These Easy Taco Tater Tot Cups are a fun twist on tacos! They feature crispy tater tots shaped into little cups and filled with all your favorite taco toppings like seasoned meat, cheese, and salsa.
What I love most is how quick they are to make! They’re perfect for parties or game day. Plus, everyone gets their own little cup—who doesn’t love that? 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: The star of the show! Frozen tater tots are perfect here for their crispy texture. If you want a healthier option, try using sweet potato tots instead—just adjust baking time for a softer texture.
Ground Beef: While ground beef works great, you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish. Even a meat alternative like lentils or black beans can be tasty for a vegetarian version!
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning is quick and convenient. However, you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a fresh taste. Adjust spices to your liking!
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Vegan cheese can work well, too, if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do You Make Tater Tot Cups That Hold Together?
The key to making sturdy tater tot cups is in packing the tots tightly. You want each cup to be well-formed, so follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven as instructed. Greasing the muffin tin helps with easy removal.
- Stand the tater tots on end in each muffin cup. You might need to press them together firmly, so they hold their shape.
- Bake until golden and crispy, allowing them to firm up and become cups that can hold your toppings without falling apart.
Let them cool for a minute or two before filling so they remain sturdy. Enjoy your tasty creations!
Easy Taco Tater Tot Cups Appetizer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Cups:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema (for topping)
- Salsa or pico de gallo, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy! You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and about 30 minutes baking and cooking the meat. Altogether, expect to take about 45 minutes to create these delicious taco tater tot cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking when you bake the tater tot cups.
2. Shape the Tater Tot Cups:
Grab your frozen tater tots! Arrange them upright in each muffin cup, packing them closely to create little “cups.” You’ll need about 8-10 tots for each cup—just be sure they’re tightly packed so they hold together after cooking.
3. Bake the Tater Tot Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the tater tots are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes will do!
5. Season the Meat:
Drain any excess fat from your skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens nicely. Remove from the heat when it’s ready.
6. Fill the Cups:
Spoon the delicious seasoned beef into each tater tot cup, filling them generously.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meat-filled cups, then pop them back into the oven for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly!
8. Add Toppings:
Carefully take the muffin tin out of the oven. Top each cup with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives (if using), green onions, and cilantro as desired. It’s all about those fresh flavors!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finish off with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema on top of each cup. Serve them up alongside salsa or pico de gallo for dipping. Enjoy your scrumptious taco tater tot cups—perfect for any gathering!
These Taco Tater Tot Cups are bound to be a hit! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Taco Tater Tot Cups
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian option. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the cups.
How Can I Make These Tater Tot Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the tater tot cups and cooked meat in advance. Assemble the cups up to a day before your event, and when ready to serve, fill them with the meat and cheese, then bake until heated through. This keeps them fresh and crispy!
What Can I Serve with Taco Tater Tot Cups?
These cups pair wonderfully with salsa, pico de gallo, or guacamole. You can also serve them with a side of fresh veggies or a simple salad to balance the meal!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed throughout. Microwaving is also an option, but the oven helps keep them crispy.
