Easy Crunchy Taco Cups Recipe

Taco night just got a whole lot easier and more fun with these Easy Crunchy Taco Cups! A delicious twist on traditional tacos, these bite-sized cups are made using crispy wonton wrappers and filled with a flavorful ground beef mixture, seasoned with taco seasoning, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. The combination of crunchy, cheesy, and savory makes these taco cups a hit for parties, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings. They’re easy to make and completely customizable, so you can add your favorite taco toppings or switch up the fillings to suit your tastes.

What’s great about this recipe is that it eliminates the mess of traditional tacos. No more worrying about taco shells breaking or filling falling out. These taco cups stay intact, making them perfect for a crowd or for meal prep. The wonton wrappers crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, crunchy base that holds everything together. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or as part of a larger meal, these taco cups are sure to impress everyone at the table. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, they’ll soon become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy Crunchy Taco Cups are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The recipe uses simple ingredients like ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheddar cheese, making it perfect for a quick dinner or snack. The wonton wrappers add a unique twist, creating a crunchy texture that holds the seasoned beef and melted cheese perfectly. You can customize these taco cups with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or jalapeños, to elevate the flavor even more.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. These taco cups are also great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use, making them a convenient option for busy days.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef
  • Taco seasoning
  • Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles (drained)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Wonton wrappers

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or a combination of beans and vegetables to make a vegetarian version of these taco cups.
  • Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter protein, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a substitute for ground beef.
  • Add Spicy Kick: For extra heat, top the taco cups with sliced jalapeños or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • Taco Sauce: Drizzle taco sauce on top of each taco cup before baking to add even more flavor.
  • Additional Toppings: Add sour cream, guacamole, or shredded lettuce on top of the taco cups after baking for a fresh finishing touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent the wonton wrappers from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Add taco seasoning and the drained can of Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles to the beef, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well-mixed and heated through.

Step 3: Prepare the Wonton Wrappers

Place a wonton wrapper into each muffin tin cup, pressing gently into the bottom and sides to form a cup shape. You may need to use a spoon to help press the corners down.

Step 4: Fill the Wonton Cups

Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture into each wonton wrapper cup. Be sure not to overfill to allow space for the cheese.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Top each filled cup with a small handful of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Taco Cups

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the taco cups from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully remove them from the muffin tin and serve hot with your favorite taco toppings.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overfill the Cups: Be careful not to overstuff the wonton cups with the beef mixture, as they may become soggy or difficult to remove from the muffin tin.
  • Crispy Wonton Wrappers: Make sure the wonton wrappers are pressed tightly into the muffin tin to get that crispy, golden texture.
  • Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling by adding diced onions, bell peppers, or olives to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
  • Pre-Cook the Wonton Wrappers: If you want to ensure extra crispiness, you can pre-bake the wonton wrappers for a few minutes before adding the filling.

How to Serve

These Easy Crunchy Taco Cups are perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer. You can also serve them as part of a larger meal, alongside a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. For added flavor, top them with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze taco cups, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Reheating

Reheat taco cups in the oven for best results, as microwaving may cause the wonton wrappers to become soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes, store-bought taco seasoning works perfectly for this recipe. You can also make your own seasoning mix if preferred.

2. Can I use other types of cheese?

While cheddar is the most common cheese for tacos, you can use other types such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

3. Can I make these taco cups vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with black beans, seasoned tofu, or a mix of vegetables to make a vegetarian version.

4. Can I use regular taco shells instead of wonton wrappers?

While traditional taco shells can be used, wonton wrappers create a unique crispy texture that is part of what makes this recipe so special.

5. How do I ensure the wonton wrappers don’t burn?

Keep an eye on the taco cups as they bake. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil for the remaining cooking time.

6. Can I make these taco cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the taco cups ahead of time. Just bake them right before serving.

7. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

8. How can I make the taco cups spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper on top of the cheese for added heat.

9. Can I freeze these taco cups?

Yes, these taco cups freeze well. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing them.

10. Can I use egg roll wrappers instead of wonton wrappers?

Egg roll wrappers can be used in place of wonton wrappers, but they will create a different texture. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Easy Crunchy Taco Cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy tacos in a new format. With crispy wonton wrappers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese, these little bites are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping, this recipe is easy to customize and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a complete meal or snack that is both satisfying and full of flavor.

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Easy Crunchy Taco Cups Recipe


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 24 taco cups 1x

Description

 

These Easy Crunchy Taco Cups are a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional tacos! Ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning is paired with melted cheddar cheese and savory Ro-Tel tomatoes, all baked in crispy wonton wrappers for a satisfying and delicious appetizer or weeknight dinner. Perfect for serving at parties or enjoying with your family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef, drained
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 (10-oz) can Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles, drained
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 24 wonton wrappers

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning and Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chiles. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
  • Lightly grease a muffin tin and press the wonton wrappers into each muffin cup, forming little cups.
  • Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each wonton cup, filling them up.
  • Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Allow the taco cups to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, if desired.

Notes

  • For added flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top after baking.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, you can use hot taco seasoning or add some jalapeños to the beef mixture.
  • These taco cups can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

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