These crispy cheddar cheese cups are the perfect solution when you are craving tacos, but don’t want all of the carbs that come with a typical taco. These were inspired by Frico, a classic Italian crispy cheese cracker typically made from baked parmesan. Sub out cheddar cheese and form them over inverted muffin tins and you have a perfect taco holder!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
12 T. shredded cheddar cheese
1 t. olive oil
12 oz. ground beef
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
2-3 T. water
salt and pepper to taste
1 scallion, sliced
1 tomato, seeded and chopped
¼ c. sour cream
1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat.
- Spoon shredded cheddar cheese onto the prepared baking sheet using 1 tablespoon per mound. Lightly spread out, leaving 2-3 inches between each mound. You will be able to bake 6 at a time on a standard baking sheet.
- Bake until the cheese rounds are melted in the center and the edges begin to brown. Set aside to cool for 1-2 minutes but do not let harden.
- Lift melted cheese rounds with a spatula and press on the back of an inverted muffin tin to form cups. The cheese will be very pliable while warm.
- Allow cheese to cool and firm up before removing from the muffin tins.
- Repeat with next 6 cheese rounds.
- In the meantime, add olive oil to a medium skillet. Heat over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is nicely browned, 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and 2 tablespoons of water; season to taste with salt and pepper. Continue cooking 1-2 minutes, just until the spices become fragrant, and the meat is nice and juicy. If necessary, add an additional tablespoon of water to obtain proper consistency.
- Fill taco cups with taco beef, chopped tomato, scallion, and a teaspoon of sour cream per cup. Squeeze in some lime juice over the top and enjoy!
Nutritional Information: *
Calories: 332
Fat: 298g
Protein: 14.3g
Carbs/Serving:
Total Carbs: 4.9g
Fiber: 1.2g
Net Carbs: 3.7g
*Source: HappyForks.com recipe analyzer.
Nutritional information provided for entertainment purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice.
