Name: easy taco cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 12 wonton wrappers or 6 small flour tortillas (cut into quarters); 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tbsp homemade mix); ½ cup water; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend); ½ cup canned black beans, drained; ½ cup corn kernels; Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, salsa; Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 19 reviews

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s big on flavor, fun to eat, and seriously easy to make, these easy taco cups are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the bold, satisfying tastes of taco night—perfectly seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and endless toppings—bundled up in individual crispy shells that are as delightful to serve as they are to devour. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner for the family, a game-day snack, or party finger food, easy taco cups check every box and disappear faster than you can say “second helping.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

These easy taco cups come together with just a handful of staple ingredients, each bringing something unique to the table. The crisp wrappers, juicy beef, and vibrant toppings layer up flavor and texture in every bite—don’t skip the garnishes for that burst of color and freshness!

Wonton wrappers or flour tortillas: These form the adorable crunchy cup and are super easy to use; wonton wrappers give you extra crispness, while tortillas offer a soft bite with a crisp edge.
Ground beef: This is the hearty, flavorful base of your filling—opt for lean beef if you want to cut down on extra grease.
Taco seasoning: Use your favorite packet or homemade blend; it’s the magic behind that classic Tex-Mex punch.
Water: Helps the seasoning soak into every crumble of beef for juicier, more flavorful filling.
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Provides that dreamy melt and rich, creamy finish.
Canned black beans (optional): Add fiber, flavor, and color—plus, they make the cups more filling.
Corn kernels (optional): For a touch of sweetness and pretty golden pops in every bite.
Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, salsa: These are classic taco toppings, so let everyone mix and match their favorites.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (optional): The ultimate garnish duo for a zesty, fresh finish.

How to Make easy taco cups

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet set over medium heat. Once it’s cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any extra grease. Sprinkle on the taco seasoning and pour in half a cup of water, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about four to five minutes, until it thickens and the beef is coated in that irresistible taco flavor. Remove the pan from heat—this filling will be the heart of your easy taco cups.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your trusty muffin tin and lightly grease each cup, either with a quick spritz of cooking spray or a brush of oil. This essential step ensures your taco cups pop out perfectly crisp with absolutely no sticking.

Step 3: Layer the Taco Cups

Press a wonton wrapper or a quartered tortilla into each muffin cup, gently forming it to match the well’s shape. Spoon in a bit of the seasoned beef, then sprinkle on some black beans and corn if you’re using them. Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheese right on top—this will melt into gooey goodness as the cups bake.

Step 4: Bake

Slide your filled muffin tin into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching as the edges turn beautifully golden and the cheese bubbles. Let your easy taco cups cool for about five minutes; this helps everything set, making it even easier to lift them from the pan without any crumbling.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Now for the best part—toppings! Pile on chopped lettuce, juicy tomatoes, dollops of sour cream, fresh salsa, jalapeño slices, or creamy guacamole. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime bring your easy taco cups to life. Plate them up and watch them vanish in minutes!

How to Serve easy taco cups

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can let your creativity run wild. A shower of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime brighten up each bite. If you love a little heat, toss on a few extra jalapeño slices. Colorful toppings like diced tomatoes or avocado make your easy taco cups utterly irresistible, both visually and flavor-wise!

Side Dishes

Set your table for a true fiesta with sides like a vibrant corn salad, cilantro-lime rice, or classic refried beans. Chips and salsa or guacamole on the side keep things festive, turning taco cups into the centerpiece of a casual, help-yourself dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your easy taco cups on a big platter lined with lettuce, or create a DIY taco bar where everyone gets to pile on their favorite toppings. For parties, serve them in mini muffin cups or on skewers—they’re shockingly portable, and perfect for mingling guests or a kid-friendly meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have a few easy taco cups left (trust me, it’s rare!), just pop them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—the shells might soften a bit, but the flavor is still top-notch, and a quick reheat brings them back to life.

Freezing

You can freeze fully assembled but unbaked taco cups, or just the cooked beef filling if you like to prep ahead. For best results, wrap the cups individually in plastic wrap or foil, place them in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to two months. Perfect for emergency taco cravings!

Reheating

To reheat, arrange the taco cups on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F until piping hot and crispy (about 8-10 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the oven keeps those shells delightfully crunchy. Always add your fresh toppings after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these easy taco cups vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for seasoned black beans, lentils, or your favorite plant-based crumbles for a filling and flavorful meatless option—just don’t skip the spices and cheese to keep all that classic taco flavor.

What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?

If you can’t find wonton wrappers, small flour tortillas (cut into quarters) work perfectly. You can even try corn tortillas for a more rustic flavor, though they tend to be a bit stiffer and may need to be warmed before shaping.

Can I prep easy taco cups ahead of time?

Yes! The beef mixture and toppings can be prepped in advance. For best results, assemble and bake the cups just before serving so that the shells stay crisp, then set up a toppings bar for quick, fresh customization.

Will these work for parties or potlucks?

Easy taco cups were made for parties! They’re portable, easy to eat with your hands, and look adorable on a platter. Be sure to offer plenty of toppings on the side so everyone can build their own perfect bite.

Can kids help make them?

Kids love making (and eating) these easy taco cups! Let little hands press the wrappers into the muffin tin, add fillings, or sprinkle cheese. Just supervise closely when the cups come out of the hot oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about dishes that are simple, flavorful, and just downright fun—these easy taco cups are all that and more. Whether you’re tossing together a weeknight meal or looking to liven up your next get-together, give this recipe a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite. Happy cooking!