Taco Wonton Cups

Taco Wonton Cups are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, served in crispy, golden wonton wrappers. These bite-sized cups are filled with seasoned ground beef or chicken, topped with all your favorite taco fixings like shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro. The crispy wonton shell adds a satisfying crunch, while the savory filling delivers all the bold flavors you love in a taco—miniature and perfectly portable!

I first made these Taco Wonton Cups for a casual get-together when I wanted a fun, bite-sized snack that was both delicious and easy to serve. The crunchy wonton shells held the seasoned filling perfectly, and each bite was packed with taco flavor. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—you can switch up the protein to fit your preferences, add veggies like avocado or diced tomatoes, or even serve them with a side of guacamole and salsa. Whether for a game day, a party appetizer, or a fun weeknight dinner, Taco Wonton Cups are sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit!

Perfect for:

• Appetizers
• Game day parties
• Casual dinners
• Taco night
• Family gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Taco Wonton Cups will become your new favorite go-to snack:

• Crispy and Crunchy: The wonton cups provide a crispy base that perfectly complements the flavorful filling.
• Taco Flavor: All the traditional taco flavors you love, packed into a bite-sized cup.
• Customizable Filling: You can easily swap out beef for chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Fun and Interactive: Serve with a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own taco cups.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prep the filling ahead of time and assemble the cups when ready to bake.
• Kid-Friendly: These mini taco cups are a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen and excited about dinner.
• Party Favorite: Serve these at your next gathering and watch them disappear in minutes.
• Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese on top adds an irresistible creamy element to every bite.
• Versatile Toppings: Top with anything from sour cream to salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños for a personalized touch.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

For the Wonton Cups:

• 12 wonton wrappers
• Olive oil spray

the Taco Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional)

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Wonton Wrappers: Provide a crispy, light texture that holds the taco filling perfectly.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds all the classic taco flavors with minimal effort.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully over the taco filling for added richness.
• Optional Veggies: Customize the filling with extra vegetables like corn or black beans for more texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Wonton Cups:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a muffin tin with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Shape the Wonton Wrappers: Gently press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, folding the edges to create a cup shape. Spray the wonton wrappers with a light coat of olive oil.
3. Bake: Bake the wonton wrappers for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the Taco Filling:

4. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is well combined.
6. Add Veggies: Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and any optional veggies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Taco Cups:

7. Fill the Wonton Cups: Spoon the taco filling into each baked wonton cup, filling them almost to the top.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each cup.
9. Bake Again: Return the cups to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

10. Garnish and Serve: Top the taco cups with diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and any additional toppings you prefer.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Taco Wonton Cups:

• As a Party Appetizer: Serve these bite-sized cups at your next gathering for a fun and easy snack.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• For Taco Tuesday: Perfect for a twist on Taco Tuesday, offering a different presentation.
• As Finger Food: Serve them on a platter for guests to grab and enjoy with minimal mess.
• With Salsa and Guacamole: Offer salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping alongside.
• For Kids: Make them a fun meal for kids by letting them add their own toppings.
• With Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime over the top adds a zesty flavor.
• As a Snack: Serve these as a quick and tasty afternoon snack.
• As a Finger Food for Game Day: Ideal for a game day spread, easy to eat with one hand.
• With Extra Heat: Add jalapeños on top or mix into the taco filling for an extra kick.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overfill the Cups: Make sure not to overstuff the wonton cups to avoid spilling over during baking.
• Crispy Cups: Ensure the wonton wrappers are crispy before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
• Customize Fillings: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the wonton cups and taco filling ahead of time for easy assembly.
• Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add fresh jalapeños for varying levels of heat.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Taco Cups: Swap the ground beef for seasoned chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Taco Cups: Use black beans and vegetables as the base for a vegetarian version.
• Cheesy Beef Taco Cups: Add extra cheese into the filling for an extra cheesy bite.
• Spicy Taco Cups: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the taco filling for a spicy kick.
• Baked Chicken Wonton Cups: Use shredded baked chicken mixed with taco seasoning for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free Taco Cups: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers for a gluten-free option.
• BBQ Taco Cups: Add a BBQ sauce drizzle over the taco filling for a unique flavor.
• Fish Taco Cups: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned fish fillets for a fresh twist.
• Taco Salad Cups: Fill the wonton cups with taco salad ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream for a lighter option.
• Pico de Gallo Taco Cups: Top the taco cups with fresh pico de gallo for a refreshing addition.

Special Equipment

• Muffin Tin: To shape the wonton wrappers into cups.
• Skillet: For cooking the taco filling.
• Non-Stick Spray: To ensure the wonton wrappers don’t stick to the muffin tin.
• Spoon: To fill the wonton cups evenly.
• Grater: For shredding cheese.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
   Yes, store-bought taco seasoning works great for this recipe.
2. Can I make these in advance?
   Yes, you can prep the wonton cups and taco filling ahead of time and assemble them when ready to bake.
3. Can I use a different protein?
   Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options work well in this recipe.
4. Can I freeze the taco cups?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled taco cups and bake them when ready.
5. How do I prevent the wonton wrappers from burning?
   Keep an eye on them while baking and cover with foil if they start to brown too quickly.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, just use gluten-free wonton wrappers and adjust the filling to suit your needs.
7. How do I reheat the taco cups?
   Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
8. Can I make these vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Swap the meat for beans, corn, and vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
9. How many servings does this recipe make?
   This recipe makes 12 taco wonton cups, perfect for 2-4 people as an appetizer or meal.
10. Can I add more toppings?
    Yes! Feel free to top with avocado, cilantro, hot sauce, or any of your favorite taco toppings.

Conclusion

Taco Wonton Cups are a fun and creative way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of tacos in a bite-sized, crispy package. These little cups are made by baking wonton wrappers into a muffin tin, creating a crunchy shell, and then filling them with seasoned ground beef, chicken, or veggies. Top with your favorite taco toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole for a satisfying and portable meal or appetizer.

The wonton wrappers bake into a crispy shell that holds the taco filling perfectly, and the best part is you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you prefer classic taco meat, spicy salsa, or even a vegetarian option, these cups are versatile and easy to make. They’re perfect for a fun party snack or as a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.

I can’t wait to see how your Taco Wonton Cups turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!