Crunchy Taco Cups

These crunchy taco cups are a fun twist on traditional tacos, baked in a muffin tin for a bite-sized dinner or party snack. With layers of seasoned beef, cheese, and crispy wonton wrappers, they’re perfect for family dinners, appetizers, or game day gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These taco cups combine the classic flavors of tacos with the convenience of handheld bites. They’re quick to prepare, bake up beautifully golden and crispy, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Plus, they’re kid-friendly, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb lean ground beef, browned and drained

• 1 envelope (3 tablespoons) taco seasoning

• 1 (10-oz) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained

• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or Mexican blend)

• 24 wonton wrappers

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a bowl, combine cooked ground beef, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes with green chiles.

3. Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup. Spoon about 1.5 tablespoons of taco mixture into each.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of cheese on top.

5. Press down lightly and repeat with another layer of wonton wrapper, taco mixture, and cheese.

6. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until heated through and the edges are golden brown.

7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 12 taco cups

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 32 minutes

Variations

• Protein swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef.

• Vegetarian option: Replace beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based meat substitute.

• Cheese variety: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco.

• Spicy kick: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the beef mixture.

• Topping bar: Serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, or olives.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the wonton wrappers.

FAQs

Can I make these taco cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze taco cups?

Yes, bake them first, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?

Small flour tortillas cut to size or phyllo pastry sheets can be used as a substitute.

How do I keep the wonton wrappers from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain the tomatoes well and don’t overfill with liquid. Baking until golden also helps.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tortillas instead of wonton wrappers and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.

Do I need to cook the ground beef before baking?

Yes, the beef should be fully cooked and drained before assembling the taco cups.

Can I make these with leftover taco meat?

Absolutely, leftover taco filling works perfectly in this recipe.

What toppings go well with taco cups?

Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or diced onions all make great toppings.

Can I serve these as an appetizer?

Yes, they’re perfect for parties, game nights, and potlucks since they’re easy to grab and eat.

How do I make these less spicy for kids?

Use mild taco seasoning and regular diced tomatoes instead of the Ro-Tel with chiles.

Conclusion

Crunchy taco cups are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy taco night with a fun twist. With their crispy edges, cheesy layers, and endless topping possibilities, they’re a guaranteed hit whether you serve them as a family dinner or a party appetizer.

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