These little taco casseroles have all the delicious taco flavor you adore from oven-baked tacos, but in the cutest, most bite-sized sizes, making them fizzy and cheesy. They’re ideal for busy evenings, game-day snacking, or anytime you want melty solace without a lot of effort.
Components
half a pound of ground beef or turkey
1 tablespoon of taco seasoning
a third of a cup of salsa
1 cup of grated Mexican-blend cheese
8–10 tiny flour tortillas (street-taco size)
1/4 cup of sour cream to serve
1/4 cup of chopped lettuce or tomatoes (optional)
Possible substitutions:
If you want a traditional taco flavor, use corn tortillas.
For a greater kick, substitute canned Rotel tomatoes for salsa.
Measures
1.In a tiny pan, cook the meat until it’s brown, then add the taco spice and salsa. Give it 2–3 minutes to cook through, the mixture should be fragrant and saucy.
2.Create tiny taco cups by pressing small tortillas into a muffin tin. It’s part of their appeal that they won’t be flawless.
3.Fill each cup about three-quarters of the way with the taco meat using a spoon.
4.On each one, add a healthy amount of cheese. The cheese melts into the meat, which aids in maintaining the minis’ integrity.
5.Bake the tortillas for 10–12 minutes at 375°F, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are crisp.
6.Chill them for two minutes so they can be removed easily.
If you enjoy a crisp freshness, top with tomatoes, lettuce, or sour cream.
Advice from the Chef
To make the tortillas more pliable for the muffin tin, microwave them for 10 seconds.
Don’t fill too much since it will be more difficult to remove the minis.
Move the pan to a lower rack for the last few minutes if the cups turn brown too quickly.
Modifications
Cheesy Chicken Taco Minis: Use taco seasoning and shredded rotisserie chicken.
Vegetable Taco Cups: Stuff with diced peppers, maize, and black beans.
Super Spicy: Before baking, add a sprinkle of hot sauce or some jalapeño slices.
Suggestion for Serving
These cheesy mini tacos will make any dish seem enjoyable and delightfully comforting when served warm with a bit of sour cream swirl and lime on the side.