Taco Cupcakes

Ingredients:
For the Taco Cupcakes:
1 package (8-10) flour tortillas (small or medium size)
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
1/2 cup water (as called for by taco seasoning instructions)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
Optional Toppings:
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Sliced jalapeños
Cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tortilla Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Using a cookie cutter or a drinking glass, cut out circles from the tortillas that are about the size of the muffin tin cups. You’ll need one circle for each muffin cup.
Gently press each tortilla circle into the muffin tin, creating a taco shell shape. You can fold the edges slightly to make sure they fit snugly into the muffin cups.
Bake the tortilla cups for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the tortillas are baking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and water (or follow the seasoning packet instructions). Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the mixture has thickened.
3. Assemble the Taco Cupcakes:
Once the tortilla cups are baked and the beef is cooked, spoon the seasoned ground beef into each tortilla cup, filling each one generously.
Top with shredded cheese, dividing it evenly among the cupcakes.
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Add Toppings:
Remove the taco cupcakes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Top each cupcake with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or sliced jalapeños.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the taco cupcakes as a fun appetizer, main dish, or snack. They’re great for sharing and super easy to eat with your hands!