MINI BEEF TACOS IN WONTON CUPS

Elevate your game day snacks with Beef Wonton Cup Tacos. Packed with seasoned beef, melted cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, these bites will be the MVP of your football-watching fare.

This post is part of the Home Hardware sponsored program. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post reflects my personal opinion about the products and information provided by the sponsor.

Why these mini tacos will be perfect for your next game

Convenient individual servings – First and foremost, these mini tacos are convenient
individual servings for any special occasion, especially for game nights or family gatherings.
They offer a mess-free way to serve bite-sized tacos. The wonton cups act as crispy shells,
making them easy to handle and enjoy without the need for any extra plates or utensils.

Full of flavour bites – I can’t stress enough how ideal of a party appetizer these mini-sized
tacos are. The juicy beef mix, topped with melted cheese and a scoop of guacamole, offers a
variety of flavours without committing to a full-sized taco. Customize the toppings to make
these mini tacos a crowd-pleasing treat.

Non-Stick Mosaic Muffin Pan from Home Hardware is perfect choice for these beef Mini tacos

I have been using the Mosaic Non-Stick Muffin Pan from Home Hardware for all my sweet
baking adventures, and now I am so happy that I had the opportunity to finally use it for a
savoury recipe. This non-stick pan didn’t disappoint and after so many uses, it keeps delivering
the non-stick promise.

This high-quality muffin pan ensures that the delicate wonton wrappers easily release from the
pan after cooking, preserving their crispy texture without sticking or tearing. This not only
simplifies the assembly of the mini tacos but also makes for effortless serving, allowing each
perfectly shaped wonton cup to hold the beef filling securely. Cleanup becomes a breeze as
well, as the non-stick surface minimizes residue, making the muffin pan easy to wash and
maintain. The non-stick feature streamlines the cooking experience, contributing to the overall
efficiency and success of this delightful appetizer.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Wonton Wrappers:  Serve as the crispy, bite-sized cups that hold the taco filling. They add a delightful crunch to the mini tacos, creating a satisfying texture contrast to the savoury and flavourful filling. Substitute: Classic tortillas cut into smaller pieces to fit the muffin pan.

• Ground Beef: The primary protein component, providing a hearty and savoury base for the tacos. Seasoned with Taco seasoning, it adds depth of flavour and a satisfying meaty element. Substitute: Ground chicken or ground turkey meat.

• Onion and Garlic: Diced onions and minced garlic contribute aromatic notes to the beef filling. They add a savoury and slightly sweet undertone to the appetizer. Substitute: if you don’t like onion and garlic, you can omit these or use the powder version.

• Taco seasoning: Brings a well-balanced blend of warmth, smokiness, and depth to the beef filling. They give the tacos a distinct and delicious taste.

• Diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and a hint of acidity to the beef mixture. It contributes a touch of freshness, balancing the richness of the meat. Substitute: A scoop of salsa.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar cheese adds creaminess and a rich, cheesy flavour to the mini tacos. It also helps bind the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and indulgent filling. Substitute: Mozzarella or Swiss cheese.

• Sour Cream: Sour cream provides a cool and tangy element that contrasts with the warm and savoury flavours of the beef. It adds a creamy texture and helps balance the overall taste. Substitute: Full-fat Greek yogurt.

• Guacamole: Guacamole adds a creamy and flavourful avocado component, bringing a touch of freshness and a hint of zesty goodness. It complements the other ingredients and contributes to the overall indulgence of the dish.

• Chives: Fresh chives serve as a garnish, adding a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to the mini tacos. They contribute a subtle freshness that enhances the visual appeal and taste of the dish. You may also add diced red bell peppers for a more appealing look.

How to make mini tacos in wonton cups with beef filling

Step 1 – Gather all the ingredients

If you are using the Non-Stick Muffin Pan from Home Hardware, there is no need of preparing the pan. Simply press each wonton wrapper into the muffin pan to form a cup shape and set aside.

If you are using a regular Muffin Pan, you will have to brush the cavities lightly with olive oil or use cupcake lining.

Step 2 – Beef filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened and glossy. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Breaking the ground meat up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Add the Tacos seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture, stirring to combine.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

 Step 3 – Assembling Mini Tacos

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spoon the beef filling into each wonton cup.  Top each cup with shredded cheddar cheese.
Place the mini tacos in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Add a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh chives & diced bell peppers (optional) on top of each taco.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious beef mini tacos in wonton cups!

Variations for your favourite Game-Day Snack

Chicken Avocado Lime Mini Tacos: For the filling try shredded chicken seasoned with taco spices, mixed with diced avocado, and drizzled with lime juice. And for the toppings, you may try crumbled queso fresco, cilantro, and a dollop of lime-infused sour cream.

Vegetarian Black Bean and Corn Mini Tacos: For the filling, try black beans and corn sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and taco seasoning. And for the toppings, you may try shredded Mexican cheese blend, diced tomatoes, and a spoonful of chunky salsa.

Spicy Shrimp Mini Tacos: For the filling, try sautéed shrimp with a spicy chipotle marinade, diced red onions, and finely chopped cilantro. And for toppings, you may try Pepper Jack cheese, fresh mango salsa, and a drizzle of sriracha-lime aioli.

Pork Carnitas Mini Tacos:  For filling try slow-cooked pulled pork seasoned with cumin, oregano, and citrus, topped with pickled red onions. And for toppings, you may try cotija cheese, sliced radishes, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.

BBQ Beef and Coleslaw Mini Tacos: For the filling, try shredded beef cooked in barbecue sauce, paired with crunchy coleslaw. And for toppings, you may try sharp cheddar cheese, diced red onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

How should you serve Mini Taco Cups ?

Perfect question. I loved using these large flat plates from the Brilliant Urban White Porcelain Set, available at Home Hardware. These classy premium porcelain plates were designed with a flat profile to well portray these mini appetizers on the Game-Day.

You can add extra slices or wedges of lime around the plates. Or add bowls of extra cheese, guacamole or sour cream for your visitors to serve themselves extra toppings on their own.

Here are more ideas on how to serve these Mini Tacos appetizers.

Game Day Platter:  Arrange the mini tacos in wonton cups on a large platter, creating a visually appealing spread. Serve with additional bowls of toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side for guests to customize their tacos.

Taco Bar Setup: Create a DIY mini taco bar by setting up a buffet with various toppings and fillings. Place the wonton cups, beef filling, and an array of toppings in separate bowls, allowing guests to assemble their mini tacos to their liking.

Appetizer Trio: Serve the mini tacos alongside two other appetizers, such as stuffed jalapeños and mini sliders, to create a diverse and satisfying appetizer trio for your guests to enjoy during the game.

Family-style Dinner: Make mini tacos a part of a casual family-style dinner by pairing them with Mexican rice, black beans, and a side of fresh salad. This turns the dish into a complete and flavourful meal.

Cocktail Party Delight: Feature the mini tacos as one of the star appetizers at a cocktail party. Pair them with a selection of cocktails, such as margaritas or mojitos, for a festive and enjoyable gathering.

Potluck Contribution: Bring the mini tacos to a potluck or picnic. Assemble them at home and transport them in a covered container, providing a tasty and convenient dish that’s easy to share.

Storage

Refrigeration – Allow the leftover mini tacos to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Place the tacos in an airtight container. It’s best to separate the toppings (sour cream, guacamole, etc.) from the taco cups to maintain their freshness and texture. Consume the leftovers within 2-3 days for the best quality and taste.

Reheating – To maintain the crispiness of the wonton cups, consider reheating the tacos in an oven or toaster oven rather than in a microwave. Place them on a baking sheet and warm them at a low temperature until heated through (without the toppings, if possible.)

Toppings– Toppings like guacamole and sour cream are best enjoyed fresh, so consider storing them separately and adding them just before serving the leftovers.

Remember that the texture of the wonton cups may change slightly after refrigeration, but reheating them can help restore some crispiness. It’s a good practice to assess the quality of the toppings and discard anything that seems compromised, especially guacamole can change its colour and taste already after a few hours exposed to the air. Always use your judgment and follow basic food safety guidelines to ensure the leftovers are safe to eat.

Expert Tips

Proper Wonton Handling – When working with wonton wrappers, keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. This helps maintain their flexibility and prevents cracking during assembly.

Prevent Sogginess – To prevent the wonton cups from becoming soggy, make sure the beef filling is not too wet. If your salsa is particularly liquidy, consider draining excess liquid before adding it to the beef mixture.

Customize Seasonings -Tailor the seasonings in the beef mixture to your taste. If you are using pre-mixed taco seasoning, adjust the levels of salt and pepper to your preference in flavour intensity.

Assembly Efficiency  – Streamline the assembly process by preparing the beef filling ahead of time. You can even assemble the wonton cups and store them in an airtight container until ready to bake. This also saves you time on the big Game-Day.

Topping Variety – Offer a variety of toppings for a customizable experience. In this recipe, I used chives and diced red bell peppers. But you can consider different topping options like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or pickled red onions to add freshness, crunch, and a burst of flavour.

Toppings Presentation  – When serving, sprinkle fresh chives or herbs just before presenting the dish to maintain its vibrant colour and flavour.

Avoid Overstuffing  – While it’s tempting to load up the cups, be cautious not to overstuff them. This can lead to a messy eating experience and difficulty in handling.

Creative Variations – Experiment with different protein options or vegetarian fillings to cater to various dietary preferences. The wonton cup concept works well with a range of flavour profiles. You can check all the variations above.

FAQ

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