why make this recipe
Easy Taco Cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy taco night. They are perfect for parties, family dinners, or just a quick weeknight meal. The individual cups are not only tasty but also easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Plus, when baked in a muffin tin, they cook quickly and come out crispy and satisfying.
how to make Easy Taco Cups
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. Turn your oven on to 400 degrees and spray a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
Make the taco filling. Add a splash of olive oil to a large skillet. Once hot, add the onions and sauté until tender. Add the ground beef and seasonings. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the drained canned tomatoes and continue cooking until most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes).
Assemble the cups. Place one wonton wrapper in the center of each cup of your prepared tin, pressing it down slightly. Add a small layer of cheese and place another wonton wrapper on top, again pressing it down gently. Spoon one tablespoon of the ground beef mixture into each cup and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake. Place the tin in the oven and bake for 13-17 minutes until the wontons are toasted and the cheese has melted. (If you like yours crispy, let them bake for the full 17 minutes. Check around the 10-minute mark to ensure they aren’t burning.)
Once done, run a sharp knife around the edge of each cup and pop the taco cups out of the tin.
Garnish & serve! Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
how to serve Easy Taco Cups
Serve the Easy Taco Cups hot, right out of the oven. They make a great appetizer or main dish. You can set up a toppings bar with sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes so everyone can customize their cups as they like.
how to store Easy Taco Cups
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be kept for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, just reheat them in the oven to restore some crispiness.
tips to make Easy Taco Cups
- For quicker prep, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or leftover taco meat.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese based on your preference, such as pepper jack or Mexican blend.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils.
- Keep an eye on the cups as they bake, as oven times can vary.
variation
Try adding different ingredients to the taco filling. You can mix in bell peppers, corn, or even some diced jalapeños for extra spice. You can also experiment with different seasonings to make it your own.
FAQs
1. Can I make these taco cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the cups just before baking. This can save you time on busy nights.
2. What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?
If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use tortilla chips or mini flour tortillas, although the texture will be different.
3. Are these taco cups gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free wonton wrappers or modify the recipe with corn tortillas instead.