Taco Cups

Experience the delightful simplicity of Taco Cups, a perfect handheld tacos for kids that effortlessly combines ease with delectable flavors. Crafted with tortillas, ground beef or turkey, refried beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings, these savory delights are then baked to cheesy perfection.

This swift and mouthwatering dinner option caters to the discerning palates of your little ones. The joy lies in letting kids take charge by offering an array of toppings at the table, allowing each family member to customize their Taco Cups to perfection.

In my household, Mexican-inspired dishes grace our table at least once a week. A result of years spent refining our taco creations, I’ve compiled a curated list of our ultimate favorites. If you’re on the lookout for more Mexican-inspired recipes for kids, these recipes are a must-try for an authentic taste of our household favorites!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey, browned and drained ✅
• 15-ounce can refried beans ✅
• 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained ✅
• 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese ✅
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder ✅
• 1 teaspoon onion powder ✅
• 1 teaspoon cumin or chili powder ✅
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 10 6-inch gluten-free tortillas

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make

1. Brown the meat

Start by browning the meat in a skillet. We use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or pork depending on the day for these kid-friendly tacos. We recommend picking the meat based on what is on sale at your local grocer and/or what is preferred by your family. 

2. Season

Next, add the spices. We like a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. If you want to cut time, you can skip the spices and use a taco seasoning packet.

INGREDIENT SWAP: If using ground chicken for this recipe, our Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning is the best spice blend.

3. Add the extras

Then, add in a can of diced tomatoes. We suggest petite diced tomatoes to limit large chunks of tomatoes and for better acceptance from kids. You could also use fresh diced tomato.

Next, add a can of refried beans or use our simple crockpot refried bean recipe. Stir well until combined. 

4. Assemble

Fold your tortillas, bending to fit into the muffin tin. We recommend using fajita-sized tortillas. 

If you only have large flour tortillas at home, you can use a cookie cutter or glass cup to cut circles into the tortillas to make a perfect size. If using a glass cup, turn upside down and gently twist the top of the cup into the tortilla until it slices through. 

INGREDIENT SWAP: You can swap the tortilla for corn tortillas, a wonton wrapper, or crescent rolls for tasty variations.

Once your tortilla cups are in your muffin tin, evenly distribute the cooked taco meat into cups.  Top with your taco cups with shredded cheese if desired then, bake for 8-10 minutes. 

Finally, let your family top their individual taco cups with their favorite toppings. 

TACO TOPPINGS:

• Salsa
• Tomato
• Onion
• Black Olives
• Cilantro
• Greek Yogurt
• Sour cream
• Guacamole

Tacos for Toddlers

Have toddlers? If you have toddlers at home and would like to make these in a smaller version, we suggest using a mini muffin tin.

Microwave corn tortillas for 10 seconds in the microwave then place them into the tin or cut flour tortillas into smaller sizes and position them into the mini muffin tin. Follow the instructions as-is for mini taco cups.

Recipe Tips

• Flavorful Meat Browning:
  • When browning the ground beef or turkey, allow it to develop a nice brown crust for added flavor. Ensure you drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy texture in the final dish.
• Tortilla Folding Technique:
  • To fold the flour tortillas efficiently, warm them slightly to enhance their flexibility. This makes it easier to shape them into the muffin tin.
• Toppings Creativity:
  • Encourage creativity by placing various toppings like lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or guacamole on a separate serving plate. This allows everyone to customize their taco cups according to their preferences.
• Precise Baking Time:
  • Keep a close eye on the taco cups while baking. The suggested baking time of 8-10 minutes ensures crispy and browned shells. However, individual ovens may vary, so adjust accordingly.
• Cooling Grace Period:
  • Allow the taco cups to cool for a few minutes after baking. This not only prevents burns but also allows them to firm up for easier handling.

FAQ

Storage Instructions

Once the taco cups have cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and promptly place them in the refrigerator. If you’ve included separate toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or guacamole, store them in individual containers to maintain their individual textures and flavors.

If you plan to store taco cups for an extended period, you can opt to freeze them for up to 1-2 months. Wrap each taco cup individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remember to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy frozen taco cups, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are warmed through.

More Kid Friendly Mexican-Inspired Recipes

• Crock Pot Refried Beans
• Bean Dip
• Mexican Corn Chip Casserole
• Mexican Inspired Dinner Ideas