Why Make This Recipe
Easy Taco Cups are a fun and tasty twist on traditional tacos. These cups are perfect for parties, game days, or a simple family dinner. They are small, bite-sized, and packed with delicious flavors. Everyone loves tacos, but sometimes they can be messy when served as a regular dish. With Easy Taco Cups, you get all the yummy flavors without the hassle.
Making this recipe is simple. You can prepare them in less than an hour, and they come out golden brown and crispy. The combination of ground beef, spices, and cheese nestled inside crispy wonton wrappers makes for a delightful treat. Plus, they are very customizable. You can add your favorite toppings or modify the ingredients to suit your taste.
This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Each cup is perfectly shaped and can be presented beautifully on a platter. Your family and friends will be impressed, making it a fantastic dish to serve at gatherings. So, let’s dive into how to make these delightful Easy Taco Cups!
How to Make Easy Taco Cups
To create these yummy Easy Taco Cups, you will need to follow a few simple steps. They are straightforward, and with a little bit of preparation, you will have a flavorful dish ready in no time. Let’s break down the ingredients and the process.
Ingredients
To make Easy Taco Cups, you will need the following ingredients:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can of petite diced tomatoes
- 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, diced tomatoes
These ingredients will come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal in a cup.
Directions
Now, let’s look at how to make these Easy Taco Cups step by step.
Preheat Your Oven: First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your taco cups bake evenly and get crispy.
Prepare the Muffin Tin: Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. This will help the wonton wrappers not stick to the tin during baking.
Cook the Onion: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes tender. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The aim is to soften the onion and bring out its flavor.
Brown the Beef: Once the onion is tender, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook it until it is browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so that it cooks evenly.
Add Spices and Tomatoes: Next, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beef and onion mixture with the spices. After that, add the drained diced tomatoes. Continue cooking until most of the liquid from the tomatoes is absorbed. This will enhance the flavor of your meat mixture.
Assemble the Taco Cups: Now, it’s time to put the taco cups together. Place a wonton wrapper in each muffin tin cup. Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the wrapper. Then, place another wonton wrapper on top of the cheese. After that, fill each cup with the beef mixture, and top each one with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake the taco cups for 13-17 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the taco cups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges of each cup to help release them from the tin. Serve them warm and garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
How to Serve Easy Taco Cups
Easy Taco Cups make excellent appetizers for parties and gatherings. You can serve them straight from the muffin tin for a casual feel, or you can transfer them to a decorative platter for a fancier presentation.
Consider setting up a toppings bar so that guests can customize their cups however they like. Place sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes in small bowls nearby. This interactive element makes it more fun and allows everyone to pick their favorites.
Easy Taco Cups are also fantastic as a meal. Pair them with a simple side salad or some fresh fruit for a complete dinner. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a snack, these flavorful bites are sure to please everyone.
How to Store Easy Taco Cups
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the taco cups to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a great grab-and-go meal or snack.
When you want to reheat them, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again. You can also microwave them, but be aware that this method may make the wontons a bit softer.
Tips to Make Easy Taco Cups
- Customize the Meat: If you prefer turkey or chicken, feel free to use those instead of ground beef. The spices will still work well with any type of meat.
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version. You can still use the same spices for flavor.
- Add More Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, corn, or even spinach to the meat mixture. This adds extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use Different Cheeses: Cheddar cheese is great, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even queso fresco.
- Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble your cups right before baking to ensure freshness.
Variation
While the Easy Taco Cups recipe is delightful as is, you can make some variations to switch things up. For instance:
- Spicy Taco Cups: Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Breakfast Taco Cups: Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese for a breakfast version. Top with salsa for added flavor.
- Cheesy Taco Cups: Load up on different types of cheese—add cream cheese, or pepper jack for a cheesy feel.
These variations can help keep the meal exciting and adapt it to different occasions.
FAQs
1. Can I make Easy Taco Cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the taco cups just before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I freeze the taco cups?
Yes, they freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely before placing them in a single layer in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through.
3. Can I use a different type of wrapper?
While wonton wrappers are ideal for this recipe, you can also try egg roll wrappers or even pastry dough. Just adjust the baking time according to the dough being used.
By following this easy recipe, you can create scrumptious Easy Taco Cups that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Taco Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper) and then add the drained diced tomatoes. Cook until most liquid is absorbed.
- Assemble the taco cups by placing a wonton wrapper in each muffin tin cup. Layer with shredded cheddar cheese and top with another wonton wrapper. Fill each cup with the beef mixture and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13-17 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges of each cup to release them from the tin.
- Serve warm, garnished with optional toppings.