This Taco Cups recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is baked in a muffin tin for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ground beef for turkey or even beans for a vegetarian version, or toss in whatever leftovers you’ve got in the fridge. It’s perfect to clear out those odds and ends while still delivering a tasty dish that parties in your mouth, who doesn’t love that?
Ingredient Breakdown
Before we dive into making these delightful Taco Cups, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Optional toppings
- Sour cream : creamy goodness to cut the spice.
- Diced tomatoes : for a refreshing crunch.
- Lettuce : to add a bit of crunch and color.
- Jalapeños : if you’re feeling brave, bring that heat on!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now that we have our ingredients laid out, let’s dive into making these Taco Cups, shall we?
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that our cups get nice and crispy!
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as you go. You want that perfectly crumbly texture. Cook this for about 5-7 minutes, then drain any excess fat. A couple pinches of salt and pepper here will bring out the beef’s flavor beautifully.
Now, add the taco seasoning to the beef. Stir that in well, according to the packet instructions, typically mixing in a little water to get that seasoning evenly distributed. You’ll want to bring it to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook a little longer, about 2-3 minutes until it gets all aromatic and delicious.
Next up, grab a muffin tin and take one wonton wrapper. Push it gently into each muffin cup to create a little bowl. You want to see those edges sticking up, almost like tiny taco shells!
Now, fill each wrapper with a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef. You want it snug, but not overflowing…unless you’re feeling wild! Top it with a nice helping of shredded cheddar cheese the more, the merrier, right?
Time to bake! Pop your muffin tin in the oven and let them bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
Once they’re done, remove them from the oven (careful, they’ll be hot!) and let them cool for just a minute. Trust me; you’ll want to let them sit for a bit, nobody likes a burned tongue!
Serve them up with your choice of sour cream, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and jalapeños on top. And don’t forget, toppings are key to making this complete!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, these Taco Cups are my go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when I’m running around. They feel like comfort food but are still quick and simple to whip up. I’m a real sucker for anything that can be made in one pan or muffin tin, and the best part is that you can use whatever you have on hand. I once made these with leftover pulled pork, let me tell you, it was a game changer! My kiddos adore them, and it’s such a hit at family gatherings.
If you loved this Taco Cups recipe, be sure to check out my Loaded Tater Tots, my Cowboy Queso, or my Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
You can whip these Taco Cups up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight meal when time is short. Say goodbye to take-out!
Customizable
One of the beauties of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have in your fridge. Have some chicken or leftover chili? Go for it! Want to make them vegetarian? Use beans or lentils instead. The options are endless!
Crowd-Pleaser
These Taco Cups are definitely a hit with both kids and adults alike. You can easily double or even triple the recipe for parties or family gatherings. Trust me, they’ll disappear before you know it!
Minimal Cleanup
Because they’re made in a muffin tin, you don’t have to deal with a pile of dishes afterward, just the tin and a skillet! Plus, the wontons eliminate the need for messy taco shells.
Loaded with Tons of Flavor
With the perfect amount of spices from the taco seasoning and all the melted cheese, every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s what comfort food dreams are made of!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Taco Cups Recipe
These Taco Cups are perfect right out of the oven, but you can also serve them with:
- A side of Spanish rice
- A fresh green salad
- Slices of guacamole or avocado to bring in more creaminess to balance everything out.
Storage
Leftover Taco Cups will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to keep them fresh!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain that crispy texture. You can also zap them in the microwave, but keep in mind they may lose some crunch.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can definitely freeze these Taco Cups. Just bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer until heated through.
So there you have it, your absolute guide to Taco Cups that are not only quick and easy but packed with flavor and loved by the whole family! They hit that perfect sweet spot of fulfilling and comforting, especially on a crazy weeknight when you just need something delicious to keep everyone happy. One bite, and you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Enjoy cooking, and happy eating! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Taco Cups
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These Taco Cups are a quick and easy weeknight meal, baked to perfection in a muffin tin. Customizable and packed with flavor, they’re a family favorite everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, lettuce, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning to the beef and mix in water as per packet instructions. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup to form a bowl.
- Fill each wonton with seasoned beef and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until wontons are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with optional toppings.
Notes
Customize by using ground turkey, chicken, or beans instead of ground beef. Excellent for using leftovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
