You’ll love making Easy Taco Cups for any casual gathering, weeknight dinner, or even a quick lunch. These delicious little bites pack all the flavor of traditional tacos but come in a fun, bite-sized form that everyone will enjoy. The blend of seasoned beef, zesty tomatoes, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in crispy wonton shells, makes for a dish that’s not only simple to whip up but also a crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe special
Why choose Easy Taco Cups? For starters, they’re incredibly versatile and can easily cater to various tastes and dietary needs. These delightful cups are perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even as an appetizer at parties. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike!
“These taco cups were the highlight of our game night! So easy to make, and everyone got to customize their own.” – A happy home cook
Preparing Easy Taco Cups
Let’s walk through the process of making these Easy Taco Cups. It involves a few straightforward steps that lead to quick and delicious results. You’ll start with preparing the taco filling, then assemble your wonton cups, and finally bake them to perfection. Ready to dive in? Here’s a simple overview:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Create the flavorful beef mixture.
- Assemble the wonton cups.
- Bake until crispy and golden.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Gather these items
To create these wonderful Easy Taco Cups, you will need the following ingredients:
- 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)
- 1 lb. ground beef (I recommend 90/10 for a good balance of flavor and leanness)
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can of petite diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ of a 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
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or fresh tomatoes to garnish
Feel free to mix up the proteins or create additional topping options based on your preferences!
Step-by-step instructions
Here’s how to prepare your Easy Taco Cups:
Preheat the oven. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, then spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
Make the taco filling. In a large skillet, add a splash of olive oil and heat it. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté until they’re tender, about 2-3 minutes. Now, add the ground beef along with all the seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper). Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the drained canned tomatoes and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the cups. Take one wonton wrapper and gently place it in the center of each muffin tin cup, pressing down slightly. Add a small layer of cheese on top, then place a second wonton wrapper over that, pressing it down to stick. Spoon about a tablespoon of your beef mixture into each cup, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
Bake. Transfer the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 13-17 minutes, until the wontons are crispy and the cheese has melted. Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark to avoid burning—they can brown quickly!
Garnish & serve! Once baking is done, run a knife around the edges to release the taco cups and pop them out. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy immediately.
Serving suggestions
The best part about Easy Taco Cups is how versatile they can be! Serve them with a side of fresh salsa, a crisp green salad, or some homemade guacamole to elevate the meal. For a fulfilling gathering, consider pairing them with other party favorites like nachos or buffalo wings.
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you’ll have many!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until they’re nice and warm. Avoid microwaving as it may make the wontons soggy.
Practical cooking tips
- Don’t skip the sautéing of the onions! It enhances their flavor and adds a depth of sweetness.
- Feel free to customize the spices to match your taste. Add more heat with cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- If you have leftover taco filling, it makes an excellent filling for burritos or quesadillas the next day!
Creative twists
Looking to add your own spin on these Easy Taco Cups? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian version: Swap out ground beef for a mix of black beans and corn.
- Spicy kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños with the beef or sprinkle crushed red pepper on top.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with Pepper Jack for a spicy twist or use a blend of Mexican cheeses for added flavor.
Common questions
What’s the prep time for Easy Taco Cups?
Preparation takes about 10-15 minutes, while baking will take an additional 13-17 minutes.
Can I make these taco cups in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and assemble the cups right before baking. Just keep the mixture refrigerated.
How do I ensure the wontons don’t get soggy?
To keep the wontons crisp, make sure to drain the canned tomatoes thoroughly and avoid overfilling the cups. Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!
Print
Easy Taco Cups
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious bite-sized taco cups filled with seasoned beef, zesty tomatoes, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in crispy wonton shells.
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can of petite diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ of a 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
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or fresh tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, add olive oil and sauté the diced onions until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and seasoning, cooking until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the drained tomatoes and cook until liquid evaporates, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place one wonton wrapper in each muffin tin cup, add a layer of cheese, then press a second wrapper on top. Spoon beef mixture into each cup, finishing with cheese.
- Bake for 13-17 minutes until wontons are crispy and cheese is melted. Watch closely around 10 minutes to avoid burning.
- Once baked, run a knife around edges and pop out the taco cups. Add toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 50mg