1. Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Make the cheese rounds
Mix the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese with the chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Place small handfuls of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving plenty of space between each one.
Flatten each mound into a thin circle, approximately 4–5 inches wide.
3. Bake the cheese
Bake for about 6–9 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the edges are golden brown and crispy.
Keep a close eye on them because cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly.
4. Shape the taco cups
Remove the cheese rounds from the oven and let them cool for about 30–60 seconds.
While they’re still flexible, carefully lift each round and drape it over an upside-down small bowl, ramekin, or muffin tin cup.
Gently press the sides down to create a cup shape.
Allow them to cool completely until firm and crispy.
5. Cook the beef
While the cheese cups are cooling, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
6. Add the seasonings
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the beef is well seasoned.
7. Fill the taco cups
Carefully transfer the crispy cheese cups to a serving platter.
Spoon the warm seasoned beef into each cup.
8. Add the toppings
Top each cup with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, a small spoonful of sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.
Finish with fresh cilantro and a little salsa.
9. Serve immediately
These are best served right away while the cheese shells are still crisp.
Tip: Don’t overfill the cheese cups with wet toppings until you’re ready to eat them. Salsa, tomatoes, and sour cream can soften the crispy shells if they sit too long.
Crunchy, cheesy, juicy, and completely tortilla-free—these taco cups are a delicious way to enjoy taco night without traditional shells. 🌮🧀❤️
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