and fruity undertones that echo the taco salad's vibrant profile.

Fun Taco Salad Cup Variations

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles. Season with cumin and chili powder for rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps instead of regular flour tortillas. Ensure all seasoning mixes are certified gluten-free.
• Chicken Swap: Substitute ground beef with seasoned shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter protein alternative. Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip tortilla cups and serve ingredients in a lettuce wrap or over a bed of mixed greens. Use cauliflower tortillas or cheese crisps as a crunchy base.

FAQs

• Are taco salad cups healthy?

These cups offer a balanced meal with protein from beef, nutrients from vegetables, and controlled portions. They’re lighter than traditional tacos and can be made healthier by using lean ground beef or turkey.

• Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare tortilla cups in advance and store them in an airtight container. Cook the beef and chop vegetables separately, then assemble just before serving to keep the cups crispy.

• What tortillas work best for this recipe?

Corn tortillas provide the most authentic flavor and crisp texture, but flour tortillas also work well. Choose medium-sized tortillas that fit comfortably in a muffin tin.

• How can I make these vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives. Season the substitute with taco seasoning to maintain the classic taco flavor profile.

Reasons To Love Taco Salad Cups

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these taco salad cups in a flash with simple steps and minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Mix and match ingredients to suit every taste bud, making it a hit with picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Portable Party Favorite: Serve these handheld delights at potlucks, game nights, or casual get-togethers, offering a mess-free and fun way to enjoy classic taco flavors.
• Healthier Twist on Comfort Food: Transform traditional tacos into a lighter, veggie-packed meal that doesn't skimp on bold, zesty taste while sneaking in extra nutrition.

Taco Salad Cups Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty Mexican-inspired Taco Salad Cups bring explosive flavor to your table with crispy tortilla shells cradling seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tangy cheese. Compact and portable, these mini delights deliver a complete fiesta in one delicious bite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 avocado, diced

Base and Wrappers:

• 12 small flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Toppings and Garnishes:

• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1 cup (240 ml) halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Craft crispy tortilla vessels by lightly coating each round with olive oil and carefully molding them into a muffin tin, creating cup-like shapes that will transform into crunchy edible containers.
2. Transfer the prepared tortilla cups into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), allowing them to bake until they develop a golden, firm texture, approximately 10-12 minutes.
3. While tortilla cups are crisping, heat a skillet over medium flame and thoroughly cook ground beef, ensuring it browns evenly and releases excess fat through careful draining.
4. Enhance the meat’s flavor profile by generously incorporating taco seasoning, stirring to distribute the spices uniformly throughout the crumbled beef.
5. Construct layered cups by first adding a hearty portion of seasoned beef as the foundational element inside each crisp tortilla vessel.
6. Build subsequent layers by artfully arranging fresh, crisp lettuce, followed by vibrant diced tomatoes, creating a colorful and textural base.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the layers, allowing it to slightly melt from the residual warmth of the beef and tortilla cups.
8. Distribute finely chopped onions and creamy avocado chunks to introduce additional depth and complexity to the salad cups.
9. Complete the presentation by crowning each cup with a dollop of smooth sour cream and a generous spoonful of zesty salsa.
10. Finish by delicately garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the complete dish.

Notes

• Customize tortilla types by using whole wheat, corn, or gluten-free options for dietary needs.
• Make crispy cups extra sturdy by using slightly thicker tortillas and pressing firmly into muffin tin.
• Prep tortilla cups ahead of time and store in airtight container to save cooking time during meal preparation.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu for vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg