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Easy Taco Cups Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 136 reviews

These Easy Taco Cups feature savory ground beef and melty cheddar cheese stuffed inside crispy baked wonton wrappers. Perfect as a fun appetizer or a new twist on taco night, they are ideal for game day parties or any casual gathering where finger foods are a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)

Filling

  • 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 lean to fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • 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

Cheese

  • 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Chopped tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. 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 and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the drained petite diced tomatoes and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated, roughly 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
  5. Assemble the Taco Cups: Place one wonton wrapper in the center of each muffin tin cup, pressing it gently to form a cup shape. Sprinkle a small layer of shredded cheddar cheese on the wrapper, then place a second wonton wrapper on top, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Fill and Top: Spoon about one tablespoon of the beef mixture into each wonton cup. Top each cup with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake: Bake the assembled taco cups in the preheated oven for 13 to 17 minutes, or until the wontons are golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted. Check around the 10-minute mark to prevent burning, as oven temperatures vary.
  8. Remove and Crisp: After baking, carefully run a sharp knife around the edges of each cup to loosen them from the muffin tin, then gently remove the taco cups. They will crisp up further as they cool.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish taco cups with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or tomatoes, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Once removed from the muffin tin, the taco cups will become even crispier as they cool.
  • You can customize the seasoning to your taste by adjusting the chili powder or adding other spices like cayenne for heat.
  • These taco cups are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven briefly to regain crispiness.
  • Alternative proteins such as ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used for variations.

Keywords: appetizer recipes, cheese, ground beef, taco bites, taco cups, wonton wrappers

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/easy-taco-cups-recipe/