DIY Taco Cups

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Looking for a fun twist on taco night? These DIY Taco Cups are bite-sized, crispy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for parties or a cozy dinner at home, they're as easy to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients for DIY Taco Cups

Ground beef forms the hearty base of our taco cups, providing rich flavor and protein. Taco seasoning adds the essential blend of spices that give these cups their characteristic Mexican flair. Wonton wrappers are the secret to our crispy cups, offering a convenient and tasty shell. A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melts to gooey perfection over the beef. Salsa brings a burst of freshness and zing, while chopped fresh cilantro (if you like it) adds a bright, herbal note. And of course, a bit of salt and pepper to taste rounds everything out.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a non-stick muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal.
  • Press the wonton wrappers firmly into the cups to help them hold their shape.
  • If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Make a double batch for larger gatherings — they disappear fast!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these taco cups with a side of guacamole or a refreshing corn salad for a complete meal. They're also fantastic alongside some Spanish rice or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble the cups just before baking.
What if I don't have wonton wrappers?
You can use small tortillas cut into quarters as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

DIY Taco Cups Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's warming up, grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook until it's browned through, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Don't forget to drain the excess fat — nobody likes greasy taco cups!

Next, stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water. This will help the seasoning mix evenly with the meat. Let it all simmer together for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.

Now, it's time to prep your muffin tin. Lightly grease each cup to prevent sticking, then gently press a wonton wrapper into each one to form a cup shape. The wrappers should fit snugly but don't worry if they aren't perfect — rustic is charming!

Spoon a tablespoon of the seasoned beef into each wonton cup. Don't overfill them; you want a little space for cheese and air to circulate. Speaking of cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheddar right on top of the beef.

Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You'll know they're done when the wonton edges are golden brown and the cheese is wonderfully melted. Allow them to cool slightly — just enough so you don't burn your fingers — then top each with a bit of salsa and a sprinkle of cilantro if you're using it.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Crispy wonton wrappers add a delightful crunch.
  • Customizable toppings make it fun for everyone to personalize.
  • A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
24 wonton wrappers
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water to the beef, cook for another 2 minutes, stirring until well combined.
4. Lightly grease a muffin tin, then place a wonton wrapper into each cup, pressing down gently to form a cup shape.
5. Spoon a tablespoon of the seasoned beef mixture into each wonton cup.
6. Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
7. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the wonton edges are golden brown and cheese is melted.
8. Allow to cool slightly, then top with salsa and cilantro if using.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

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