Taco Cups for Kids: A Fun, Delicious, and Portable Recipe

Tacos are a favorite for many families, and for good reason! Tacos are a delicious and adaptable meal option that can cater to various tastes. However, they can be a bit messy, especially for younger kids. Enter Taco Cups! These charming little taco bites are not only simple to prepare but also portable, making them an ideal choice for lunchboxes. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Taco Cups that will make lunchtime fun and delicious for your kids.

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Simple Shopping List

Before we get started with the cooking, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients ready! Here’s what you’ll need to create your Taco Cups:

ingredient for tacos cups
  • For the Taco Cups:
    • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or a plant-based alternative)
    • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
    • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
    • 12 small flour tortillas or mini taco shells
  • For the Toppings:
    • Shredded lettuce
    • Diced tomatoes
    • Sliced olives
    • Avocado or guacamole
    • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
    • Salsa
    • Chopped cilantro (optional)

Feel free to customize this list based on your child’s preferences. What makes Taco Cups so wonderful is their versatility; you can customize the fillings and toppings to match everyone’s preferences!

Preparation: Cooking the Filling


With all your ingredients in place, it’s time to start cooking! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven preheats, place a skillet on medium heat to get it ready. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.

After cooking the meat, drain off any extra fat, then mix in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water. Mix thoroughly to combine, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together wonderfully. Your taco filling is now ready!

Creating the Taco Cups: Easy Assembly
Now that your filling is ready, let’s move on to assembling the Taco Cups! Grab your mini taco shells or flour tortillas and gently press them into a muffin tin to form cup shapes. If you’re working with tortillas, you might need to cut them into smaller circles to ensure they fit snugly.

Next, fill each cup generously with the taco filling. Don’t be shy—load them up! After that, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each cup. The cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, adding that gooey, delicious finish we all love.

Baking Time: Perfecting the Cups
Put the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for around 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning! The smell wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting the taco cups. Once done, remove the tin from the oven and allow the cups to cool for a few minutes before carefully lifting them out.

Topping Time: Personalizing Your Taco Cups

Now comes the fun part—toppings! Create a toppings station featuring all the ingredients you’ve prepared. Let your kids choose their favorites and add a little personal touch to their Taco Cups. This interactive element not only makes the meal more enjoyable but also encourages your children to explore different flavors and textures.

Packing for Lunch: A Portable Option
Taco Cups are incredibly portable, making them a fantastic choice for lunchboxes! To pack your Taco Cups, just place a few in a container and add some extra toppings on the side, such as salsa or sour cream in a small, sealed container. They’re great warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for school lunches or picnics in the park.

The Nutritional Value of Taco Cups and Leftover Storage Tips

tacos cup for kids

Let’s pause to recognize the nutritional advantages of Taco Cups. They provide a good source of protein from the meat, along with essential vitamins and minerals from the toppings. By including veggies like lettuce and tomatoes, you’re adding fiber and nutrients to your child’s meal. Plus, you can easily make them healthier by using whole-grain tortillas or loading up on the veggies!


If you happen to have any Taco Cups left over (which is quite uncommon), storing them is a breeze. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick snack or lunch option. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked cups before baking. Just assemble them and freeze until ready to bake, making meal prep a breeze!

Taco Cups for Kids are not just a tasty and fun meal choice; they also provide a wonderful opportunity for your kids to get hands-on in the kitchen. They can explore food preparation, make their own meal selections, and savor a delicious dish that’s ideal for both lunchboxes and dinner. For an extra special touch, serve the Taco Cups with refreshing drinks or juices that your kids will love! So why not gather your ingredients and try this recipe today? Your little ones will thank you for it! And be sure to explore more thrilling recipes on our website at Easy Kidbox!

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