Easy Taco Cups Recipe

Easy Taco Cups Recipe

Taco cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of tacos in a bite-sized format. They are perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner. By using wonton wrappers, you create a crispy shell that holds all your favorite taco ingredients. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, these taco cups are sure to delight everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make taco cups. First, they are easy to prepare. In less than an hour, you can have a delicious dish ready to serve. If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, these taco cups are great. They’re customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or even change up the filling.

Another reason to make taco cups is their versatility. You can enjoy them as a main dish or share them at gatherings. Plus, they are fun for kids and adults alike! Kids can help assemble them, making cooking a family activity. Whether you are a busy parent or someone who loves to cook, taco cups fit into any lifestyle.

How to Make Easy Taco Cups

Making taco cups is simple and requires just a few steps. Below, you will find the ingredients you need and a detailed guide on how to make this delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 24 wonton wrappers
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 (14.5 oz.) canned 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, diced tomatoes

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps ensure a crispy wonton shell.

2. Prepare the muffin tin: Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. This will prevent the taco cups from sticking and make them easier to remove later.

3. Sauté the onions: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.

4. Cook the beef: Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes. After that, add the drained tomatoes and stir. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to let the flavors blend.

5. Assemble the taco cups: Take one wonton wrapper and place it in each muffin tin cup. Press the wrapper down gently to form the shape of a cup. Add a spoonful of shredded cheddar cheese at the bottom of each cup. Then, layer with another wonton wrapper. Top this layer with a spoonful of the beef mixture followed by more cheese on top.

6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 13-17 minutes. You want the wontons to become golden brown and the cheese to fully melt.

7. Cool and serve: After baking, let the taco cups cool slightly. Run a knife around the edges of each cup to loosen them, then carefully pop them out. Serve them warm with your favorite optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes.

How to Serve Easy Taco Cups

When serving taco cups, the presentation can make a big difference. Place them on a colorful platter to make them look inviting. Serve them with a variety of toppings on the side. This way, each guest can customize their taco cup to their liking. Some might prefer just a dollop of sour cream, while others may enjoy heaps of guacamole or fresh diced tomatoes.

These taco cups can also be a great addition to a taco bar. Set up a station with various toppings, and let guests build their own creations. This interactive element adds fun to your gathering.

How to Store Easy Taco Cups

If you have leftover taco cups, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can enjoy them cold, or reheating them in the oven for about 10 minutes can restore their crispy texture.

If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing the assembled cups before baking. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, bake the frozen taco cups directly from the freezer. You might need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.

Tips to Make Easy Taco Cups

• Customize your meat: If you prefer not to use ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils.
• Make it spicy: For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Cheese options: While cheddar cheese is great, feel free to mix in other kinds of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavors.
• Add vegetables: You can sneak in more veggies by adding diced bell peppers or corn to the meat mixture.
• Experiment with toppings: Try different toppings like salsa, diced avocado, or even pickled onions for an unexpected twist.

Variation

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider making Mexican taco cups with different flavors. For a barbecue twist, replace the chili powder with BBQ seasoning and add shredded chicken instead of beef. You can also create a breakfast version by using scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage in place of the taco filling.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of shells instead of wonton wrappers?

Yes! If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use mini tortillas or phyllo dough. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they cook through.

2. How do I know when the taco cups are done baking?

The taco cups are done when the edges are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. You can check them visually and use a toothpick to test if the filling is hot.

3. Can I make taco cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the taco cups when you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them before baking for later use.

These Easy Taco Cups are fun to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy crafting this tasty dish and sharing it with those you love!

Easy Taco Cups

Taco cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of tacos in a bite-sized format, perfect for parties or family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 cups

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 24 pieces wonton wrappers
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 14.5 oz. canned petite diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1.25 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 pieces white onion, diced

Spices

• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Optional toppings

• to taste sour cream
• to taste guacamole
• to taste chopped cilantro
• to taste diced tomatoes

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add the ground beef, spices, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, about 3-4 minutes. Then cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
5. Assemble the taco cups by pressing wonton wrappers into the muffin tin, adding cheese, and layering with the beef mixture.
6. Bake for 13-17 minutes until wontons are golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Let cool slightly, loosen with a knife, and pop them out.

Notes

These taco cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. To freeze, store assembled cups before baking for up to three months. Bake from frozen with adjusted baking time.