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Taco Cups Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

These Taco Cups are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, using crispy wonton wrappers baked in a muffin pan to create perfect handheld taco bites. Filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, they're topped with fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, and a splash of lime juice for vibrant flavor. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Taco Cups

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon homemade taco seasoning (or one envelope store bought)
  • 24 wonton wrappers
  • 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings

  • Pico de gallo
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat Oil: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering, indicating it's hot and ready for cooking.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1 tablespoon of homemade taco seasoning (or one envelope of store-bought seasoning) to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Assemble Taco Cups - First Layer: Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, gently pressing to form a cup shape. Spoon in a portion of the cooked beef followed by a spoonful of shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Assemble Taco Cups - Second Layer: Top each cup with a second wonton wrapper, then another spoonful of seasoned beef and shredded cheddar cheese, layering for extra flavor and texture.
  6. Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the taco cups from the oven and let them cool on wire racks until they are easy to handle. Add your favorite toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.

Notes

  • Homemade taco seasoning usually includes chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper—feel free to adjust to taste.
  • Wonton wrappers crisp up nicely in the oven, but make sure not to let them brown too much to avoid bitterness.
  • These taco cups can be customized with additional toppings such as avocado slices, jalapeños, or chopped cilantro.
  • Allowing the taco cups to cool slightly helps them firm up for easier handling without breaking.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or seasoned black beans.