Fun-Filled Taco Cups
Crispy baked tortilla cups filled with a colorful mix of black beans, corn, and avocado for a fun, handheld meal. This mexican-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs small corn tortillas, tablespoons olive oil, rinsed and drained black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup, rinsed and drained black beans
- 1/2 cup, thawed corn kernels
- 1/4 cup, diced avocado
- 1/4 cup, diced tomato
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the inside of each cavity of a standard 12-cup muffin tin with 2 tablespoons of olive oil using a pastry brush to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Press one corn tortilla into each muffin cup, pressing the edges down to form a cup shape. Brush the top of each tortilla with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and bake for 5 minutes until crisp and golden around the edges.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup thawed corn, 1/4 cup diced avocado, 1/4 cup diced tomato, 1/4 cup shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until evenly distributed and the avocado is well incorporated. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the mixture into each baked tortilla cup.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fun-Filled Taco Cups take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Fun-Filled Taco Cups?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep small corn tortillas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fun-Filled Taco Cups?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Fun-Filled Taco Cups for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Fun-Filled Taco Cups vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to quick meals dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
