Easy Taco Cups with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Introduction
These easy taco cups combine savory ground beef and melty cheddar cheese baked inside crispy wonton wrappers. Perfect for appetizers or a fun twist on taco night, they’re ideal for parties or any time you want tacos in a handy finger food form.
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 (14.5 oz.) canned petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 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
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, tomatoes, etc.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Step 2: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and sauté until tender.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Place one wonton wrapper in the center of each muffin cup and press down gently to form a cup. Sprinkle a small layer of shredded cheddar on top, then add a second wonton wrapper pressed down to stick to the cheese.
- Step 6: Spoon about one tablespoon of the beef mixture into each cup, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Step 7: Bake for 13–17 minutes until the wontons are toasted and the cheese has melted. Check around 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and run a sharp knife around each cup to loosen. Carefully pop the taco cups out of the tin.
- Step 9: Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, bake the taco cups a little longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350-degree oven for about 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these taco cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the tacos cups and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use if I don’t have wonton wrappers?
Tortilla chips or small flour tortillas cut into squares can work as a substitute, but the texture will be different. Wonton wrappers provide the best crispiness and shape.
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Easy Taco Cups with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 taco cups 1x
Description
These Easy Taco Cups are a deliciously crispy and cheesy appetizer featuring savory ground beef and melted cheddar cheese nestled inside crispy baked wonton wrappers. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun twist on traditional tacos, they are easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd with their flavorful spice blend and customizable toppings.
Ingredients
Taco Cups
- 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 (14.5 oz.) canned petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 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
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the taco filling: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until tender and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the beef, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in the drained petite diced tomatoes and cook the mixture until most of the liquid has evaporated and the filling thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the cups: Place one wonton wrapper in the center of each muffin cup, pressing it gently so it lines the cup well. Add a small layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top, then place a second wonton wrapper over the cheese and gently press it down so it adheres.
- Fill with meat and cheese: Spoon about one tablespoon of the prepared ground beef mixture into each wonton-lined cup. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each filled cup.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 13-17 minutes, until the wontons are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Check around 10 minutes to ensure they don’t burn, as oven temperatures vary.
- Remove and serve: Using a sharp knife, carefully run it around the edges of each taco cup to loosen them from the tin. Pop the taco cups out and let them cool slightly; they will crisp up further as they cool.
- Garnish and enjoy: Top each taco cup with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or fresh tomatoes, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- After removing the taco cups from the muffin tin, they will become even crispier as they cool.
- You can customize the spice blend to your taste by adjusting the chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- These taco cups are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Game day
Keywords: appetizer recipes, cheese, ground beef, taco bites, taco cups, wonton wrappers
