292cd374
Cheesy Taco Cups are the ultimate handheld party food or weeknight dinner! Made in a muffin tin with crispy wonton wrappers or biscuit dough, these mini taco bites are filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings. Quick to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable!
🕒 Prep Time & Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 taco cups
- Skill Level: Easy
- Dish Type: Appetizer or Snack
🔧 Equipment Needed
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cooking spray
- Small bowl (optional, for draining fat)
🧂 Ingredients
For the Taco Cups:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ cup water
- 24 wonton wrappers (or 1 can biscuit dough, divided into halves)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Jalapeño slices
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
- Cilantro
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Wonton wrappers: Found in the refrigerated section near tofu; they bake up crispy and hold shape well.
- Meat options: You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian meat alternative.
- Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Assemble the Taco Cups
- Place one wonton wrapper in each muffin cup, pressing it to form a base.
- Add a small spoonful of beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
- Place a second wonton wrapper on top, rotated slightly, then layer more beef and cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the wonton edges are golden and crispy, and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes before removing from the pan.
Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve
Top with your favorites like sour cream, salsa, lettuce, or jalapeños and serve immediately.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per cup, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: ~170
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Sodium: ~300mg
(Values will vary based on toppings and wrappers used)
💡 Tips
- Double up: For a thicker, crunchier base, use two wonton wrappers per layer.
- Make ahead: Cook beef ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake when ready.
- Crispier base: Bake the first layer of wonton wrappers for 5 minutes before filling, for extra crunch.
🔄 Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Cups: Swap beef for shredded buffalo chicken and top with ranch.
- Breakfast Taco Cups: Use scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese.
- Vegetarian: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers instead of meat.
- Low Carb: Use thin-sliced zucchini or cheese crisps in place of wrappers.
