Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Fun: Combining seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy wonton wrappers creates a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These handheld taco cups are ideal for parties, game days, or any occasion where finger foods are a hit.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite toppings or alternative fillings to suit different preferences.
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Taco Filling:
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté until tender.
- Incorporate the ground beef along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the drained petite diced tomatoes and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the Taco Cups:
- Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, pressing it down gently to form a base.
- Add a small amount of shredded cheese over each wrapper.
- Place a second wonton wrapper on top, pressing it down slightly so it adheres to the cheese layer.
- Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the ground beef mixture into each cup and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 13-17 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and the cheese has melted. For a crispier texture, aim for the longer baking time, but monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the taco cups from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 12 taco cups.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 17 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 32 minutes.
Variations
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend to add variety.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños to the filling or incorporating cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with seasoned black beans, pinto beans, or a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftover taco cups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, though the wrappers may become softer.
FAQs
How can I prevent the wonton wrappers from becoming soggy?
Ensure that the ground beef mixture is cooked until most of the liquid has evaporated before assembling the cups. This helps prevent excess moisture from soaking into the wrappers.
Can I make these taco cups ahead of time?
You can prepare the ground beef filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the taco cups just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
Are there gluten-free alternatives to wonton wrappers?
Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas cut into smaller circles to fit the muffin tin, or look for gluten-free wonton wrappers available in some specialty stores.
Can I freeze the assembled taco cups before baking?
It’s not recommended to freeze assembled taco cups, as the texture of the wonton wrappers may be affected. However, you can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture and assemble the cups fresh when ready to bake.
What other toppings go well with taco cups?
In addition to sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro, consider toppings like diced red onions, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives
easy taco cups
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 taco cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy wonton wrappers filled with savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and seasoned spices, these taco cups are the ultimate appetizer or a fun twist on taco night. Perfect for parties, game day, or quick weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Prepare Filling: Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until tender. Add ground beef and seasonings. Cook until browned (3-4 minutes), then stir in diced tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until liquid evaporates.
- Assemble Cups:
- Place a wonton wrapper in each muffin tin, add a layer of cheese, and top with another wrapper.
- Fill each cup with 1 tbsp beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 13-17 minutes until wrappers are golden and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Cool slightly, garnish with sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, or other toppings, and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure beef mixture is well-drained to avoid soggy wrappers.
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based options for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
