Description
These Taco Cups are a fun and bite-sized twist on classic tacos, made with crispy baked wonton wrappers filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and fresh toppings like lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. Perfect for parties or a casual dinner, they combine crunchy shells with a flavorful, savory filling and customizable garnishes.
Ingredients
Wonton Cups
- 24 Refrigerated wonton wrappers
- Non-stick cooking spray
Taco Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- Small drizzle of canola oil
Assembly and Garnishes
- Finely shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Finely shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
- Pico de gallo or store-bought salsa
- Sour cream
- Store-bought or homemade guacamole
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Wonton Cups: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Press each wonton wrapper into the bottom of a mini muffin pan, folding once in the middle of each long edge to create cups. Make sure the wrapper is flat against the base for stable cups. Cover unused wrappers with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
- Bake Wonton Cups: Lightly spray the wonton cups with non-stick cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the cups and let them cool. Keeping the cups in the muffin tin makes filling easier later.
- Cook Taco Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small drizzle of canola oil. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, then drain excess grease.
- Season Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens and most water evaporates, about 2 minutes. Let the meat cool for at least 10 minutes.
- Assemble Taco Cups: Place about 1 teaspoon of finely shredded cheese in each wonton cup, then top with 1 heaping teaspoon of the seasoned taco meat. Add shredded lettuce, a small dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo or salsa on top. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately or assemble cheese and meat in cups and serve toppings separately for guests to customize.
Notes
- Keep unused wonton wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease in the filling.
- Baking the wonton wrappers beforehand ensures they stay crispy when filled.
- These cups can be made ahead by baking the wonton shells and preparing meat; assemble just before serving.
- Customize toppings based on preferences including adding jalapeños or different cheeses.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
