Easy Taco Cups

When it comes to quick and delicious meals, my go-to recipe is definitely Easy Taco Cups. These delightful little bites are the perfect fusion of flavor and fun, making them an ideal choice for everything from casual weeknight dinners to lively gatherings with friends. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility—whether you’re serving a crowd or just whipping up a quick snack for yourself, these taco cups are always a hit!

Imagine crispy tortilla cups filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with all your favorite taco fixings like fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce. Each bite is bursting with flavor, and they’re so easy to assemble that you’ll find yourself making them time and time again. Plus, they can easily be customized to suit any taste—whether you like them spicy, loaded with cheese, or packed with veggies, the possibilities are endless!

So, if you’re ready to add some excitement to your meal routine, let’s dive into this delicious recipe for Easy Taco Cups. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredient Notes

When preparing my Easy Taco Cups, I like to keep things simple yet flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. You can easily substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using lentils or black beans.
Taco Seasoning: I usually use a store-bought mix for convenience, but feel free to make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you need a low-sodium option, look for low-sodium seasoning blends.
Won Ton Wrappers: These create the perfect cup shape. If you can’t find won ton wrappers, phyllo dough or biscuit dough can work as substitutes, though the texture will be different.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar is my go-to, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Toppings: I love adding diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeños. Customize to your liking! For a healthier twist, consider avocado or Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Easy Taco Cups is a breeze! Here’s how I do it:

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. When it’s no longer pink, drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Seasoning: Stir in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning along with 1/4 cup of water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Prepare the Cups: While the beef is cooking, lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Take a won ton wrapper and press it into the muffin cup, creating a little cup shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
Fill the Cups: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each won ton cup, filling them generously.
Cheese It Up: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each filled cup. I usually go for a good handful, but adjust according to your preference.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges of the won ton wrappers are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Once done, let the taco cups cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the muffin tin. Serve with your favorite toppings!

Tips & Suggestions

Here are some tips to help you make the best Easy Taco Cups:

Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill your taco cups with the meat mixture as it can overflow while baking. A heaping spoonful is just right!
Customize Your Toppings: Let your guests add their own toppings for a fun, interactive meal. Set up a taco bar with various toppings like salsa, olives, and corn.
Make It Spicy: If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or top the cups with hot sauce.
Use Leftovers: These taco cups are a great way to use up leftover taco filling or grilled meats. Just adjust the cooking time based on the filling you use.

Storage

If you have any leftovers of your Easy Taco Cups, here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Place any uneaten taco cups in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should last for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the taco cups before baking. Just assemble them in the muffin tin, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the freezer and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the won ton wrappers crispy.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make taco cups! They’re perfect for parties, family dinners, or just a fun snack. Happy cooking!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and incredibly easy dish to impress your family or friends, then you simply must try the Easy Taco Cups. These delightful little cups are not only a feast for the eyes, but they also bring all the bold flavors of tacos in a convenient, bite-sized form. With their crispy tortilla shells and savory beef filling, they’re perfect for game days, parties, or even a cozy family dinner. Plus, customizing them with your favorite toppings makes them a versatile option for everyone at the table. I can guarantee that once you serve Easy Taco Cups, they will quickly become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, get the kids involved, and enjoy the deliciousness together!