Mini Taco Cups with Ground Beef

$- Ground beef - Taco seasoning - Mini phyllo pastry cups - Shredded cheddar cheese - Diced tomatoes - Sliced black olives - Fresh cilantro - Refried beans - Corn - Sour cream When I make mini taco cups, I start with the main ingredients. Ground beef is key for flavor. I use taco seasoning to bring spice and zest. Mini phyllo pastry cups hold everything together and add a nice crunch. Next, I choose my toppings and garnishes. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top. Diced tomatoes add freshness and color. Sliced black olives give a briny bite, and fresh cilantro brings a burst of green. I sometimes add optional ingredients. Refried beans make the cups heartier. Corn adds sweetness and texture. If you like creamy, a dollop of sour cream on top is a great choice. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions! 1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps get your taco cups crispy. 2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook for about 6-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any fat after browning. 1. Layer the Phyllo Cups: Place your mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet. These cups are the base for our tasty snacks. 2. Add Toppings: Start with a layer of 1 cup of refried beans in each cup. Then, add the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Next, add diced tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and corn. You can be creative with the layers! 1. Bake the Mini Taco Cups: Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for melted cheese and golden brown pastry. 2. Garnish and Serve: Take the mini taco cups out of the oven. Let them cool a bit. Garnish with fresh cilantro on top. Serve them with sour cream on the side if you like. Enjoy making these quick and tasty snacks! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To avoid soggy cups, bake the phyllo cups before filling them. This helps them stay crisp. You can also use less refried beans. When seasoning the beef, use one tablespoon of taco seasoning for a great flavor. Mix it well and let it simmer. For serving, arrange the mini taco cups on a bright platter. Add some fresh lime wedges beside them. You can also include toppings like salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. This makes your dish look fun and inviting! If the cups are too dry, add a spoonful of sour cream on top. This adds moisture and boosts flavor. Adjust your baking time if the cheese doesn’t melt. Check the cups at the 10-minute mark. If needed, bake for another two minutes to get golden brown cheese. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in mini taco cups. Ground turkey works great as a lean option. It offers a similar taste but with fewer calories. If you want a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or black beans. They add protein and fiber while keeping it meat-free. To spice things up, add jalapeños for a kick. This gives the cups a zesty flavor that many love. You can also try a Southwest flavor by adding cumin and chili powder. These spices will give your taco cups a warm, rich taste that is hard to resist. If you're looking for gluten-free options, use corn tortillas instead of phyllo cups. They hold the filling well and taste delicious. For a low-carb version, skip the beans and use shredded lettuce as a base. This way, you still enjoy tasty mini taco cups without the carbs. Explore these variations and make your mini taco cups your own! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. You can store leftover mini taco cups in the fridge for up to three days. Keep them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Try to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Yes, you can freeze mini taco cups! To freeze them, let them cool first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat them straight from the freezer. The best way to reheat mini taco cups is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cups on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the pastry crispy. If you use a microwave, the cups may get soggy. If you must use a microwave, heat them for 30 seconds at a time. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above in the article. To make mini taco cups, start with ground beef. Cook it in a skillet until brown. Add taco seasoning and water to coat the meat. While the beef cooks, prepare mini phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet. Layer each cup with refried beans, the seasoned beef, and your favorite toppings. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C). For the full recipe, check the section above. Yes, you can use different cheeses! Cheddar is classic, but try pepper jack for spice. Monterey Jack adds creaminess. You can even mix cheeses for a unique flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well for a gooey texture. Mini taco cups pair well with many sides. Serve them with fresh salsa and guacamole for extra flavor. Sour cream is a great dip too. For something crunchy, add tortilla chips on the side. You can also include a simple salad for balance. Making mini taco cups is fun and easy. You learned about the main ingredients, how to prepare, and serve them. We also covered tips to keep your cups fresh and tasty. If you explore variations, you can cater to different diets and taste buds. These cups are perfect for parties or quick snacks. Remember, creativity is key in the kitchen. Enjoy making them!$

Mini Taco Cups with Ground Beef

Create a fiesta on your table with these delightful Mini Taco Cups! Made with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and topped with fresh ingredients, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or family gatherings. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, they're sure to impress your guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

1 cup refried beans

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup diced tomatoes

½ cup diced red onions

½ cup sliced black olives

1 cup corn (canned or frozen)

1 package of mini phyllo pastry cups (about 15-20 cups)

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning with 2 tablespoons of water, mixing until the beef is coated evenly. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

Prepare Phyllo Cups: Place the mini phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet.

Layer the Cups: In each phyllo cup, start with a layer of refried beans at the bottom, followed by the seasoned ground beef, then add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, a few pieces of red onions, black olives, and corn.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pastry is golden brown.

Garnish: Remove the mini taco cups from the oven and let them cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro on top.

Serve: Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 15-20 bites

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the mini taco cups on a decorative platter with fresh lime wedges and additional toppings like guacamole or salsa for a beautiful and festive display!