Taco Chili Cups

Description

Taco Chili Cups are a fun, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer made with crispy tortilla shells filled with seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, tomatoes, and melted cheese. These bite-sized cups combine all the delicious flavors of tacos and chili into a convenient handheld snack. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, potlucks, parties, or weeknight dinners, these taco cups are easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The crispy tortilla shell provides the perfect crunch while the savory filling and gooey melted cheese create an irresistible combination. Serve them with your favorite taco toppings for a meal everyone will love.

Ingredients For the Taco Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• ½ cup water

For the Cups

• 12 small flour tortillas
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Salsa

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Tortilla Cups

Lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.

Step 3: Shape the Tortillas

Press each tortilla into the muffin cups, creating a bowl shape.

Step 4: Pre-Bake the Shells

Bake for 5 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Step 5: Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.

Step 6: Add Onion

Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened.

Step 7: Drain Excess Fat

Carefully remove any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 8: Add Seasoning

Stir in taco seasoning and water.

Step 9: Add Beans

Mix in the black beans until evenly combined.

Step 10: Add Tomatoes

Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and stir well.

Step 11: Simmer

Reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 12: Fill the Cups

Spoon the taco mixture into each tortilla cup.

Step 13: Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each cup.

Step 14: Bake Again

Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 15: Cool Slightly

Allow the taco cups to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.

Step 16: Garnish

Top with your favorite toppings if desired.

Step 17: Serve

Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Notes

• Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free version.
• Pepper Jack cheese adds extra flavor and heat.
• Rotisserie chicken can replace ground beef.
• Make them ahead and reheat before serving.
• Add corn for extra texture and sweetness.

Q&A

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the filling in advance and assemble before baking.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze baked taco cups for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat them?

Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

What toppings work best?

Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, and cilantro are all great options.

Servings

12 taco cups

Nutrition (Per Taco Cup)

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 290mg

These Taco Chili Cups are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. They’re easy to make, perfect for entertaining, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or fun dinner, they deliver big flavor in every bite.