Name: Savory Baked Taco Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup); 1 lb ground beef (90/10 recommended); 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained; 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ white onion, diced; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes, green onions

These savory baked taco cups pack all the classic taco flavors I love into crispy, golden wonton shells. Made with seasoned ground beef, juicy diced tomatoes, and melty cheddar cheese, they’re bite-sized, handheld, and incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m hosting a party or just craving a twist on taco night, these little cups always hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

24 wonton wrappers (2 per cup)

1 lb ground beef (90/10 recommended)

1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained

1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ white onion, diced

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes, green onions

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 400°F (200°C) and spraying a 12‑cup muffin tin with cooking spray.

In a large skillet, I heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until tender.

I add the ground beef to the pan and season it with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I cook it until browned, which takes about 3–4 minutes.

Then I stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, letting most of the liquid evaporate.

In each muffin cup, I press in one wonton wrapper to form the base, then add a little cheese. I layer a second wonton wrapper on top, pressing it down gently.

Then I spoon about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture into each cup and top them with more shredded cheese.

I bake the cups for 13–17 minutes until the wrappers are golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

Once they’ve cooled slightly, I add my favorite toppings and serve them right away.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 taco cups

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 17 minutes

Total time: 32 minutes

Calories: ~220 kcal per cup (estimated)

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option.

For a vegetarian version, I replace the meat with black beans and corn.

If I’m feeling spicy, I mix in chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the beef mixture.

I use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

For extra crunch, I sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes to keep the wrappers crisp. The microwave works too, but they’re not quite as crispy.

FAQs

How do I prevent the wonton wrappers from getting soggy?

I make sure to cook off most of the liquid in the beef and tomato mixture before filling the cups. This helps keep the wrappers nice and crispy.

Can I make these taco cups ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare the beef mixture and assemble the cups a few hours in advance, then bake them just before serving.

What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?

If I don’t have wonton wrappers, I use small flour tortillas cut into circles to fit the muffin tin.

Are these taco cups freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing them fully assembled and baked, as the wonton wrappers can get soggy. But I freeze the beef mixture and assemble fresh cups when I’m ready.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Absolutely. If I’m short on time, I swap the homemade seasoning for 1 packet of taco seasoning.

Conclusion

These savory baked taco cups are one of my favorite ways to switch up taco night. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — everything I love in a taco, made into a fun and shareable snack. Whether I’m hosting a crowd or just cooking for myself, they never disappoint.

📖 Recipe:

Savory Baked Taco Cups

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 12 taco cups
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These savory baked taco cups feature seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese all packed into crispy wonton wrappers. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun twist on taco night.