These Taco Cups are a fun twist on tacos using Tostitos Scoops as the bowl! Filled with seasoned meat, cheese, and your favorite toppings, they make for a tasty snack.
Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, I love how everyone can grab their own little cup. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy crunchy chips with all that goodness inside? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tostitos Scoops: These are perfect for holding your toppings, but if you can’t find them, use another brand of scoop chips or even mini pita pockets for a fun twist!
Ground Beef or Turkey: Lean ground turkey works just as well as beef for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based ground meat if you’d like to make it vegetarian!
Taco Seasoning: If you have spices on hand, mix your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. It’s fresher and customizable!
Refried Beans: For a vegetarian option, use black beans or pinto beans. You can mash them up if you want that traditional refried bean texture.
Cheese: I love a mix of sharp cheddar and Mexican blend for flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese shreds that melt well!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Meat?
Cooking the ground meat correctly is key to building flavor for your Taco Cups. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. Don’t rush it; starting with a hot pan helps brown the meat instead of steaming it.
- Once hot, add your ground meat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Look for a nice golden color as it cooks, which usually takes around 6-8 minutes.
- Don’t forget to drain excess grease, especially if using beef!
These steps help keep your meat flavorful and prevent a soggy taco cup!
How to Make Taco Cups with Tostitos Scoops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Cups:
- 1 package of Tostitos Scoops
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)
For Serving:
- Sour cream (optional)
- Salsa (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, you might want to add a few minutes to let them cool down a bit before serving. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a tasty snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for your yummy Taco Cups once you finish preparing them.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it’s nicely browned. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, so there are no big chunks. If there’s any extra grease after cooking, drain it away.
3. Add Seasoning:
Once your meat is browned and drained, add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens up nicely. This will give your meat that classic taco flavor!
4. Prepare the Tostitos Scoops:
While your meat is cooking, take a baking dish or tray and arrange the Tostitos Scoops in a single layer. This is where you’ll load all the delicious ingredients!
5. Fill the Scoops:
Next, carefully spoon a little bit of refried beans into each scoop and spread it slightly to cover the bottom. This will create a tasty layer for the meat to sit on top.
6. Add the Meat Mixture:
Now it’s time to top each bean-filled scoop with the seasoned meat mixture you just made. Make sure each scoop gets a nice, hearty amount!
7. Sprinkle with Cheese:
Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each scoop. You can never have too much cheese, right?
8. Optional Toppings:
If you like, you can add some diced tomatoes and sliced olives on top of the cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
9. Bake in the Oven:
Carefully place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, carefully remove the Taco Cups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will help you avoid any hot cheese situations!
11. Enjoy!
Serve your Taco Cups warm with sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you’d like. Dig in and enjoy every bite of these tasty treats!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef. Just make sure to cook it until it’s fully browned before adding the taco seasoning. You might want to add a bit more oil to the skillet as turkey can be drier than beef.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If the cheese has hardened, you can cover them with foil to keep them moist!
Can I Prepare These Taco Cups in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and bean filling ahead of time and assemble the Taco Cups just before baking. You can even set them up in the scoops and cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Bake them right before serving for the best texture!
