Zero Carb Taco Cups

Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon

Ingredients

For the Cheese Taco Cups

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Taco Filling

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Zero-Carb Toppings

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Fresh cilantro
• Hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cheese from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Create the Cheese Circles

1. Combine the cheddar and mozzarella cheese in a bowl.
2. Place six equal mounds of cheese onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread each mound into a circle approximately 4 inches in diameter.
3. Leave enough space between each circle because the cheese will spread slightly during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cheese Shells

1. Bake the cheese circles for 6 to 8 minutes.
2. The edges should become golden brown and slightly crispy while the centers remain flexible enough to shape.
3. Watch carefully during the final minute since cheese can burn quickly.

Step 4: Shape the Taco Cups

1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
2. Allow the cheese rounds to cool for about 30 seconds. They should still be warm and pliable.
3. Carefully lift each cheese round and press it into the cavities of an upside-down muffin tin or place them inside muffin cups to create taco cup shapes.
4. Allow them to cool completely for approximately 5 minutes until firm and crispy.

Step 5: Cook the Taco Meat

1. While the cheese shells cool, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess grease if desired.
4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stir thoroughly and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 6: Assemble the Taco Cups

1. Place the cooled cheese taco cups onto a serving platter.
2. Fill each cup with the seasoned taco meat.
3. Top with sour cream, additional cheese, bacon crumbles, cilantro, or hot sauce if desired.
4. Serve immediately while the shells remain crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 265 · Protein: 19g · Fat: 21g · Carbohydrates: 0.8g · Saturated Fat: 9g · Fiber: 0g · Sugar: 0g · Sodium: 420mg