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This simple taco salad cup recipe transforms taco night into a fun, handheld experience that's perfect for parties or casual family dinners. The crispy wonton shells create the ideal vehicle for delivering all your favorite taco flavors in one delicious bite.
I first made these for a Super Bowl gathering, and they disappeared faster than any other appetizer. Now they're requested at every casual get together I host, and my kids love helping assemble their own cups.
Ingredients
- Wonton wrappers: Creates the crispy edible cups that hold all the fillings
- Ground beef or turkey: Provides savory protein base for authentic taco flavor
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the meat with classic Mexican spices
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Adds creamy richness and helps hold ingredients together
- Shredded lettuce: Brings fresh crunch and lightness to balance the rich fillings
- Guacamole: Contributes creamy texture and bright avocado flavor
- Salsa: Adds acidity and spice to complement the other ingredients
- Sour cream: Provides cooling creaminess to balance the spicy components
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Wonton Cups:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take each wonton wrapper and gently press it into the cavity of a standard muffin tin to form a cup shape. Make sure to press the wrappers against the sides of each cup without tearing them. Lightly spray the wrappers with cooking spray to ensure they become golden and crisp during baking.
- Bake the Cups:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for exactly 5 minutes until the cups are just golden and crisp. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan while you prepare the filling. The cups will crisp up further as they cool.
- Cook the Meat:
- Heat vegetable oil in a medium sauté pan over medium low heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef or turkey and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the meat and stir to coat completely. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Taco Cups:
- Distribute the seasoned meat evenly among the cooled wonton cups. Layer with shredded cheese which will slightly melt from the warm meat. Top with shredded lettuce, then carefully add small dollops of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on each cup. Be careful not to overfill or the cups may become soggy.
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My favorite part of this recipe is how versatile the wonton wrappers are. I discovered them while trying to create finger foods for a party where everyone was standing, and now I use them for everything from these taco cups to mini desserts.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare all components up to 24 hours in advance and store separately in the refrigerator. The wonton cups can be baked earlier in the day and kept at room temperature in an airtight container. This makes assembly quick and easy right before serving, which is perfect for entertaining.
Easy Customizations
These taco cups welcome endless variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For vegetarian guests, substitute the meat with seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu. Spice lovers can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. For a breakfast twist, use scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage with salsa and avocado for morning brunch gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these colorful taco cups on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. They pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For drinks, serve with margaritas for adults or horchata for a family friendly option. The handheld nature makes them perfect for buffet style serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and works perfectly in these taco cups.
- → How do I prevent the wonton cups from burning?
Make sure to lightly spray the wonton wrappers with cooking spray and bake them for only 5 minutes as instructed.
- → Can I prepare these cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the wonton cups and cook the ground meat ahead of time. Assemble them right before serving.
- → What other toppings can I use?
You can customize with toppings like diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, or shredded cilantro for additional flavor.
- → Are these cups gluten-free?
Wonton wrappers typically contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free alternatives to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.