Description
Crisp tortilla shells cradle a zesty Taco Salad Cup, bringing Mexican-inspired flavors to your table with delightful handheld charm. Layers of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tangy cheese create a perfect bite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup taco seasoning
Produce:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Dairy and Extras:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 tortilla shells
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and arrange tortilla shells in a muffin tin, gently pressing them to form cup shapes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown ground beef until no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from beef and stir in taco seasoning, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Crisp tortilla shells in the oven for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and they hold their cup shape.
- Layer seasoned ground beef into each toasted tortilla cup, filling approximately two-thirds full.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over warm beef, allowing it to slightly melt.
- Top each cup with freshly chopped romaine lettuce for crisp texture.
- Add diced tomatoes and onions evenly across the cups for vibrant color and flavor.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note.
- Dollop sour cream in the center of each cup and drizzle salsa on top.
- Season with salt and black pepper to enhance overall taste.
- Serve immediately while tortilla cups are still crisp and warm.
Notes
- Choose flour tortillas with minimal tears to create perfect cup shapes, ensuring sturdy and uniform shells.
- Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat and maintain a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
- Customize the recipe for vegetarian diets by substituting ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for protein-rich alternatives.
- Prepare tortilla cups ahead of time and store in an airtight container to maintain crispness, reheating briefly before serving to restore texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg