Craving a bite-sized treat that’s loaded with flavor and easy to make? Look no further than Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups. These delicious, hand-held taco-inspired cups are perfect for busy weeknight dinners, party snacks, or even a family movie night. Packed with seasoned meat, gooey cheese, and baked to golden perfection, these cups are guaranteed to be a hit for anyone who tries them.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about making Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups, from ingredients to expert tips to serving ideas. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups
Creating these flavorful cups requires simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. If not, we’ve included easy substitutions so you can customize this recipe based on what you like or have on hand.
Base Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands): This forms the base of your cup. You can substitute crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a flakier crust.
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter alternative. Vegetarians can swap this with crumbled meat substitutes or cooked lentils.
Flavor Boosters
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder).
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional but adds great flavor).
- 1/2 cup salsa or diced tomatoes with chilies for added zest.
Cheesy Goodness
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese. If you prefer, try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra spice.
Optional Toppings
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Cilantro and jalapeños for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s move on to making these cheesy taco cups. Follow these simple steps to ensure your cups turn out perfect every time.
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease with oil/butter.
2. Cook the Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef (or alternative) until browned.
- Add diced onion and saute for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Mix in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Stir in salsa or diced tomatoes for a flavorful, saucy filling.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Cups
- Separate the biscuit dough into individual pieces. Flatten each one slightly using your hands or a rolling pin to create a disc.
- Press the dough discs into the muffin tin cups, ensuring they form a “bowl” shape.
4. Assemble
- Spoon the taco mixture into each dough cup, filling almost to the top.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of each cup.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool and Serve
- Allow the taco cups to cool slightly before removing them from the tin to avoid crumbling.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results
- Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling may cause the cups to overflow, making them difficult to remove from the pan.
- Pre-Cook the Dough Slightly for Crunchier Cups: For an extra crispy base, pre-bake the dough in the muffin tins for 3–4 minutes before adding the filling.
- Experiment with Fillings: You can get creative by adding black beans, corn, or even swapping your protein for shredded chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
- Make Ahead: The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just assemble and bake the cups fresh for the best taste.
- Double the Recipe for Parties: These cups will disappear fast, so consider making extras if you’re entertaining!
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups are incredibly versatile and pair well with various sides and drinks. Here are some ideas to amp up your meal or party spread.
- Serve with sides: Pair these cups with a crisp green salad, tortilla chips, and guacamole.
- Add a dipping sauce: A side of salsa, queso, or sour cream gives everyone the option to add extra flavor.
- Customize the toppings: Arrange toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro in small bowls so guests can personalize their cups.
- Drink pairings: Complement the cheesy, spicy flavors with an ice-cold margarita, a refreshing soda, or a sparkling water with lime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups combine the best elements of tacos and comfort food. Not only are they fun to eat, but they’re also easy to make, customizable, and downright delicious.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters who love tacos but struggle with messy shells.
- Great for Gatherings: These portable cups are a hit at parties, potlucks, or game nights. Guests will be asking you for the recipe!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick snack or meal.
Your Cheesy Taco Adventure Awaits!
There you have it—a simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe for Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups. With a flaky biscuit crust, flavorful taco filling, and a cheesy topping, it’s hard not to fall in love with this dish.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a fun new family dinner idea, Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups are sure to impress. We’d love to hear how your batch turns out—share your creations and tips in the comments or tag us on Instagram!
Print out the recipe, grab your ingredients, and get started today. Your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the taco filling a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the cups with the pre-made filling and bake as directed. You can also bake the assembled cups, cool them completely, and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups?
Yes, these are freezer-friendly! Once baked and cooled, place the cups in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What are some other topping ideas?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Shredded lettuce, diced avocado, fresh pico de gallo, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate these cups. For a creamy touch, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or queso fresco.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own using gluten-free flour blends. Be sure to check that your taco seasoning and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. To make it vegan, use dairy-free biscuit dough, vegan cheese, and ensure your toppings are plant-based.
How can I make the biscuit dough from scratch?
If you prefer to skip the canned dough, you can make your own biscuit dough using simple pantry ingredients like flour, baking powder, butter, and milk (or plant-based milk). Roll out the dough and cut it into rounds to fit the muffin tin.
Can I scale up this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for parties or events. You may need to bake in multiple batches depending on your oven and muffin tin capacity.
Try out these tips and variations, and you’ll find that Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups are a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share your unique adaptations of this recipe—we’d love to see how you make it your own!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating will ensure your Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups taste just as delicious the next day!
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the cups in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
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- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cups for about 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual cups on a microwave-safe plate for 30–60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power.
- Air Fryer: For an extra crispy reheating option, place cups in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups are the ultimate fusion of fun, flavor, and convenience. This recipe makes it easy to bring bold, taco-inspired tastes into a bite-sized format that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a quick family meal or a festive gathering, these cups deliver big on flavor and can be tailored to suit any palate.
Get creative with the variations, experiment with different toppings, and don’t forget—sharing is caring! Your friends and family will love the effort and love you’ve baked into every cup. Above all, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process of making this crowd-pleasing dish.