Why Make This Recipe
These Easy Taco Cups are a total game changer. Who doesn’t love tacos? Making them into little cups not only adds a fun twist but also makes them super portable. Whether you’re hosting a game night, throwing a party, or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, these bite-sized delights fit the bill. Plus, they’re easy to customize! 🥳
How to Make Easy Taco Cups
Getting started is a breeze! You’ll be whipping these up in no time. A few steps and a handful of ingredients are all it takes to create these crispy, cheesy taco cups that are bound to please everyone.
Ingredients:
- 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)
- 1 lb. ground beef (I used 90/10)
- 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, tomatoes, etc. 🎉
Directions:
- Preheat the oven. Crank that oven up to 400° F and don’t forget to spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. All about that non-stick life!
- Make the taco filling. Splash some olive oil into a large skillet. When it’s hot, toss in those onions and sauté until they’re tender. Then add the ground beef and seasonings. Cook until the beef is browned (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the canned tomatoes and keep cooking until most of the liquid is absorbed, which should take another 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the cups. Grab your muffin tin and place one wonton wrapper in the center of each cup. Press it down a little so it fits. Sprinkle a small layer of cheese and add another wonton wrapper on top. Repeat the pressing down act! Now, spoon roughly one tablespoon of your ground beef mixture into each cup and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake. Slide that tin into your preheated oven and bake for 13-17 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when those wontons are golden and crispy, you’re golden! Pro tip: I let mine bake the whole 17 minutes because I’m a crispy fan, but every oven is different. Check around the 10-minute mark if you’re unsure.
- Garnish & serve! Run a knife around the edge of each cup to pop them out, and don’t skimp on the toppings! Load ‘em up with your favorites and dive in!
How to Serve Easy Taco Cups
These taco cups are perfect for casual gatherings. Serve them up on a platter with a side of dips like guacamole or sour cream. You can also set up a topping bar with diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños for guests to customize their cups—because who doesn’t love options? 🌮
How to Store Easy Taco Cups
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven to keep that delightful crunch. Trust me, no one wants soggy taco cups!
Tips to Make Easy Taco Cups
- Don’t rush the browning! Make sure your beef is nicely browned; it brings great flavor to the cups.
- Experiment with different proteins. You can use turkey, chicken, or even go vegetarian with beans.
- Want some heat? Add diced jalapeños to your beef mixture for an extra kick. 🌶️
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicier, zesty flavor. You can also play around with different toppings—maybe avocado, or switch up the protein for a taco bowl vibe. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
1. Can I use something other than wonton wrappers?
Absolutely! You could use tortilla chips or even mini tortillas for a different texture.
2. How do I keep these from getting soggy?
To keep your taco cups crispy, make sure the filling isn’t too watery. Drain canned items well and avoid overfilling!
3. Are there any good vegetarian options?
For sure! You can replace the beef with black beans or lentils, and load up on veggies for a hearty filling. 🌱
Now go on, grab those ingredients and get to cooking! Your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Easy Taco Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400° F and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they are tender.
- Add the ground beef and season with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes and continue cooking until most of the liquid is absorbed, about another 5-7 minutes.
- Place one wonton wrapper in the center of each muffin cup, pressing down gently.
- Add a small layer of cheese on top, followed by another wonton wrapper. Press down again.
- Spoon roughly one tablespoon of the ground beef mixture into each cup and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13-17 minutes or until the wontons are golden and crispy. Check around the 10-minute mark.
- Run a knife around the edge of each cup to pop them out and add your favorite toppings before serving.