Easy Taco Cups with Ground Beef and Cheddar in Wonton Shells Recipe
Introduction
These easy taco cups combine savory ground beef and melty cheddar cheese baked inside crispy wonton wrappers. Perfect as a fun appetizer or a creative twist on taco night, they’re quick to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can 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°F (200°C) and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Step 2: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until tender.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Place one wonton wrapper in each muffin cup, gently pressing it to form the shape of the cup.
- Step 6: Add a small layer of shredded cheddar cheese in each cup, then top with a second wonton wrapper, pressing it lightly so it sticks to the cheese.
- Step 7: Spoon about one tablespoon of the beef mixture into each cup, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Step 8: Bake for 13-17 minutes until the wontons are golden and crispy and the cheese has melted. Start checking at 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Step 9: Once baked, carefully run a sharp knife around each cup’s edge and pop the taco cups out of the tin.
- Step 10: Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy cups, let the taco cups cool slightly after baking—they’ll crisp up more as they cool.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like it spicy.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for varied flavor.
Storage
Store leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
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 taco cups and refrigerate them uncovered for a few hours before baking. This helps the wonton wrappers hold their shape and reduces prep time on serving day.
Can I use a different type of wrapper instead of wonton wrappers?
Wonton wrappers work best due to their thin, crispy texture when baked. You could try small tortillas cut into rounds, but the texture and crispness will differ.
PrintEasy Taco Cups with Ground Beef and Cheddar in Wonton Shells Recipe
These Easy Taco Cups combine savory ground beef and melty cheddar cheese stuffed inside crispy baked wonton wrappers, creating a delightful finger food perfect for appetizers, game day, or taco nights. They’re fun to make and serve, with customizable toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro to elevate every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 taco cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Taco Cups
- 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can 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
- Splash of olive oil for sautéing
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the taco filling. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes. Stir in the drained petite diced tomatoes and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated, around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the taco cups. Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, gently pressing down to form a cup shape. Add a small sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, then place a second wonton wrapper on top, pressing down to adhere to the cheese layer. Spoon about one tablespoon of the ground beef mixture into each cup, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake. Transfer the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 13-17 minutes, until the wontons are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. Start checking at 10 minutes to avoid burning. Remove when crispy to your liking.
- Cool and remove. Run a sharp knife around the edge of each cup to loosen, then carefully pop the taco cups out of the tin. They will crisp further as they cool.
- Garnish and serve. Top with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes and serve immediately for a delicious appetizer or finger-food taco experience.
Notes
- Once the taco cups are removed from the tin, they’ll crisp up more as they cool, making them even more enjoyable.
- Make sure the diced tomatoes are well-drained to prevent sogginess.
- You can customize the seasoning to your taste by adjusting the chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- These taco cups are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
Keywords: appetizer recipes, cheese, ground beef, taco bites, taco cups, wonton wrappers
