Name: Easy Beef Taco Biscuit Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil (optional); 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup water or beef broth; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, undrained; 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated flaky biscuit dough (8 count); 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; Non-stick cooking spray (for muffin tin); Optional Toppings:; - Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; - Salsa; - Guacamole or diced fresh avocado; - Shredded lettuce; - Diced fresh tomatoes or pico de gallo; - Fresh cilantro, chopped; - Sliced jalapeños; - A squeeze of fresh lime juice

Taco Biscuit Cups are an ingenious culinary creation that brilliantly merges two universally loved comfort foods into one delightful package. Imagine all the vibrant, zesty flavors of your favorite taco—seasoned ground meat, melty cheese, and your chosen toppings—elegantly tucked inside a warm, flaky, golden-brown biscuit. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience designed for ultimate convenience and pure satisfaction.

While not rooted in ancient traditions, these delightful cups represent the best of modern home cooking: taking familiar, beloved elements and transforming them into something fresh, fun, and incredibly easy to enjoy. I’ve found that people adore this dish for its incredible versatility and the sheer joy it brings to the table. The perfect blend of a savory, juicy filling with the comforting embrace of a tender biscuit makes these Taco Biscuit Cups an instant hit for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even as a unique appetizer. They’re quick to prepare, mess-free, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients:

For the Taco Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, only if needed for browning very lean beef)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (I usually opt for 85/15 or 90/10 for a good balance of flavor and less grease, but feel free to use what you prefer. If using a higher fat content, you’ll definitely want to drain off excess grease thoroughly after cooking to prevent soggy biscuit cups).
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced – this adds a wonderful aromatic base and a subtle sweetness to our savory filling. Taking your time to dice it small ensures it blends seamlessly into the meat mixture without chunky bites.
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is always best for a vibrant flavor. If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove!
- 1 packet (1 ounce) store-bought taco seasoning, or approximately 2 tablespoons of your homemade blend. If making homemade, I typically use a mix of 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – this is my secret weapon for adding a rich, deep umami flavor and a lovely color to the taco meat. It truly makes a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor!
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth – broth will enhance the flavor even more, making the filling extra savory, but water works perfectly fine to help the seasoning distribute and create a saucier, more cohesive filling.
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, undrained – these provide a mild, tangy kick without being overly spicy, making the Taco Biscuit Cups family-friendly. They also add a nice textural element to the filling.
For the Biscuit Cups:
- One (1) can (16.3 ounces) of refrigerated large flaky biscuit dough (8 count) – I find the larger size works best for creating a good, sturdy cup that can hold plenty of filling, but standard size will also work if you’re aiming for slightly smaller bites. Ensure they are the flaky kind, as they tend to press into the muffin tin more easily and create a lovely layered, tender texture.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack – whatever your cheese-loving heart desires!). I always recommend grating your own cheese from a block if you have the time; it melts much more smoothly and beautifully than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Non-stick cooking spray, butter, or oil for greasing the muffin tin.
Optional Toppings (Highly Recommended for the Full Taco Experience!):

These aren’t strictly part of the Taco Biscuit Cups themselves, but they elevate the eating experience to a whole new level, just like with traditional tacos! Offer a variety and let everyone customize their own.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)
- Salsa (mild, medium, or hot – choose your preferred heat level!)
- Guacamole or diced fresh avocado
- Shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine for that classic crunch)
- Diced fresh tomatoes or a vibrant pico de gallo
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (adds a burst of freshness and color)
- Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled, if you like extra heat!)
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice (brightens all the flavors)

Preparation: Getting Ready for Delicious Taco Biscuit Cups

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:

Let’s get everything ready before we dive into the fun! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly hot and ready when the time comes to bake our delicious Taco Biscuit Cups, leading to even cooking and a beautifully golden crust. While the oven preheats, generously spray a 12-cup standard muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Don’t skimp here; we want those biscuit cups to pop out easily without any sticking issues. You can also lightly grease it with butter or oil if you prefer. Setting this aside now means one less thing to worry about later.
Prep Your Aromatics:

Take your medium yellow onion and finely dice it. Aim for small, consistent pieces so they cook evenly and blend into the meat mixture without being too noticeable. Next, mince your garlic cloves. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, so take your time with this step. Having these ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.

Cooking the Flavorful Taco Meat Filling

Brown the Ground Beef:

This is where the magic begins to happen! Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. If your beef is very lean, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil now, but with 85/15 or 90/10, it’s usually not necessary. Add your lean ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Stir frequently until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the heat and quantity. As you stir, enjoy the savory aroma starting to fill your kitchen – it’s just the beginning!
Drain Excess Grease (If Necessary):

If you used a higher fat content ground beef, now is the crucial time to carefully drain off any excess grease. Too much grease will make your Taco Biscuit Cups soggy and less enjoyable. You can use a spoon to scoop it out, tilt the pan and absorb it with paper towels, or even transfer the meat to a colander for a quick drain. Return the skillet with the drained beef to the heat.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

Add your finely diced onion to the browned beef in the skillet. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The aroma at this stage is already starting to build, promising deliciousness! Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just one more minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter very quickly, which we definitely don’t want in our filling for the Taco Biscuit Cups.
Add Taco Seasoning, Tomato Paste, and Liquids:

Now, let’s bring on the intense taco flavor! Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning (or your homemade blend) over the meat and onion mixture. Add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir everything really well, ensuring the seasoning and paste coat every bit of the meat. This step is key for a well-rounded flavor. Pour in the 1/2 cup of water or beef broth and stir in the undrained diced green chiles. Stir everything together thoroughly until it’s well combined.
Simmer to Meld Flavors:

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is incredibly important as it allows all those incredible taco flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. You’ll notice the sauce clinging to the meat, creating a rich and flavorful filling that will be perfect for our Taco Biscuit Cups. Once it’s ready, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly while we prepare the biscuit cups. A slightly cooled filling is easier to handle and won’t cause the biscuit dough to become too warm prematurely.

Preparing and Assembling Your Taco Biscuit Cups

Prepare the Biscuit Cups:

Now for the ‘cup’ part of our Taco Biscuit Cups! Carefully open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough. On a clean, lightly floured surface or directly in your muffin tin, take each biscuit and gently press it into one of the prepared muffin cups. You’ll want to press it up the sides of the cup, forming a sturdy, bowl-like shape. Aim for an even thickness on the bottom and sides to ensure it bakes consistently and provides a good foundation for the filling. Sometimes, the biscuits might tear a little at the edges; don’t worry, just gently press them back together. If you’re using the larger flaky biscuits, they tend to stretch beautifully. If using standard biscuits, you might need to stretch them a bit more. The goal is to create a nice, deep well for our taco filling, ensuring it holds its shape during baking.

Tip for Perfectly Formed Biscuit Cups:

For an even more consistent cup, you can lightly flour your fingertips and gently work the dough. Ensure the dough comes up high enough on the sides of the muffin tin to create a substantial edge, which will become beautifully golden brown and provide a lovely contrast to the savory filling.
Fill the Biscuit Cups:

This is where our Taco Biscuit Cups really come to life! Spoon a generous amount of your cooled taco meat mixture into each biscuit cup. I usually aim for about 2-3 tablespoons per cup, making sure to distribute the meat evenly among all the cups. Don’t overfill them, or they might overflow during baking and create a sticky mess, but do fill them enough so you get a hearty bite with every delicious cup. You want a good balance of biscuit and filling.
Top with Cheese:

Next, sprinkle a good amount of your shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top of the taco meat in each cup. I love a good cheesy topping, so I tend to be quite generous here! The cheese will melt into a gooey, savory layer, sealing in all the delicious flavors and adding that irresistible texture that makes these Taco Biscuit Cups so appealing. If you’ve freshly shredded your cheese, you’ll be amazed at how beautifully it melts.

Baking and Serving Your Taco Biscuit Cups

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly:

Carefully transfer your filled muffin tin to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes! You’ll know these delightful Taco Biscuit Cups are ready when the biscuit edges are beautifully golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese topping is perfectly melted and bubbly, with possibly a few golden-brown spots on top. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely incredible – a sure sign of deliciousness to come! If you notice the biscuit edges browning too quickly before the center is cooked, you can loosely tent the muffin tin with aluminum foil for the last few minutes, but generally, 15-20 minutes should be perfect for that ideal golden crust and melted cheese.
Cool Slightly and Remove:

Once your Taco Biscuit Cups are perfectly baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. This cooling period is important as it allows the cheese and filling to set slightly, making them much easier to remove from the muffin cups without falling apart. Patience here will prevent any heartache! After 5 minutes, use a small, thin spatula or a butter knife to gently loosen the edges of each cup, then carefully lift them out and transfer them to a serving platter.
Serve with Your Favorite Toppings:

And now for the absolute best part – garnishing and enjoying! Offer a variety of your favorite taco toppings alongside your warm Taco Biscuit Cups. I love setting out a vibrant spread: a bowl of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, a zesty red salsa, a creamy guacamole or sliced avocado, some crisp shredded lettuce, and fresh diced tomatoes or pico de gallo. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that final touch of herbaceous freshness! These additions really complete the ‘taco’ experience and allow everyone to customize their cups to their liking, making each bite uniquely their own. These are fantastic for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer that disappears quickly, or even for lunch the next day as they reheat beautifully. They’re such a fun and easy way to enjoy all your favorite taco flavors in a convenient, handheld form. Enjoy every single flavorful bite of these delightful, easy-to-eat Taco Biscuit Cups!

Leftover Storage and Reheating Tips:

If you happen to have any leftover Taco Biscuit Cups (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), they store wonderfully. Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is re-melted and bubbly. They can also be microwaved for a quicker reheat, though the biscuit might not be as crispy. A toaster oven works great too for maintaining that lovely crispness! These make for a perfect grab-and-go lunch the next day, bringing smiles to anyone who finds them in their lunchbox.

Conclusion:

So there you have it, my culinary adventurers! We’ve journeyed through the simple yet incredibly satisfying world of these delightful bites, and I truly believe you’re about to discover your next favorite go-to recipe. These Taco Biscuit Cups are more than just a dish; they’re a revelation for anyone seeking convenience without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or fun. Why are they an absolute must-try? Firstly, their ease of preparation is unmatched. Forget complicated multi-step processes; this recipe is designed for real life, for those busy weeknights when you still crave something homemade and hearty, or for impromptu gatherings where you need a crowd-pleaser that comes together in a flash. The simplicity of taking everyday ingredients and transforming them into something so utterly delicious and appealing is, in my opinion, pure genius.

Moreover, the inherent versatility of these golden, savory cups is what makes them truly shine. Imagine biting into a perfectly baked, flaky biscuit cup, cradling a savory, seasoned filling that bursts with classic taco flavors. It’s comforting, it’s exciting, and it appeals to almost everyone. They’re perfect as a standalone snack, a light lunch, or even an exciting appetizer to kick off a bigger meal. Kids adore them for their fun, handheld nature, while adults appreciate the robust flavors and the ingenious combination of textures. They represent that sweet spot where culinary creativity meets practical execution, delivering maximum impact with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a regular request in your household, simplifying your meal planning while elevating your dining experience.

Now, let’s talk about taking your Taco Biscuit Cups to the next level with some fantastic serving suggestions and exciting variations. The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its adaptability. For serving, think of them as a blank canvas for your favorite taco toppings. Lay out a vibrant spread of sour cream, creamy guacamole, freshly chopped salsa or pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, crumbled cotija cheese, sliced black olives, or pickled jalapeños for those who love a little kick. You could even serve them alongside a fresh cilantro-lime rice or a simple black bean salad to create a more complete, vibrant meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the filling too! While ground beef is a classic choice, consider using seasoned ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a fantastic vegetarian twist, a hearty black bean and corn mixture, perhaps with some crumbled feta or cotija cheese mixed in, would be absolutely divine. You could also play with different biscuit doughs – a buttery, flaky homemade dough would be phenomenal, but even a whole wheat variety could add a lovely nutty note. Imagine a breakfast version with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a touch of breakfast sausage or chorizo! The possibilities are genuinely endless, allowing you to tailor this recipe to suit any preference or occasion.

So, my friends, I genuinely hope I’ve inspired you to roll up your sleeves and give these incredible Taco Biscuit Cups a try. They are truly a game-changer in the kitchen, offering a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and customizable deliciousness. Don’t just take my word for it; experience the magic yourself! I am absolutely buzzing with anticipation to hear about your culinary adventures. Once you’ve whipped up a batch, please, please share your creations! Tag me in your photos, tell me about your favorite toppings, or describe any fun variations you came up with. Your feedback, your stories, and your delicious results are what truly make this community vibrant and inspiring. Let’s make some amazing food together!