Crispy Bacon Cheeseburger Cups Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To ensure the tortilla cups remain as crispy as possible, serve them immediately after assembly. If preparing these for a party, the beef can be cooked in advance and reheated just before assembling.

This keeps the prep time minimal when guests arrive, while ensuring the shells do not sit with the moist filling for too long.

Customize the toppings to suit individual preferences. While bacon and pickles are classic, adding finely diced raw onions, shredded lettuce, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of special burger sauce right before serving can elevate these bites to the next level.

Always add cold toppings like lettuce after melting the cheese.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño Burger Cups: Add diced pickled jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture, and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• BBQ Bacon Burger Cups: Drizzle barbecue sauce over the cooked ground beef before adding the cheese, and top with crispy fried onions.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze the assembled cups without pickles for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes until the shell is crispy and the beef is heated through.

Store any leftover cheeseburger cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that the tortilla shells will lose some of their crispness over time once refrigerated, but they can be revived easily using the proper reheating method.

The ground beef can be cooked, seasoned, and stored in the refrigerator up to two days ahead of time. The tortilla cups can also be baked a day in advance and stored in a sealed container at room temperature. Assemble and melt the cheese just before serving for the best texture.

Serving ideas

Present these warm cheeseburger cups on a large wooden serving board or a colorful platter, arranged in neat rows.

They make a fantastic finger food for casual gatherings, tailgating parties, or movie nights. Pair them with small bowls of classic dipping sauces like ketchup, yellow mustard, and barbecue sauce.

For a complete meal, serve these savory cups alongside a crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, or a fresh coleslaw.

Their compact size makes them highly versatile, functioning equally well as a fun after-school snack for kids or as part of a larger appetizer spread for game day.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Bacon Cheeseburger Cups

Prep 15 minCook 20 minRest 2 minTotal 37 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 12 small flour tortillas
• 1 lb seasoned ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crispy bacon crumbles
• 1/2 cup diced pickles

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the small flour tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 15 seconds until they are warm and pliable. This prevents them from tearing when shaped.
2. Press each warmed tortilla firmly into a cup of a standard 12-cup muffin tin, folding the edges slightly to form a neat cup shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they are golden and crisp.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef. Cook, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until fully cooked through and browned. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Divide the seasoned ground beef evenly among the baked tortilla cups in the muffin tin. Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each cup. Cover the tin tightly with aluminum foil for 2 minutes to trap the steam and melt the cheese.
5. Remove the aluminum foil from the muffin tin. Top each melted cheeseburger cup with crispy bacon crumbles and finely diced pickles. Lift the cups carefully from the tin and serve immediately while warm.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

290

Protein

16 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

17 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

1.5 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.