Taco Muffin Cups
There’s something undeniably delightful about the Taco Muffin Cups that brings me back to my childhood. I vividly recall weekends spent in the kitchen with my family, concocting fun and easy meals together. These savory little muffin cups are a fantastic twist on traditional tacos, offering a delicious and portable way to enjoy all your favorite taco flavors. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion. They’re not just a meal; they’re a celebration of everything we love about tacos, all wrapped up in a flaky, warm crust. When I take a bite of a Taco Muffin Cup, I can’t help but smile, remembering those joyful moments spent cooking with loved ones, sharing stories, and creating memories. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone together, making it a staple in my home.
Recipe Snapshot
27 mins
15 mins
12 mins
Medium
320 kcal
20 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Skillet, Saucepan, Wooden Spoon, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet
What Makes This Taco Muffin Cups Special
Easy to Make
One of the best things about the Taco Muffin Cups is how simple they are to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a tasty dish in no time. Perfect for when you’re in a hurry but still want something delicious to serve.
Customizable Ingredients
You can easily tailor the Taco Muffin Cups to your preferences. Whether you want to throw in extra veggies, swap out the cheese for a lighter option, or even add your favorite spicy toppings, the choices are endless. This is your chance to get creative!
Fun for Kids
These delightful muffin cups are a hit with kids! They love the fun shape and the ability to personalize their own. It’s a great way to get children involved in the kitchen, allowing them to experiment with their taco toppings.
Perfect for Parties
The Taco Muffin Cups are perfect for gatherings and parties. They’re easy to serve, and everyone can enjoy their own little cup filled with delicious taco goodness. Plus, they make for an impressive presentation!
Great for Meal Prep
If you’re looking to meal prep, these muffin cups are ideal! You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat them when you’re ready to eat, and you have a delicious meal ready to go.
Comfort Food with a Twist
When you’re craving comfort food, the Taco Muffin Cups are a fantastic option. They combine the flavors of your favorite tacos with the fun of muffins, making them a unique and satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
Shopping List for Taco Muffin Cups
These ingredients work harmoniously together to create a satisfying and flavorful dish. Each element plays a role in bringing the Taco Muffin Cups to life, from the rich flavor of the ground beef to the comforting texture of the pizza dough. Let’s explore the key players:
- 1 lb ground beef: The base of our muffin cups, providing a rich and hearty flavor.
- 1 taco seasoning packet: Adds all the classic taco spices you crave.
- 2/3 cup water: Helps to blend the seasoning and meat together.
- 1 cup black beans (canned): Optional but adds a delicious texture and nutritional boost.
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough: The perfect vessel for our taco filling, creating that lovely crust.
- 1/3 of a 16 oz. block velveeta (Mexican): Melts beautifully for a creamy topping.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps to melt the cheese and create a smooth sauce.
- Toppings: 1 chopped tomato, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, and sour cream: Fresh toppings to elevate the flavors.
Making Taco Muffin Cups
Creating Taco Muffin Cups is as fun as it is delicious. Follow these steps to make your own mouthwatering muffin cups. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is and how quickly they come together!
In a skillet over medium heat, start by browning the ground beef. Make sure to break it up into small pieces with a spatula. You’ll want it to be fully cooked and browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess fat.
Next, add the taco seasoning packet to the cooked beef along with 2/3 cup of water. Stir everything together until the beef is well coated. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
While your beef mixture is simmering, take your pizza dough out of the can. Unroll it carefully and cut it into 12 equal squares. This can be a fun part, especially for the kids!
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, grab a muffin tin and spray it lightly with cooking oil. This will prevent the dough from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Place one square of dough into each muffin cup, pressing it down gently to fit snugly against the bottom and sides. You’ll want to create a little cup to hold your filling.
Now, it’s time to fill those cups! Spoon in the ground beef mixture until each cup is filled to the top, about a 1/4 cup each. Don’t be shy; these are meant to be hearty!
Once your filling is in, place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the smell will be mouthwatering!
While the muffin cups are baking, melt your velveeta cheese over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the milk and stir frequently until the cheese is smooth and creamy.
When the muffin cups are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully lift each muffin cup out of the tin.
To serve, drizzle the melted cheese over each Taco Muffin Cup. Top with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and black olives. A dollop of sour cream on top is the perfect finishing touch!
Things Worth Knowing
- Don’t Overfill: Make sure not to overfill the muffin cups, as the dough needs some room to expand while baking.
- Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on the muffins to avoid burning.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, or avocado for additional flavor.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the muffin cups to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin to prevent breaking.
Customization Ideas
There are so many ways to make the Taco Muffin Cups your own. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity!
- Change the Meat: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
- Spice it Up: Add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with more black beans or sautéed veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Serve with Salsa: Pair your Taco Muffin Cups with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for added zest.
- Cook Ahead: Make these a day ahead and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
What to Pair With Taco Muffin Cups
Pairing dishes with your Taco Muffin Cups can elevate the entire meal experience. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Fresh Salad: A side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the muffin cups.
- Guacamole: The creamy texture of guacamole adds a delightful contrast to the crispy muffin.
- Rice: Serve with cilantro lime rice for a complete meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
- Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa adds a burst of acidity and freshness, making it a perfect topping or side dish.
- Beans: Offer a side of refried beans to enhance the traditional taco experience.
- Perfect for Game Day: Serve at your next gathering or game day party for a fun and interactive meal!
- Kid-Friendly Options: Pair with corn on the cob or an assortment of veggie sticks for a fun and healthy meal.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Taco Muffin Cups are a unique and fun way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of tacos in a convenient muffin form. I encourage you to give them a try; they are sure to impress your family and friends. With their easy preparation and customizable ingredients, these muffin cups are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the joy of cooking and serving these delightful bites that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home!
Taco Muffin Cups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, start by browning the ground beef. Make sure to break it up into small pieces with a spatula. You'll want it to be fully cooked and browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess fat.
- Next, add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef along with 2/3 cup of water. Stir everything together until the beef is well coated. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- While your beef mixture is simmering, take your pizza dough out of the can. Unroll it carefully and cut it into 12 equal squares. This can be a fun part, especially for the kids!
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, grab a muffin tin and spray it lightly with cooking oil. This will prevent the dough from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Place one square of dough into each muffin cup, pressing it down gently to fit snugly against the bottom and sides. You'll want to create a little cup to hold your filling.
- Now, it’s time to fill those cups! Spoon in the ground beef mixture until each cup is filled to the top, about a 1/4 cup each. Don’t be shy; these are meant to be hearty!
- Once your filling is in, place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the smell will be mouthwatering!
- While the muffin cups are baking, melt your velveeta cheese over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the milk and stir frequently until the cheese is smooth and creamy.
- When the muffin cups are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully lift each muffin cup out of the tin.
- To serve, drizzle the melted cheese over each Taco Muffin Cup. Top with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and black olives. A dollop of sour cream on top is the perfect finishing touch!
Notes
- Black beans are optional: They can also be added to muffin cups after filling if you have some that would prefer no beans. Just add about a teaspoon of beans to the muffin cups once you add the meat.
- You can use regular Velveeta: if you prefer less spice.
