Why You’ll Love Mini Taco Cups Recipe
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The cups are crunchy, handheld and easy to eat — great for gatherings or kid‑friendly meals.
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The filling blends savory taco meat, beans and cheese — all the favorite taco flavors in a convenient mini package.
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They’re customizable: you can change the base (wonton vs tortilla), swap proteins (beef, turkey, or chicken), or add veggies and toppings.
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They’re relatively quick and require minimal prep, yet deliver a crowd‑pleasing, fun experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Taco Cups:
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24 wonton wrappers
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Taco Meat:
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1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
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1 cup chili beans (undrained)
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1 cup salsa
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2–3 teaspoons taco seasoning
Salsa Ranch:
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¼ cup ranch dressing
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2–3 tablespoons salsa
Optional toppings (for serving): shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, sliced avocado or guacamole, green onions, black olives, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375 °F. Spray a muffin pan generously with nonstick spray, then press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup’s bottom.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Add the chili beans, salsa, and taco seasoning. Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble: place about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture and 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese into the bottom of each wonton‑lined cup. Add another wonton wrapper on top, then fill again with remaining meat and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, until the wontons begin to brown and cheese is bubbly.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix the ranch dressing and salsa for the topping. Chill until ready to serve.
Once cups are done, drizzle with salsa‑ranch sauce and add any desired toppings. Serve while warm.
Servings and Timing
Makes about 12 mini taco cups.
Prep time: ~20 minutes
Cook time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes
Storage/Reheating
If you want to prepare ahead, you can make the meat mixture in advance. Store the meat in the fridge. When ready to serve, assemble the cups and bake as directed.
Leftover taco cups — store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at ~350 °F until heated through and the shells regain crunch.
FAQs
What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?
You can use flour tortillas: cut them into quarters, then press two pieces into each muffin cup to form a base before adding the filling.
Can I make these cups vegetarian / meat‑free?
Yes — substitute the meat with extra beans (or refried beans), vegetables or a plant‑based meat alternative.
How do I prevent the taco cups from falling apart when removing them from the pan?
Let them rest in the pan for about 5 minutes after baking, then run a knife around the edge of each cup — they should slide out easily.
Can I make the meat filling ahead of time?
Yes — you can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead, refrigerate it, and assemble/bake the cups when you’re ready.
Can I freeze these taco cups for later?
The meat mixture can be frozen, but freezing fully assembled cups isn’t recommended (the recipe creator notes it hasn’t been tested).
What kinds of toppings work best?
Common toppings: guacamole or sliced avocado, tomatoes or pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, sour cream, olives, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro — adapt based on your taste.
Can I use a different sauce instead of salsa‑ranch?
Yes. Try a cilantro‑lime crema, a plain sour cream, or even a spicy hot sauce depending on your preference.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can season with a mix of chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder — typical taco-style spices.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes — lean ground turkey works well, and shredded chicken is another good option.
Are these suitable for serving at a party or gathering?
Definitely. Their small, hand‑held size and customizable toppings make them ideal for parties, game nights, or casual entertaining.
Conclusion
Mini taco cups are a fun, versatile, and delicious way to enjoy taco flavors without the mess of tortillas. Whether you stick to the classic beef‑and‑bean filling or customize with vegetarian ingredients, extra toppings, or alternate sauces, they’re bound to be a hit — easy to make, easy to eat, and perfect for sharing. Enjoy!
