Easy Beef Taco Cups
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
14 mins
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Total Time
34 mins
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Servings
12 servings
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Calories
238 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Mexican
Easy Beef Taco Cups
Description
Easy Beef Taco Cups bring together ground beef cooked with taco seasoning, picante sauce, and beef broth into a thick, flavorful filling. Layered in muffin tins with two wonton wrappers per cup, the addition of creamy refried beans at the base provides richness and moisture. The cups bake until the wonton wrappers become golden and crisp, and the cheese on top melts evenly, creating a satisfying texture contrast. The recipe includes a homemade avocado cilantro cream sauce that adds a fresh, creamy topping option.
The beef mixture combines familiar taco spices with picante sauce to create a mildly tangy, seasoned filling that complements the crunchy edges of baked wonton wrappers. The use of refried beans topped with cheese enhances the depth of flavor and texture inside the cups.
These taco cups work well served as appetizers or snacks. They can be prepared in advance, making them convenient for gatherings. Serving with fresh toppings such as pico de gallo or the avocado cilantro sauce introduces freshness and a cooling effect to the spiced beef mixture.
The recipe notes highlight that this recipe yields 12 cups but can be doubled easily. A small cookie scoop can help portion the beef mixture uniformly. The avocado cilantro cream sauce is straightforward to blend and serves as a versatile topping to complement the taco cups.
Ingredients
Taco cups
- 1 lb. ground beef (I like to use 85/15)
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2-3 Tbsp of homemade seasoning
- 2/3 cup beef broth or water, reduced sodium
- 1/4 cup picante sauce we use mild or medium
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 - 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese shredded
Topping options
- Pico de Gallo or diced tomatoes
- cilantro fresh, minced
- avocado cilantro sauce (recipe below in notes section)
Instructions
Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F and set out a 12 cup muffin pan.
Make meat mixture
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over MED HIGH heat, crumbling as it cooks, for about 4-5 minutes (or until cooked through), then drain.
- Reduce heat to MED. Return beef to skillet and add taco seasoning, stirring to combine. Add broth and picante sauce, stir, then simmer until thick, about 7-10 minutes.
Assemble taco cups
- If desired, warm refried beans in the microwave or on the stovetop. This will make the beans a bit more spreadable, but is optional.
- Lightly spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray, then line with wonton wrappers (2 wrappers in each well, wrappers offset from each other).
- Add a dollop of refried beans to the bottom of each cup, then top with some of the meat mixture. Top with a sprinkle of Mexican cheese.
Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-16 minutes, until cheese is melted and wontons are golden brown.
Serve
- Serve hot, topped with desired toppings.
Notes
- The recipe yields 12 taco cups and can be doubled easily by using two muffin pans.
- To portion the beef mixture evenly, using a small cookie scoop is recommended though a spoon or fork works as well.
- The included avocado cilantro cream sauce blends sour cream, avocado, lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro for a smooth, creamy topping that brightens the dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 238 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 238kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 606mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 175mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 464IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 172mg | 17% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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