Easy Taco Cups: Super Bowl Appetizer Idea
Perfect Party Bite Appetizers.
Crispy wonton cups filled with savory ground beef and melted cheese. The perfect two-bite appetizer for any gathering.
I remember the first time I made these. The house was full of noise and laughter for a game day. I wanted to make something everyone could just grab and enjoy without a fuss. I had some wonton wrappers left over and thought, well, let's see. Pressing those delicate little squares into the muffin tin felt like making something special. The smell of the seasoned beef filled the kitchen, and when they came out of the oven, all bubbly and golden... wow. They were gone in minutes. It's become a tradition now, a small, comforting ritual for our get-togethers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- •They are incredibly easy to make.
- •Perfectly portioned for parties and snacking.
- •So much less messy than a traditional taco.
- •You can customize them with endless toppings.
- •That crispy, crunchy wonton shell is just so good.
- •They look so cute on a platter. A real crowd-pleaser.
I made these for our last family party and they were a total hit! I mean, they vanished. Everyone kept asking for the recipe. They are so much easier to handle than regular tacos, especially for the kids. This is definitely going into our regular rotation.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Wonton Wrappers: These are the magic ingredient. You can find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the tofu or produce. They bake up so light and crispy.
- Lean Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef (90/10) because you don't have to drain off much grease. Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully too if you prefer.
- Taco Seasoning: A simple store-bought packet is perfect for keeping this recipe quick. Of course, if you have a favorite homemade blend, use that! It adds all the classic flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: A sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend is my go-to. The cheese gets all melty and delicious, holding everything together. It's the comforting final touch.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, get your oven warming up to 375°F.
- Give a 12-cup muffin tin a good spray with cooking oil. This is important so nothing sticks.
- Take your wonton wrappers and gently press one into each cup. The little corners will peek out, and that's what makes them look so nice.
- Pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes. You're just giving them a head start to get crispy.
- While the shells bake, get your skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned all the way through.
- Carefully drain off any extra fat.
- Stir in your taco seasoning packet and the water. Let it bubble away for a few minutes until it's nice and thick.
- Take your lightly baked wonton cups out of the oven.
- Spoon the warm meat filling into each cup. Try not to overfill them!
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top of each one.
- Place the tin back into the oven for another 5-8 minutes. You're looking for melted, bubbly cheese and golden-brown wonton edges.
- Let them rest for a moment before serving. Then, just add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can. For the best result, cook the beef filling ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake the wonton cups and assemble just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
→Can I use something other than ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a vegetarian black bean and corn mixture would be delicious in these cups.
→How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating them in an oven or air fryer to help crisp the shells back up.
→My wonton wrappers burned at the edges. What did I do wrong?
Ovens can vary, so just keep a close eye on them. The corners get golden very quickly. Next time, you might try baking them for a minute or two less.
Easy Taco Cups: Super Bowl Appetizer Idea
Easy taco cups are a perfect appetizer or fun for taco night! Seasoned ground beef & cheddar cheese in wonton wrappers, baked until crispy.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Total Time
About 30 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Taco Cups
- 011 lb lean ground beef
- 021 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 032/3 cup water
- 0424 wonton wrappers
- 051 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 06Cooking spray
Optional Toppings
- 01Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 02Salsa or pico de gallo
- 03Shredded lettuce
- 04Diced tomatoes
- 05Chopped cilantro
- 06Sliced black olives
- 07Guacamole
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press one wonton wrapper into each cup, letting the corners stick out.
Bake the empty wonton cups for 5-7 minutes, just until they are lightly golden and firm. This pre-baking step is key to a crispy cup!
While the wontons are baking, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the par-baked wonton cups.
Top each cup generously with the shredded cheese.
Return the tin to the oven and bake for another 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the wonton edges are golden brown.
Let the taco cups cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. They will be hot!
Serve warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Notes & Tips
- 1Feel free to get creative with the filling! Add in some black beans or corn for extra texture.
- 2A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for this, but mini muffin tins work too for even smaller bites.
- 3These are best enjoyed the day they are made for maximum crunchiness.
Tools You'll Need
- •Be sure to spray the muffin tin well to prevent sticking.
- •Pre-baking the wonton shells for a few minutes is the secret to a truly crispy cup.
- •Don't overfill the cups, or they might spill over while baking.
- •For an extra sturdy cup, you can use two wonton wrappers layered together.
- •Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan; it makes them easier to remove.