Crispy Cheese Taco Cups

These are Keto Cheese Taco Cups! By baking small mounds of shredded cheese until crispy and draping them over an upside-down muffin tin, you get a crunchy, low-carb edible bowl perfect for holding taco fillings.

Here is the full recipe to make them at home.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Yields: 6 taco cups

Ingredients

For the Cheese Cups

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend (freshly grated melts best)

For the Taco Filling & Toppings

• 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 2 tbsp water
• Toppings: Shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, salsa, and fresh cilantro.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheese Cups

1. Prep the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Turn a 6-cup muffin tin upside down on your counter and grease the outside bottoms of the cups slightly with cooking spray.
2. Bake the Cheese: Divide the shredded cheese into 6 equal mounds on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Gently pat each mound down into a flat circle (about 4 to 5 inches wide).
3. Watch it Closely: Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. The cheese will bubble completely and the edges will start to turn a dark golden brown.
4. Shape the Cups: Remove from the oven and let the cheese cool for about 30 to 45 seconds just until it stops bubbling but is still warm and flexible. Use a spatula to carefully lift a cheese circle and drape it over one of the upside-down muffin cups. Gently press down the sides to form a bowl shape. Repeat quickly with the remaining circles.
5. Cool and Harden: Let the cheese sit on the muffin tin for 5 to 10 minutes. As it cools completely, it will harden into a sturdy, crunchy cup.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Brown the Meat: While the cups are cooling, brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
2. Season: Add the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid reduces and the meat is well coated.

Step 3: Assemble

1. Carefully lift the hardened cheese cups off the muffin tin and place them on a serving platter.
2. Fill each cup with a few spoonfuls of the seasoned taco meat.
3. Top with shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, a slice of jalapeño, and a sprinkle of cilantro just like in the photo. Serve immediately!