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
Scale
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
