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Taco Cups: A Beginner’s Guide to the Easiest, Tastiest Twist on Taco Night

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Small in size, big on flavor—these Taco Cups are the easiest, tastiest twist on taco night! 🌮🧁 Made in a muffin tin with crispy tortilla shells and filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and all your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for beginners. 🧀🥬 Just layer, bake, and serve! Whether it’s a fun weeknight dinner or party snack, these bite-sized beauties are crowd-pleasers that come together with zero fuss and maximum flavor. 🔥🍅

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 1 pound ground beef (preferably 90% lean)

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 (14-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained

  • 24 wonton wrappers (found in the refrigerated section near tofu or produce)

  • 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ¼ cup sliced green onions

  • ¼ cup diced fresh tomatoes

  • Cooking spray

Optional Substitutions

  • Meat Alternatives: Ground chicken or ground turkey (at least 93% lean) can be used in place of beef.

  • Cheese Options: Try a Mexican blend, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

  • Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based sour cream and cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for cooked black beans or a plant-based crumble, and season the same way.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef (or chicken/turkey). Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it browns. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until no pink remains.

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add salt to taste. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to evenly coat the meat. If your taco seasoning already contains salt, you may not need to add any extra. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for another minute or two, just until heated through.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the First Layer

Take one wonton wrapper and press it gently into the bottom of each muffin tin cup. Make sure the corners come up the sides to create a small bowl shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure there’s room for filling.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooked meat mixture into each cup, then sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of shredded cheese on top of the meat.

Step 3: Add the Second Layer

Place a second wonton wrapper on top of the cheese layer in each muffin cup. Press down gently to layer it neatly without smashing the first level.

Repeat the filling process: another tablespoon of the meat mixture followed by another 2 teaspoons of cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Place the filled muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the wontons are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.

Keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. Remove from oven and let cool for a couple of minutes in the pan.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Carefully lift each taco cup from the muffin tin using a small spatula or butter knife. Transfer to a serving plate and top with a small dollop of sour cream, a few diced fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of green onions.

 

Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • How to Tell When the Meat is Cooked: Fully cooked ground beef will be brown with no visible pink and will reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Ground chicken or turkey should reach 165°F (74°C).

  • Avoiding Soggy Cups: Drain tomatoes thoroughly, and don’t overload the meat filling. Too much moisture can lead to soggy bottoms.

  • Making Ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Assembling and baking should be done fresh to keep the wrappers crisp.

  • Wonton Wrapper Hack: If your wrappers are sticking together, separate them carefully with a bit of cornstarch or flour.

  • Cheese Tips: Shred your own cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

 

  • Wonton Edges Burning: If the edges start to brown too quickly, loosely tent the muffin tin with foil halfway through baking.

  • Filling Spillage: Don’t overfill each layer. Keeping to 1 tablespoon of meat and 2 teaspoons of cheese ensures everything stays neat and balanced.

  • Cheese Not Melting: Bake a little longer, or make sure you’re using real cheese and not a cheese product.

Find it online: https://inarecipes.com/taco-cups-a-beginners-guide-to-the-easiest-tastiest-twist-on-taco-night/