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Easy Vegetarian Taco Cups: Your Go-To Recipe for Delicious Game Day Snacking (Spicy & Mild Options!)
As the leaves change and the crisp autumn air settles in, it can only mean one thing for many households: football season is in full swing! While I might not be the biggest gridiron enthusiast myself, my husband certainly is. And with football season comes the tradition of gathering around, cheering on your favorite teams, and, of course, indulging in fantastic game day food. This year, I decided to shake things up in the kitchen and whip up something truly special that caters to everyone, especially those looking for delicious meatless options. The result? These incredibly easy, utterly adorable, and bursting-with-flavor vegetarian taco cups!
Why These Vegetarian Taco Cups Will Be Your New Favorite Snack
Let’s be honest, game day foods are all about convenience, portability, and undeniable deliciousness. These vegetarian taco cups tick all those boxes and more! They are bite-sized wonders, perfect for mingling and cheering without missing a single play. What makes them even better is their sheer cuteness – seriously, they’re just so undeniably adorable, and did I mention how utterly delicious they are? They offer all the vibrant flavors of your favorite tacos, miniaturized into a perfect crispy shell, making them an instant hit for any gathering.
Beyond their charm, these taco cups are incredibly versatile and cater to various dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party with vegetarian friends or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, these cups are a fantastic choice. They’re quick to prepare, surprisingly filling, and offer a healthier alternative to some traditional game day fare, proving that vegetarian food can be just as exciting and satisfying.
The Secret Ingredient: Pace® Salsa for Unbeatable Flavor
Every great taco needs a great salsa, and for my family, that has always meant Pace®. I grew up with my mom always having a jar of Pace® salsa on hand, and it’s a tradition I’ve happily continued in my own home. There’s something about the fresh, bold flavors of Pace® that truly stands out. It’s not just a topping; it’s an essential part of the experience, infusing every bite with that authentic Tex-Mex taste we all love. Whether you prefer a fiery kick or a milder, more refreshing zing, Pace® has a salsa for every palate.
For these taco cups, I experimented with two different Pace® varieties to create both spicy and mild options. This ensures that all your guests, from the spice adventurers to those who prefer a gentler flavor, can enjoy these delightful snacks. The quality and depth of flavor in Pace® truly elevate these simple vegetarian taco cups from good to absolutely outstanding.
Crafting the Spicy Kick with Pace® Hot Picante
For those who crave a bit of heat, the spicy taco cups are an absolute dream. I used Pace® Hot Picante Sauce as the foundation for our spicier creations. Its robust flavor and satisfying kick perfectly complement the savory bean mixture. To take it up another notch without overwhelming the senses, I added a tamed jalapeño slice on top. This provides that perfect balance of heat and flavor, making each spicy taco cup a truly invigorating bite!
Enjoying the Freshness with Pace® Mild Picante
Knowing that not everyone loves intensely spicy food, I made sure to create a milder, yet equally flavorful, version. For these, I opted for Pace® Mild Picante Sauce. This delightful sauce provides a rich, tangy base that pairs wonderfully with fresh toppings. For my mild avocado, tomato, and cilantro taco bites, the Pace® Mild Picante Sauce truly shone, allowing the fresh ingredients to pop while still delivering that unmistakable Pace® flavor. It’s a fantastic option that ensures everyone can enjoy these homemade vegetarian taco cups.
The Perfect Bite: Crispy Shells and Flavorful Filling
What makes these taco cups truly irresistible is the combination of the perfectly seasoned bean mixture and the delightfully crispy tortilla shells. They are literally the perfect bite – a textural symphony of crunchy, creamy, and savory. The process of making the little taco cups crispy is surprisingly simple and makes all the difference, turning soft tortillas into sturdy, delectable vessels for our flavorful fillings.
Just looking at these pictures again is making my mouth water! My husband and I enjoyed these for dinner last night, and he absolutely loved them. They’re not just for game day; they make a fantastic quick meal or appetizer any time you’re craving some vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors. The ease of preparation, combined with their delicious taste, ensures they’ll be a regular on your menu.
Endless Customization: Make Them Your Own!
The beauty of these vegetarian taco cups lies in their incredible adaptability. The possibilities for customization are truly endless! While the bean mixture provides a fantastic base, you can easily swap out or add other veggies based on what you have in your fridge or what your family loves. Think roasted corn, bell peppers, finely diced zucchini, or even some sautéed mushrooms. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses too – a sprinkle of cotija or a dash of pepper jack could add another layer of flavor. Throw on some fresh sour cream, extra shredded Mexican cheese, and, of course, a generous spoon of your favorite Pace® salsa, and you’ve got a delicious game day snack that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to make.
These taco cups are made using regular soft taco shells, transformed into crispy cups in just a few minutes in the oven. This simple step elevates them from a regular taco to an easy-to-handle, perfectly crunchy appetizer. They are ready surprisingly quickly, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or when you need a speedy, satisfying snack.
Tips for Making the Best Vegetarian Taco Cups
- Prep Ahead: The bean mixture can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making assembly on game day even faster.
- Achieve Perfect Crispy Shells: Don’t overcrowd your muffin tin, and keep an eye on them while baking as oven temperatures can vary. You want them golden and crispy, not burnt.
- Customize Your Toppings: While our recipes suggest specific toppings, feel free to add black olives, green onions, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or even a dollop of guacamole.
- Serving Suggestion: Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of extra salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for guests to add more to their liking.
To make both the spicy and mild versions, you can prepare one batch of the flavorful bean mixture. Simply use half of it for the spicy toppings and the other half for the mild toppings. This streamlines the cooking process while offering variety. It should yield approximately 24 delightful taco bites, perfect for a crowd!
Get Ready for Game Day with Pace®!
So, next time you’re planning your game day menu, skip the complicated recipes and dive into these easy vegetarian taco cups. They’re a guaranteed touchdown for your taste buds! Head over to Walmart to pick up your next jar of Pace® – whether it’s the bold Hot Picante or the refreshing Mild Picante – and get ready to create a snack that everyone will rave about. These mini taco masterpieces are the perfect way to add flavor, fun, and a little bit of healthy indulgence to your football gatherings or any meal.
Below, you’ll find the detailed recipes for both the spicy and mild vegetarian taco cups. Follow the simple steps to create these crowd-pleasing appetizers in no time!
Easy Vegetarian Taco Cups (Spicy)
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Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8-10 soft taco shells
for topping
- tamed jarred jalapeno peppers
- sour cream
- shredded mexican cheese
- Pace® hot picante sauce
Instructions
-
Dice garlic and onion and add to a large skillet with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil
-
Sautee on medium high heat for 8-10 minutes, or until onions are translucent
-
Add the drained beans, salt, pepper, paprika, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder and stir well
-
Heat through and stir (1-2 minutes).
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-
While onion and garlic is cooking, prepare the taco cups
-
Microwave soft taco shells until soft and pliable
-
Use a 1 cup measurer to cut out circles from the tortillas (I got 3 circles per tortilla)
-
Spray a muffin tin with olive oil and place tortilla circles in the cups
-
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until cups are crispy
-
Spoon 1 tablespoon of bean mixture into each taco cup
-
Top with shredded mexican cheese, tamed jalapeno slices, sour cream, and Pace® picante hot sauce
Notes
Nutrition
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Easy Vegetarian Taco Cups (Mild)
Save RecipeSaved!
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8-10 soft taco shells
for topping
- diced avocado
- diced tomatoes
- Cilantro
- sour cream
- shredded mexican cheese
- Pace® mild picante sauce
Instructions
-
Dice garlic and onion and add to a large skillet with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil
-
Sautee on medium high heat for 8-10 minutes, or until onions are translucent
-
Add the drained beans, salt, pepper, paprika, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder and stir well
-
Heat through and stir (1-2 minutes).
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-
While onion and garlic is cooking, prepare the taco cups
-
Microwave soft taco shells until soft and pliable
-
Use a 1 cup measurer to cut out circles from the tortillas (I got 3 circles per tortilla)
-
Spray a muffin tin with olive oil and place tortilla circles in the cups
-
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until cups are crispy
-
Spoon 1 tablespoon of bean mixture into each taco cup
-
Top with shredded mexican cheese, diced avocado and tomato, sour cream, and Pace® picante mild sauce
Notes
Nutrition
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
