Taco Salad Cups

 

🌮 Taco Salad Cups

Bite-Sized Flavor with a Crunch

Who doesn’t love a taco? Now imagine all that bold, zesty flavor packed into a crispy, bite-sized cup that’s perfect for parties, lunches, or a fun weeknight dinner. Taco Salad Cups take the classic taco salad and turn it into a portable, fun-to-eat appetizer or meal that everyone will adore.

These little cups are not only visually appealing but also loaded with texture — crisp lettuce, juicy seasoned meat, creamy cheese, tangy salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. They’re customizable, easy to make, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

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🌟 Why You’ll Love Taco Salad Cups

• Portion-controlled: Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or healthy snacks.

• Fun and festive: Mini cups make eating more playful and interactive.

• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like black beans, corn, or avocado.

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

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🍴 Ingredients

Makes about 12 cups

• 12 small flour or corn tortillas

• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)

• 2 cups shredded lettuce

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

• ½ cup diced tomatoes

• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)

• ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo

• ½ cup sour cream or guacamole

• Cooking spray or a little oil

(Optional toppings: corn, black beans, jalapeños, diced avocado, chopped cilantro)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Form the taco cups: Lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Press each tortilla into the muffin cups to form a small cup shape. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and slightly crispy. Remove and let cool slightly.

3. Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning according to package instructions.

4. Assemble the cups: Fill each tortilla cup with a layer of shredded lettuce, seasoned meat, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and any additional toppings you like.

5. Finish with flair: Add a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to each cup. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced olives if desired.

6. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture, or store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.

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💡 Tips for Success

• Tortilla choice: Flour tortillas are easier to mold and stay crispier, but corn tortillas work for a gluten-free option.

• Make ahead: You can bake the cups in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just fill them before serving.

• Kid-friendly: Skip the spicier toppings and let kids build their own mini taco cups.

• Extra crunch: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top for an added crunch.

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🎉 Serving Suggestions

Taco Salad Cups are perfect for:

• Party appetizers or game-day snacks

• Fun lunchbox meals

• Taco night with a twist

• Potlucks and family gatherings

They’re portable, mess-free, and bursting with flavor in every bite — the ultimate party pleaser.

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🌮 Final Thoughts

Taco Salad Cups are a playful, tasty reinvention of a classic favorite. Easy to assemble, fully customizable, and visually irresistible, they turn any meal or gathering into a fiesta. With layers of fresh, flavorful ingredients tucked into a crunchy tortilla cup, every bite is a mini celebration of everything we love about tacos — without the mess.