• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Dinner in 321
  • Shop
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Popular
  • Course
  • Ingredients
  • Holidays
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About Me
    • Recipe Index
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Course » Dinner

    4 Ingredient Taco Cups

    Published Apr 12, 2023 | Updated Apr 18, 2023 | By Laura

    Pin
    Share
    Share
    Jump to Recipe

    With only a few simple ingredients, everyone in the family will be raving about these easy, make-ahead, hand-held 4 Ingredient Taco Cups! 

    A biscuit crust cup filled with cheesy taco meat and topped with pico de gallo.

    These fun and super yummy easy taco cups are the perfect weeknight dinner or hand-held entertaining treat! I mean, who doesn't like the flavors of tacos? If they don't, they might just change their mind after one bite of these!

    I was a Pampered Chef consultant many moons ago and often made these with leftover taco meat from the Taco Ring I would showcase at parties. I love them because they reheat well, can be made ahead of time and they're flat-out delicious!

    The fun doesn't stop with the flavors! Elevate these taco cups with your favorite toppings like Fresh Pico de Gallo or Perfect Guacamole! They're a guaranteed family and crowd appetizer or dinner winner!

    Table of Contents

    • What You’ll Need
    • Tools You’ll Need
    • Why You’ll Like This Recipe
    • How to Make This Recipe
    • Tips and Substitutions
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Recipes Like This 
    • 4 Ingredient Taco Cups
      • Ingredients 1x2x3x4x5x
      • Instructions
      • Video
      • Nutrition

    What You’ll Need

    Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

    • Ground Beef
    • Taco Seasoning
    • Shredded Cheese
    • Refrigerated Jumbo Biscuit Dough
    All four ingredients displayed on a table

    Tools You’ll Need

    • Muffin Tin
    • Medium Skillet
    • Meat Chopper
    • Tamper Tool

    Why You’ll Like This Recipe

    • Doesn't get much easier than 4 INGREDIENTS!
    • Everyone loves a dish with the flavors of tacos!
    • You can make the filling or the whole dish ahead of time!
    • These cheesy taco cups are fun to customize with different toppings!

    How to Make This Recipe

    1. First, make the taco cup filling while the oven preheats to 375°F. Crumble and cook ground beef in a large skillet on medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain or blot off any excess grease.
    Ground beef being crumbled and cooked in a skillet
    1. Stir in taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water. Simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and fold in cheese until it's melted and a cohesive mix.
    Ground beef and shredded cheese being mixed into a skillet
    1. Butter or spray with nonstick spray a 12-cup muffin pan. Split 6 of the biscuits horizontally by gently peeling them apart at the middle layer. Using a tamper tool, press one of the biscuit halves in each of the muffin tins so that it covers the bottom up at the sides. Alternatively, flatten the biscuit halves with your fingers on a flat surface so that they become 4 inches in diameter, and then press them into the muffin tins.
    Biscuit dough pressed into a muffin pan  as a crust base
    1. Fill each muffin tin with 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared taco filling. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the biscuits are golden brown.
    Using a scoop to fill biscuit dough crust with taco mix
    1. Gently run a knife around the edge of each biscuit to loosen, then transfer to a serving tray. Optional, serve with toppings.
    A tray of filled taco cups filled with chips and pico de Gallo on the side

    Tips and Substitutions

    • Ground chicken or ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
    • The toppings can transform the flavors of these easy Taco Cups! Here are some treat toppers and sides:
      • Perfect Guacamole
      • Fresh Pico de Gallo
      • Sour Cream
      • Hot Sauce
      • Taco Sauce
      • Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
      • Ronald's Epic Salsa
      • Shredded Lettuce
      • Queso
      • Sliced Olives
      • Tortilla Chips
    • Most shredded cheese will work for this recipe. Besides Pepper Jack and Colby Jack, cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend works great too!

    Storage

    • Allow the taco cups to cool completely after baking. Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate up to 3-4 days.
    • Alternatively, you can freeze the biscuit cups for longer storage. To freeze them, follow the same steps as above and then place the container or bag in the freezer. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To use them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the oven or microwave.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can these 4 Ingredient Taco Cups be assembled and ready to bake ahead of time?

    Yes! You can fully prepare them up to 12 hours in advance. Simply cover the pan with cling or press wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

    Can I substitute some of the meat with beans?

    Of course! You can substitute equal portions of the meat with drained and rinsed pinto beans or black beans.

    Can I add other ingredients to the meat mixture?

    Absolutely! You can add beans as noted above. You can also substitute or add olives, drained rotel tomatoes, drained chopped green chiles, or jalapeños.

    Can other doughs be used instead of biscuit dough?

    Yes! You can use an 8oz can of crescent roll dough rolled out and cut into squares instead of biscuit dough. You can also use 24 wonton wrappers. For these, place one wrapper in each prepared tin, add 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in each, add another wonton wrapper, then the remaining filling.

    More Recipes Like This 

    • Taco Ring
    • Candy Cane Taco
    • Taco Lasagna
    • Protein Packed Taco Pasta
    A biscuit crust cup filled with cheesy taco meat and topped with pico de gallo.
    Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.95 from 18 votes

    4 Ingredient Taco Cups

    With only 4 simple ingredients, everyone in the family will be raving about these easy, make-ahead, hand held Taco Cups!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: beef
    Servings: 12 Servings
    Calories: 289kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 ¼-1 ½ lb ground beef
    • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
    • 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack or pepper Jack cheese
    • 1 16-16.3oz can jumbo southern homestyle buttermilk biscuits

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375°F.
    • Crumble and cook ground beef in a large skillet on medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain or blot of any excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons water. Simmer 2 minutes.
    • Turn of the heat and fold in cheese until it's melted and a cohesive mix.
    • Butter or spray with nonstick spray a 12-cup muffin pan. Split 6 of the biscuits horizontally by gently peeling them apart at the middle layer. Using a tamper tool, press one of the biscuit halves in each of the muffin tins so that it covers the bottom at up the sides. Alternatively, flatten the biscuit halves with your fingers on a flat surface so that they become 4 inches in diameter, and then press into the muffin tins.
    • Fill each muffin tin with 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared taco filling.
    • Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and edges of biscuits are golden brown.
    • Gently run a knife around the edge of each biscuit to loosen, then transfer to a serving tray. Optional, serve with toppings.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1taco cup | Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 432mg | Potassium: 212mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!
    Pin
    Share
    Share

    More Dinner

    • A Cornish game hen with soup and a biscuit
      Copycat Dolly Parton Recipe Roundup
    • A cheesy chicken pasta bake dish that has been cooked.
      Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
    • A gourmet turkey sandwich.
      Gobbler Sandwich (Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich)
    • A plate of cajun alfredo pasta.
      Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Filed Under: Appetizer, beef, chicken, Dinner

    Laura

    About Laura

    Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Bernadette

      April 15, 2023 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      Just made these...they are delicious and will make again. I suggest rolling them out as opposed to pressing them in the cups.

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        April 16, 2023 at 2:01 pm

        I’m so happy you made them and liked them so much! Thank you!

    2. Stephen Gambill

      April 18, 2023 at 5:24 am

      5 stars
      Thanks you for this nice and easy recipe.
      I will try it on Taco Tuesday with some delicious refried beans (of course.)

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        April 18, 2023 at 5:26 pm

        You're very welcome!! I'm so happy you like it and are going to make it too! Hope your next Taco Tuesday is a hit!

    3. Michelle Brandt

      April 22, 2023 at 1:28 am

      5 stars
      Served at a funeral showing for the family after a LONG day. Variety of add ins. Everyone was happy

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        April 27, 2023 at 12:32 pm

        I’m so happy to hear everyone liked them! Thank you!

    4. Georgie Bridgers

      April 22, 2023 at 1:31 am

      Such an easy recipe. I made it then served with toppings like sour cream, salsa and extra cheese. So good! Thank you Laura!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        April 27, 2023 at 1:56 pm

        That is WONDERFUL!! Thank you SO MUCH!! I’m so happy you made them and they were a hit!!😁

    5. LuAnne

      April 22, 2023 at 1:31 am

      5 stars
      Great for lunch

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        April 27, 2023 at 1:56 pm

        Thank you so much!!😁

    6. Darla

      April 22, 2023 at 3:59 pm

      This was absolutely delicious! My picky granddaughter LOVED them. Taco meat, cheese and biscuits, what is they not to like. Oh and they are ready to prepare!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        April 27, 2023 at 1:37 pm

        I love it! Thank you, Darla! I’m so happy you and your granddaughter loved them too!

    7. Kaitlin Gunn

      April 23, 2023 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect easy dinner for bust weeknights and everyone can customize them with their favorite toppings!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        April 27, 2023 at 1:30 pm

        Thank you SO much!!😁

    8. Michelle Richardson

      April 24, 2023 at 5:08 am

      Made these tonight for my family. Lots of toppings for each person to choose from. Thanks for this easy, delicious and fun recipe!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        April 27, 2023 at 1:16 pm

        That is wonderful! I’m so happy everyone liked them!!😁

    9. Mollie Coleman

      May 05, 2023 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy, and easy to serve!!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        May 10, 2023 at 2:56 pm

        🥰Thank you so much!!

    10. Sabrina Riddle

      May 05, 2023 at 3:28 pm

      5 stars
      These are sooooo good!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        May 10, 2023 at 2:56 pm

        🥰Thank you so much!!

    11. Jane

      May 05, 2023 at 3:31 pm

      5 stars
      What’s not to love about these??? Will be making these very soon!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        May 10, 2023 at 2:55 pm

        Aww!! 🥰Thank you so much!!

    12. Susan J Worley

      May 05, 2023 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing!! This is going to be dinner tonight, thank you so much for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        May 10, 2023 at 2:53 pm

        You’re very welcome, and thank you so much too! I hope you loved it!😁

    13. Robin

      May 05, 2023 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      So simple and so delicious! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        May 10, 2023 at 2:53 pm

        You’re very welcome and thank you so much too🥰

    14. Moira Johnson

      May 05, 2023 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      I have made these before and I do believe I got the recipe from a Pampered Chef party also. This recipe is easy and quick for a busy weekday meal!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        May 10, 2023 at 2:48 pm

        Totally! A great quick and yummy option!😁

    15. Julie

      May 06, 2023 at 1:58 am

      5 stars
      Simple and delish! Great for a busy weeknight! Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        May 10, 2023 at 2:15 am

        You’re very welcome! I’m so happy you liked it so much too! Thank you!😁

    16. Jackie

      May 06, 2023 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      I made these last night and they were a hit with my family. We served with it with salsa and your guacamole recipe and a side salad. So easy and yummy!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        May 10, 2023 at 1:04 pm

        I’m so happy they were a part of your dinner celebration! Thank you so much!!

    17. Dena

      May 20, 2023 at 9:17 pm

      So we don’t use the whole package of taco seasoning? Just 2 tablespoons? And all I have is mild shredded cheese will that be good for this? Thanks I want to make these tonight!

      Reply
      • Laura Ashley

        May 28, 2023 at 2:46 am

        I apologize for just now seeing this. I hope you loved them! Yes, there are 2 tbsp in the packet and that cheese is great!

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to my kitchen! I'm Laura Ashley, and I'm excited you're here! As a registered dietitian and diabetes educator, I love cooking all kinds of food and trying new restaurants. Food is my love language! Here at Dinner in 3, 2, 1, I serve up delicious and nutritious recipes you and your family will love.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Drizzling honey on a brie phyllo bite.
      Sweet and Savory Holiday Bites
    • Scooping cranberry salsa with a cinnamon tortilla chip.
      Jalapeno Cranberry Salsa
    • A pan of loaded funeral potatoes.
      French Onion Hashbrown Casserole
    • A turkey cheeseball grazing board with vegetables and crackers.
      Turkey Cheeseball Board
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact/Collaborate

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Recipes

    • Courses
    • Meats
    • Popular
    • Holidays

    As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 dinnerin321.com. All rights reserved.