Cheesy Taco Cups Snack Bake

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 5, 2025

Featured in: Side Dishes

Transform your snack time with these fun and flavorful Cheesy Taco Cups Snack Bake. Combining the comforting flavors of seasoned ground beef with melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a golden biscuit crust, these bite-sized treats are as irresistible as they are easy to make.
Perfect for parties, casual lunches, or quick snacks, these taco cups bring a delicious twist to traditional tacos in a convenient, handheld form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish.
Gluten-free option with a satisfying, crispy biscuit base.
Customizable toppings to suit any taste or occasion.
Perfectly portioned snack or appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Ground Beef (450 grams): Lean ground beef cooked until browned for a juicy, protein-packed taco filling loaded with flavor.
Canned Biscuit Dough (1 package, approx. 8 biscuits, 340 grams): Soft biscuit dough split and baked to create a golden, flaky cup to hold the filling securely.
Taco Seasoning (28 grams, 1 standard packet): A blend of spices that infuses the beef with authentic Mexican-inspired smoky and spicy flavors.
Cheddar Cheese (100 grams, hand shredded): Sharp, creamy cheddar that melts beautifully, binding the beef filling and adding richness.
Sour Cream (to serve): Smooth and tangy topping that balances the bold taco spices and adds freshness.
Diced Tomatoes (to serve): Juicy, fresh tomatoes that add a burst of color and refreshing flavor contrast.
Shredded Lettuce (to serve): Crisp lettuce adds a cool, crunchy texture to complement the warm taco cups.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Heat your oven to 190°C and lightly grease a standard muffin tin with non-stick spray. This ensures the biscuit cups won’t stick and will bake evenly to a beautiful golden finish.
Form Biscuit Cups: Separate each biscuit and carefully slice them horizontally into thinner disks. Press each half firmly into the muffin tin wells, making sure the dough covers the bottom and sides completely for sturdy, well-formed cups.
Cook and Season Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water as per the packet instructions, simmering until the mixture thickens for rich, flavorful filling.
Melt Cheese into Beef Filling: Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar to the beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts thoroughly, creating a creamy texture that blends seamlessly with the seasoned meat.
Assemble Taco Cups: Spoon the cheesy beef filling evenly into each prepared biscuit cup. The biscuit base holds the filling perfectly, making each cup a delicious handheld delight.
Bake Until Golden: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is cooked through and golden brown on top. Avoid overbaking to keep the cups soft and tender inside with a crisp crust.
Cool and Serve with Fresh Toppings: Allow the taco cups to cool slightly before carefully lifting them from the tin. Top each cup with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for fresh, crunchy contrast. Serve warm to enjoy all the melted cheesiness and bold taco flavors.

You Must Know

Baking times may vary depending on your oven’s heat distribution, so watch the biscuit cups closely to prevent burning.
Feel free to swap biscuit dough with gluten-free or whole wheat versions to suit dietary preferences.
This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated gently without losing taste or texture.

Storage Tips

Store leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven before serving to maintain their crispness and melty cheese texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cheesy taco cups alongside a fresh salsa or guacamole dip for added zest. They also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn for a complete meal experience.

Professional Tips

Using hand-shredded cheddar cheese helps it melt faster and more evenly compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Pressing the biscuit dough well into the muffin tin prevents leaks and helps the cups hold their shape when filled.
Customize the filling by adding black beans, corn, or chopped jalapeños for extra texture and flavor layers.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?: Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well with taco seasoning for a lighter version.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?: Substitute cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a dairy-free sour cream for toppings.
Can these taco cups be frozen?: Yes, bake and cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Are these suitable for kids?: Absolutely! They’re fun, easy to eat, and customizable to milder flavors for children’s palates.
What can I use if I don’t have canned biscuit dough?: Drop biscuit dough or refrigerated pizza dough cut into circles can be used as alternatives to form the cups.
Can I add vegetables to the beef filling?: Yes, finely diced onions, bell peppers, or corn can be sautéed with the beef to add nutrition and flavor.
How spicy are these taco cups?: The heat level depends on the taco seasoning packet used; mild seasonings keep it family-friendly, while hot seasoning adds a spicy kick.