Crispy Wonton Taco Cups

These Wonton Taco Cups take everything you love about tacos and turn it into a fun, handheld bite with a crispy wonton wrapper cup holding seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melted cheese. They come together quickly and are perfect for a casual dinner, party appetizers, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.

I first made these on a whim when I wanted mini tacos without the mess and now they are a regular request at family gatherings because everyone loves how crunchy and flavorful they are.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose 90/10 or 80/20 for the best texture and flavor. You can also swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Taco seasoning: Store-bought works great but watch the sodium level, or make your own for a personalized touch.
• Chunky salsa: Adds moisture and a mild kick. Use mild for kids and hot for adults. I like the Herdez brand for its fresh flavor.
• Wonton wrappers: These form the crispy taco cups. Look for them in the refrigerated produce section and avoid doubling up as it makes them too thick.
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts perfectly and complements the taco filling. You can also try cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for some heat.
• Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and taco sauce add freshness and extra flavor.

Instructions

Sauté the Beef:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat if your beef is lean, otherwise skip the oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until brown and no longer pink. Drain excess grease to avoid soggy cups.

Season the Meat:

Stir in taco seasoning and salsa directly into the cooked beef. Avoid adding extra water as the salsa provides enough moisture. Cook for about 1 to 2 more minutes just to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.

Prepare Wonton Cups:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray. Place two wonton wrappers in each muffin cup overlapped at an angle to cover the entire cup and create a sturdy base. For larger wrappers just use one but make sure it covers the cup well.

Fill and Bake:

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into each wonton cup carefully to avoid tearing. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until wonton wrappers are lightly toasted and golden brown.

Add Cheese and Toppings:

Immediately after removing the taco cups from the oven, sprinkle cheese over each while still hot so it melts nicely. Add your preferred toppings like diced tomato, sour cream, or cilantro for extra flair.

My favorite part of this recipe is the crispy wonton cup that delivers the perfect crunch with every bite. It reminds me of a game night where these were the star snack keeping everyone happy and coming back for more.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover taco cups in an airtight container after they have completely cooled to keep the wrappers crisp. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheating is best in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes or in an air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes so they don’t lose their crispiness. Avoid microwaving or they will turn soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a leaner taco cup and will still hold up nicely in the wonton shell. If you cannot find wonton wrappers, egg roll or spring roll wrappers might work but cook time may vary and the texture will be a bit different since they are usually thicker.

Serving Suggestions

These mini taco cups pair deliciously with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light cabbage slaw to keep the meal balanced. Try serving with fresh pico de gallo and guacamole on the side for a full taco night experience without the mess of traditional shells. Add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture for a warm weather kick or top with avocado slices and a drizzle of chipotle sauce for smoky richness in cooler months.

Overlap the wonton wrappers just right to make sturdy cups and avoid overflowing meat. These taco cups are easy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?

Egg roll or spring roll wrappers can substitute wonton wrappers but may require adjusted cooking times to avoid thickness or sogginess.

→ How do I serve wonton taco cups?

Serve as appetizers or a main with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, cornbread, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

→ Where to find wonton wrappers at grocery stores?

Wonton wrappers are typically located in the refrigerated section near produce or Asian foods in most supermarkets.

→ Can I prepare wonton cups ahead and freeze them?

You can freeze the cooked meat mixture, but assembled wonton cups do not freeze well as wrappers may become rubbery when thawed.

→ What extra ingredients can enhance the flavor?

Add green chilies, minced garlic, diced sweet onion, or a spicy sauce like hot taco sauce or sriracha for varied flavor profiles.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover wonton cups?

Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer at 360°F for 6-8 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.