Easy Taco Cups are the perfect solution for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Picture this: crispy wonton wrappers filled with flavorful seasoned beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, all baked to perfection. These little bites are not just a meal; they’re an experience, making them great for parties, game nights, or just a fun family dinner. Let’s dive deeper into why you should whip these up in your kitchen!
Why you’ll love this dish
If you’re searching for a quick, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious recipe, look no further. Easy Taco Cups are incredibly versatile; you can customize them with whatever toppings you adore—from creamy guacamole to zesty sour cream. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create something that looks and tastes gourmet without breaking a sweat.
These taco cups are also a fantastic way to involve little chefs in the kitchen. Kids love seeing their food come to life, and they’ll enjoy assembling their own taco cups. Plus, they make for an excellent finger food option at gatherings, ensuring the party vibe stays alive!
"These Easy Taco Cups are always a hit at my get-togethers! They’re so easy to make, and everyone loves customizing their toppings!" – Sarah M.
The cooking process explained
Making Easy Taco Cups is a breeze! The first step is to gather your ingredients and preheat your oven, ensuring a perfectly cooked dish. Then, you’ll sauté the onions and beef with a blend of spices that delivers a punch of flavor. Follow that by assembling the wonton wrappers in a muffin tin, filling them with the seasoned meat, and baking until crispy. It’s that simple!
Here’s a brief step-by-step overview of how it all comes together:
- Prepare your muffin tin.
- Sauté your filling.
- Assemble the cups.
- Bake until golden and crispy.
- Garnish and serve!
Gather these items
Here’s what you need to make these delightful taco cups:
- 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)
- 1 lb. ground beef (I recommend 90/10 for the best flavor)
- 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, fresh tomatoes, etc.
Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and experiment with different cheeses based on your taste!
Step-by-step instructions
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
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Make the taco filling: In a large skillet, add a splash of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté until they are tender. Next, add the ground beef along with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Add the drained canned tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Assemble the cups: Place one wonton wrapper in the center of each muffin tin cup, pressing it down slightly. Add a small layer of cheese, and then top it with another wonton wrapper, pressing again so it adheres. Spoon one tablespoon of the beef mixture into each cup and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 13-17 minutes or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them; you may want to check around the 10-minute mark to avoid burning.
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Garnish & serve: Once baked, run a sharp knife around the edge of each cup to loosen it, then gently pop them out. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve them immediately.
Best ways to enjoy it
These taco cups are not just delicious; they can also be dressed up in numerous ways! For a stylish presentation, arrange them on a large platter and sprinkle fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes on top. Pair your taco cups with a fresh side salad, some corn salsa, or guacamole for a complete meal. They also go great with a chilled beverage, whether it’s a margarita or sparkling water with lime.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you happen to have any Easy Taco Cups left (though I bet you won’t!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing the assembled cups before baking. Just place them in freezer-safe containers, and they can be stored for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, extending the baking time as needed.
Helpful cooking tips
- Crispy Wrappers: For the best texture, make sure your wonton wrappers fit snugly in the muffin cups and are pressed down.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings based on your family’s preferences. Try pico de gallo, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce for extra crunch.
- Check Doneness Early: Every oven is different; keep an eye on baking times and adjust as necessary to achieve your desired crispiness.
Creative twists
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils seasoned with the same spices.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or switch up the cheese for pepper jack.
- Sweet Touch: Mix in some corn and diced bell peppers with the meat for a touch of sweetness and color.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take to prepare these Easy Taco Cups?
A: From start to finish, you can expect this recipe to take about 30-40 minutes.
Q: Can I make these taco cups ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the cups ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Q: What other toppings would you recommend?
A: Some great options include diced green onions, sliced olives, or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who love some heat!
With Easy Taco Cups in your repertoire, you’re set to please anyone’s taste buds at a moment’s notice. Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t forget to share your own spins on this easy recipe!
Easy Taco Cups
Ingredients
For the taco cups
- 24 pieces wonton wrappers 2 per cup
- 1 lb ground beef Recommended 90/10 for best flavor
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, drained
- 1.25 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 pieces white onion Diced
For seasoning
- 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
- sour cream As desired
- guacamole As desired
- chopped cilantro As desired
- fresh tomatoes As desired
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, add a splash of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté until tender.
- Add the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the drained canned tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Assembly
- Place one wonton wrapper in the center of each muffin tin cup, pressing it down slightly.
- Add a small layer of cheese, then top with another wonton wrapper, pressing down again.
- Spoon one tablespoon of the beef mixture into each cup and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Baking
- Bake for 13-17 minutes or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Keep an eye on them; check around the 10-minute mark to avoid burning.
Serving
- Run a knife around the edge of each cup to loosen, then gently pop them out.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
