These Easy Wonton Taco Cups bring together the crispy texture of baked wonton wrappers with the savory, seasoned taco filling that everyone loves. Perfect for serving as appetizers or as a fun dinner idea, they provide all the taco flavor without the mess!
The toppings, like melted cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, enhance the flavor profile, making each bite the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and creamy. These taco cups are versatile and can be customized with your favorite taco toppings. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a party, or Taco Tuesday, they’re sure to impress!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 wonton wrappers
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1/2 cup water
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1/2 cup salsa
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray and press the wonton wrappers into each muffin cup to form a bowl shape.
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Bake the wonton wrappers for 7-8 minutes, or until crispy and golden. Set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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Stir in taco seasoning and water, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
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Remove from heat and stir in the salsa.
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Spoon the taco beef mixture into the baked wonton cups, filling each cup generously.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each taco cup.
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Return the taco cups to the oven and bake for another 3-4 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
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Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
History of Taco Cups and Wonton Wrappers
Taco cups, while a modern creation, are inspired by the traditional taco, a dish that originated in Mexico in the early 20th century. The taco, in its simplest form, is a corn or flour tortilla filled with various proteins, vegetables, and toppings. However, over time, people began experimenting with taco presentations, and the idea of creating a bite-sized version, often served in a crispy shell, became increasingly popular.
Wonton wrappers, on the other hand, hail from Chinese cuisine. They are a type of thin, square dough used in the preparation of dumplings, wontons, and other Asian dishes. The wonton wrapper has gained popularity in many fusion recipes, and its crispy texture when baked or fried has made it an ideal substitute for traditional taco shells. The marriage of these two elements—taco filling and wonton wrappers—resulted in the creation of Easy Wonton Taco Cups, a perfect fusion of Mexican and Asian culinary traditions.
Why These Wonton Taco Cups Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Easy Wonton Taco Cups are the perfect choice for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive parties. They are incredibly simple to make, yet the presentation is sophisticated enough to impress guests. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, celebrating Taco Tuesday, or looking for an appetizer to serve at a family party, these taco cups offer a fun, bite-sized solution that packs a punch of flavor.
One of the key benefits of this recipe is its versatility. The wonton cups provide a crispy base that holds up well to various fillings, allowing you to cater to different dietary preferences. The taco filling can be adjusted to suit everyone’s tastes, from the classic beef taco to chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian version with beans and cheese. The toppings can be customized as well, allowing you to create a taco cup that suits everyone’s palate. This level of flexibility makes these taco cups an ideal choice for gatherings where everyone has different tastes or dietary needs.
Tips for Making Perfect Wonton Taco Cups
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Don’t Overfill the Wonton Cups: While it’s tempting to pack the wonton cups with a generous amount of taco filling, it’s important to avoid overfilling them. The filling should be just enough to fill the base of the wonton shell. Overfilling can lead to the cups breaking or spilling the contents, which can be messy.
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Use Fresh Wonton Wrappers: For the best results, use fresh wonton wrappers that are soft and pliable. This will ensure that they bake up crisp and hold their shape well in the muffin tin. If you can’t find fresh wonton wrappers, frozen ones will work too, but make sure to thaw them properly before using.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the wonton wrappers while they bake. Since they’re thin, they can go from perfectly crispy to overcooked very quickly. Check them after 7 minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
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Bake in a Muffin Tin: A muffin tin is the perfect tool for baking wonton taco cups. It helps the wonton wrappers maintain their cup shape and ensures they bake evenly. Be sure to lightly grease the muffin tin to prevent sticking.
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Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the taco filling. While ground beef is the most common choice, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian filling with black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables. For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding some salsa or hot sauce to the taco mixture.
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Don’t Forget the Toppings: The toppings make these taco cups even more delicious! Consider topping each taco cup with sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, guacamole, and a sprinkle of cilantro. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add color and freshness to the dish.
Variations of Wonton Taco Cups
One of the best things about Easy Wonton Taco Cups is their adaptability. While the classic taco filling of ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheese is delicious, there are plenty of other ways to switch things up and create unique variations of this dish.
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Chicken Wonton Taco Cups: Instead of ground beef, swap in shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast. Add some chopped bell peppers and onions for extra flavor, and top with a dollop of guacamole.
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Vegetarian Wonton Taco Cups: For a meat-free version, use a combination of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and sautéed onions and bell peppers. Top with sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese for a delicious, hearty vegetarian taco.
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Buffalo Chicken Wonton Taco Cups: If you’re a fan of spicy food, try making buffalo chicken wonton taco cups. Shred some cooked chicken and toss it in buffalo sauce. Fill the wonton cups with the spicy chicken mixture, then top with blue cheese dressing and chopped celery for an extra kick.
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Shrimp Wonton Taco Cups: For a seafood twist, try using shrimp as the protein in your taco cups. Sauté shrimp with garlic and lime juice, then fill the wonton cups with the shrimp and top with a tangy avocado salsa.
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BBQ Pork Wonton Taco Cups: For a smoky and sweet variation, use pulled BBQ pork as the filling. Add some shredded cabbage and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a delicious and unique taco cup.
Conclusion
Easy Wonton Taco Cups are a fantastic, versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste or occasion. Their crispy wonton shells filled with savory taco meat and topped with fresh, flavorful ingredients make them an ideal appetizer or main dish for any gathering. Whether you stick with the classic beef taco filling or get creative with variations like buffalo chicken or vegetarian options, these taco cups are guaranteed to be a hit.
With their simple preparation and endless possibilities, Easy Wonton Taco Cups are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their taco game. The best part? You can make them ahead of time, serve them at any occasion, and watch as they disappear in no time. So gather your ingredients, get your muffin tin ready, and enjoy these delightful, bite-sized taco cups with your family and friends!