Pin it
These Wonton Taco Cups bring all the fun and flavor of classic tacos into a crunchy, handheld bite that works perfectly for appetizers, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner. You get the satisfying taste of seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melted cheese tucked inside golden wonton wrappers that crisp up beautifully in just minutes.
I first made these on a busy weeknight when I wanted something fun and easy, and now my family actually asks for them regularly when Taco Tuesday rolls around.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: about 90/10 or 80/20 works well for flavor and juiciness leaner meats need a bit of oil to keep from drying out
- Taco seasoning: gives that classic spicy taco flavor go for low sodium if you’re watching salt or make your own blend for freshness
- Chunky salsa: adds moisture and tang for the beef pick a mild one for kids or hot if your crowd likes heat
- Wonton wrappers: the magic crispy shell fresh ones from the refrigerated produce section yield the best texture
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: melts perfectly and keeps with the taco vibe cheddar Monterey Jack or pepper jack also do the trick
- Optional toppings: like diced tomatoes sour cream chopped cilantro or taco sauce add freshness and personality
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare your muffin pan:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 12cup muffin pan lightly with nonstick spray so your wonton cups don’t stick and come out cleanly.
- Cook the seasoned ground beef:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. If using lean ground beef add half a tablespoon of oil and heat it for about one minute until shimmering. Add one pound of ground beef breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Cook thoroughly until browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in one packet of taco seasoning and half a cup of chunky salsa. Skip adding water here because the salsa provides enough liquid. Remove beef from heat and set aside.
- Form the wonton cups:
- Take two wonton wrappers and overlap them slightly in each muffin cup positioning them so they form a cup that covers the whole tin cavity. If your wontons are larger one wrapper might be enough if it hangs over the edges a bit. The overlapping technique creates a sturdy but flaky shell.
- Fill the cups with beef mixture:
- Spoon about two tablespoons of the cooked taco meat into each wonton cup. Use a springloaded cookie scoop if you want to keep it clean and even.
- Bake until golden and crisp:
- Place the filled muffin pan in the oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until the wonton wrappers are toasted and lightly browned. Since the meat is already cooked this step is just to crisp up the cups.
- Add the cheese and toppings:
- As soon as the cups come out of the oven sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese on top of each one so it melts nicely from the heat. Finish by adding your favorite taco toppings like diced tomatoes sour cream or a drizzle of taco sauce.
Pin it
My favorite part is how versatile the filling is. Once I added some chopped green chilies and garlic to the meat and it kicked the flavor up several notches. It’s a dish that sparks playful family dinners and always gets compliments for being both tasty and cute on the table.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover taco cups in an airtight container once they have cooled completely. This helps keep the wonton wrappers from becoming soggy. They will last for about two to three days in the fridge. When ready to eat reheat them in the oven at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or in an air fryer at 360 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes for best crispness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the cups chewy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If wonton wrappers are hard to find try using egg roll wrappers or spring roll wrappers but keep an eye on cooking times as they may need slightly longer to crisp. For a leaner option ground turkey or chicken works well in place of beef. Use your favorite taco seasoning or make a spicy chipotle blend for a smoky twist. If you want to skip salsa add three quarters cup water instead but note the slight change in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Wonton Taco Cups alongside Mexican rice refried beans or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They also shine as finger foods paired with chips and guacamole at parties. Offering a variety of toppings like chopped onions jalapenos or shredded lettuce lets everyone customize their own little taco cup adding to the fun.
Pin it
These Wonton Taco Cups are a quick crowd pleasing snack that’s easy to customize and perfect for parties. Make the meat ahead for faster assembly and the recipes comes together in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?
Crescent rolls, biscuit dough, or egg roll wrappers can be used as alternatives, but cooking times may vary and texture may differ.
- → How should I serve wonton taco cups?
Serve them as appetizers or pair with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, cornbread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- → Where can I find wonton wrappers in stores?
Find wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section near produce or Asian ingredients. Egg roll wrappers or spring roll wrappers can work as substitutes.
- → Can these be made ahead and frozen?
The meat mixture can be prepared and frozen, but assembled wonton cups freeze poorly as the wrappers become soggy when thawed.
- → How do I keep wonton cups crispy when storing leftovers?
Store cooled wonton cups in an airtight container for 2-3 days to maintain crispness, avoiding moisture buildup.
- → What’s the best way to reheat these wonton cups?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer at 360°F for 6-8 minutes to keep them crispy; microwaving may cause sogginess.