Crunchy taco cups are like little parties in your mouth! Crispy tortilla shells hold all your favorite taco fillings like seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh veggies.
These bite-sized delights are perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. I often pretend they’re healthy because there’s lettuce in them. Who’s with me? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton Wrappers: These make the perfect crunchy cups! If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use egg roll wrappers, which will be a bit thicker. Just cut them down to size.
Ground Beef: While I use ground beef for flavor, ground turkey or chicken works as a leaner substitute. For a vegetarian option, you can go for black beans or lentils mixed with sautéed veggies.
Taco Seasoning: The packet is super convenient, but you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder if you’re feeling adventurous!
Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: These add a nice kick! If you want to tone down the spice, go for plain canned tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes instead.
Bell Pepper: I like using red for its sweetness, but green works just as well. If you’re out of bell peppers, you could use corn or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Wonton Cups Stay Crispy?
Getting those wonton cups crispy is key! Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right:
- **Lightly Spray**: When you place the wonton wrappers in the muffin tin, spritz them with a bit of cooking spray. This helps them crisp up.
- **Don’t Overfill**: Keep the beef mixture and toppings moderate to prevent sogginess. The less moisture, the crispier they’ll be!
- **Baking Time**: Watch them closely while baking. Remove them as soon as the cheese is melted and the edges are golden. Every oven is a bit different!
Let them cool for a few minutes after baking so they set and become even crunchier. Enjoy your taco cups!
How to Make Crunchy Taco Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Cups:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
- Salsa (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 10-12 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you’ll spend about 30 minutes making these delightful taco cups. Perfect for a quick meal or a fun appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Muffin Tin:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Take a wonton wrapper and gently press it into each muffin cup, shaping it to form little taco cups. It’s great to see them come together!
2. Cooking the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s brown, making sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat to keep your cups nice and light.
3. Mixing in the Seasoning:
Now, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix into the skillet with the cooked beef. Add the drained diced tomatoes too. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step lets all those delicious flavors blend nicely!
4. Filling the Wonton Cups:
After mixing, remove the skillet from heat. Use a spoon to evenly fill each wonton cup with the beef mixture. Don’t be shy with that filling—it’s the heart of your taco cups!
5. Topping with Cheese and Peppers:
Next, sprinkle diced bell peppers over each beef-filled cup. Finally, add a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Just imagine how yummy they’ll be!
6. Baking to Crispy Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted and the wonton wrappers are crispy and golden brown.
7. Serving Your Taco Cups:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the taco cups cool for just a little bit. If you’d like, garnish them with fresh cilantro. Serve these taco cups warm with sides of sour cream and salsa. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to season them well, as they can be a bit milder in flavor. Cook them in the same way as the beef until they’re browned and cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Wonton Wrappers?
No problem! You can use tortilla chips for a crunchier texture. Just spoon the taco mixture onto the chips instead of using wrappers. Alternatively, make your own cups by cutting tortillas into circles, draping them over muffin tin cups, and baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until crispy.
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the taco cups, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet and assemble the wonton cups before baking.
How to Store Leftover Taco Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through, which will help maintain their crunchiness.
