INTRODUCTION
Taco Cups are small, crispy bites filled with seasoned beef and cheese. They are fun to make and easy to eat. Kids and adults like them. You can serve them at a party, for a quick snack, or as part of a meal. The shells are made from wonton wrappers. The filling is simple ground beef mixed with taco seasoning and cheese. They bake fast and come out golden and crunchy.
This recipe uses a few common items. You need ground beef, a packet of taco seasoning, shredded cheddar, and wonton wrappers. You will fill a muffin tin with the wrappers and add the beef mix. The result is a small cup that holds toppings well. You can add sour cream, salsa, or lettuce on top. The steps are easy and clear. You can make many cups at once. They freeze and reheat well.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for many reasons.
- It is quick. The bake time is short.
- It uses simple ingredients you may already have.
- It is easy to make with kids. They can place wrappers and add toppings.
- The cups hold the beef and make eating neat. No mess on plates.
- They are great for parties and snacks. People can pick them up and eat with one hand.
- You can change the filling to use chicken, beans, or veggies.
The mix of crisp shell and melty cheese is tasty. The taco spice adds flavor that most people like. The cups are small, so you can try many toppings without much waste.
HOW TO MAKE Taco Cups
Start by heating the oven and cooking the beef. Mix the taco spice into the beef as it cooks. Add cheese to the warm beef so it melts. Press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup. Fill each wrapper with the beef and cheese mix. Bake until the wrappers are golden and crisp. Let cool a bit so the cups hold their shape. Add toppings like salsa, sour cream, or chopped lettuce. Serve warm.
These steps keep the process simple. You do not need special skills. The whole family can help. Keep the beef moist but not too wet. If the filling is too wet it will soften the wonton shells. Drain excess fat after browning the beef. Use a light hand when filling the shells so they stay crisp.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Muffin tin (regular size)
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cheese grater (if your cheese is not shredded)
- Measuring cup
- Cooking spray
- Plate or bowl for mixing
A muffin tin will shape the wonton wrappers into cups. A skillet is used to brown the beef. A spatula helps you stir and mix the filling. The cooking spray helps the wonton shells release from the tin.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 pound ground beef, 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, 1 package wonton wrappers, 1 packet taco seasoning, Cooking spray, Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and follow package instructions.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Place a wonton wrapper in each muffin cup, pressing it down to form a cup.
- Fill each wonton cup with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with optional toppings.
HOW TO SERVE Taco Cups
Serve the Taco Cups warm from the oven. Offer small bowls of toppings so guests can add what they like. Good toppings include sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced olives, chopped green onions, and guacamole. Place the cups on a tray for parties. Use a small spoon or tongs to move them.
You can also serve Taco Cups with a side salad or chips. They work well with rice or beans on the side. For a kid-friendly meal, add plain veggies or fruit. For a fuller meal, pair them with a large salad and some corn on the cob.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Taco Cups
To store cooked Taco Cups, let them cool to room temperature first. Put them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze, arrange cooled Taco Cups on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours until firm. Then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Seal well. They freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat from the fridge, place on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes. From frozen, bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until hot and crisp. Reheating in the oven keeps them crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want them to stay crunchy.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- For a party: put Taco Cups on a large platter with small bowls of toppings. Let guests build their own.
- For a family dinner: serve 3-4 cups per person with a side salad and rice.
- For a snack: offer one or two cups with a cold drink.
- For a taco night: make a mix of beef and shredded chicken cups. Label each tray so guests know the filling.
Use colorful toppings to make the dish look bright. Fresh cilantro or lime wedges add a fresh touch.
VARIATIONS
- Chicken Taco Cups: use cooked shredded chicken mixed with taco seasoning instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Cups: use black beans or refried beans with corn and taco spice. Add a bit of cheese or a vegan cheese.
- Spicy Cups: add chopped jalapeños or cayenne to the beef mix.
- Tex-Mex Cups: mix in some cooked rice or quinoa with the beef to stretch the filling.
- Breakfast Cups: use scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, and cheese instead of beef to make a morning version.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack. Swap wonton wrappers for small tortillas if you want a softer shell.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works well. Brown it like beef and add the taco seasoning.
Q: How many wonton wrappers are in a package?
A: It depends on the brand. Most packs have about 40-50 wrappers. Check the package label.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or small corn tortillas if you can find the right size.
Q: Do I need to cook the beef all the way before adding it to the won ton wrappers?
A: Yes. Cook and drain the beef first. Mix the seasoning and cheese after it cooks. The beef should be fully cooked before baking.
Q: Can I make the cups ahead and reheat them?
A: Yes. You can bake them ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat in the oven to keep them crisp.
Q: Will the wonton wrappers burn in the oven?
A: They can brown quickly. Watch closely. Bake until the edges are golden, not dark brown.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Taco Cups
- Cook the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before filling the wonton cups.
- You can assemble the cups in the muffin tin, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This saves time on the day of your event.
- For full make-ahead meals, bake the cups, cool, and freeze them. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Keep toppings in separate containers and add them fresh when ready to serve. This helps the cups stay crisp.
- If you want to save time at a party, bake the cups and keep them warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) until guests arrive.
Make sure to label any stored or frozen food with the date. Use within the safe time frame for best taste and safety.
Conclusion
Taco Cups are a fast and fun way to enjoy taco flavors in a neat package. They are easy to make, easy to eat, and easy to change with your favorite toppings. For a step-by-step photo guide and a similar crunchy version, see this recipe for Crunchy Taco Cups — A Fun and Easy Taco Recipe! For another clear recipe with tips for filling and baking, check out Taco Cups with Beef and Cheese – Dinner at the Zoo.
Taco Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and follow package instructions.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Place a wonton wrapper in each muffin cup, pressing it down to form a cup.
- Fill each wonton cup with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with optional toppings.