Cheesy Taco Rice Cups (for kids)
These Cheesy Taco Rice Cups are made in a muffin tin using soft rice, taco-seasoned beef, melty cheese, and hidden finely diced peppers or carrots baked into easy little lunchbox cups which make for the perfect meal prep for your kids or self.
If your kids loved these taco cups, try my Hidden Veggie Pizza Muffins For Kids or Chicken Broccoli Roll-Ups next!
They’re:
- freezer-friendly
- protein-packed
- school lunch approved
- toddler-friendly
- meal prep friendly
- easy to customize
And best of all? They’re incredibly EASY.
I recommending using Silicone Baking Cups to make these as it creates an easy cleanup and efficient meal-prep for the week.
LINK > SET OF 6 SILCONE BAKING CUPS – FOR EASY MEAL PREP FOR KIDS LUNCHES
Why Kids Love Them
- Taste like tacos
- Cheesy texture
- Easy handheld shape
- Great dipped in sour cream or salsa
- Fun lunchbox meal
- Mild flavors
Hidden Veggie Element
You can finely dice:
- carrots
- bell peppers
- zucchini
- cauliflower rice
and mix them directly into the taco filling without most kids noticing.
How To Make Cheesy Taco Rice Cups (for kids)
Step 1: Cook The Beef
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned.
- Drain grease.
- Add taco seasoning and finely diced vegetables.
- Cook 3–4 more minutes.
Step 2: Prepare The Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
- cooked rice
- taco beef mixture
- cheese
- salsa
- eggs
- sour cream
- crushed tortilla chips
Mix well.
Step 3: Fill Muffin Tin
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a muffin tin.
- Spoon mixture evenly into muffin cups.
- Top with extra cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool slightly before removing.
Lunchbox Pairings
Serve with:
- grapes
- strawberries
- cucumber slices
- tortilla chips
- ranch dip
- avocado
Why Parents Love These
- Easy meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- High protein
- Easy to reheat
- Great for school lunches
- Uses simple ingredients
Freezer Instructions
Freeze cooled taco cups in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat in microwave or air fryer.
Looking for more cheap freezer-friendly lunch ideas?
Visit my > Budget Lunchbox Reset Hub.
Cheesy Taco Rice Cups (for kids)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots or peppers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- Cooking spray
- Optional toppings:
- green onions
- extra cheese
- sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Beef
Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned.
Drain grease.
Add taco seasoning and finely diced vegetables.
Cook 3–4 more minutes.
Step 2: Prepare The Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
- cooked rice
- taco beef mixture
- cheese
- salsa
- eggs
- sour cream
- crushed tortilla chips
Mix well.
Step 3: Fill Muffin Tin
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Grease a muffin tin.
Spoon mixture evenly into muffin cups.
Top with extra cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and set.
Cool slightly before removing.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 366Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 368mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 20g
These calculations are based off Nutritionix