Ingredients

Scale

This recipe makes 12 nacho cups, perfect for a party-sized batch or a fun family dinner. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the cups and beef filling:

- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water

- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
Cooking spray

For the toppings:

- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives

- 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup guacamole
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or things you can easily pick up at any grocery store, which makes this recipe perfect for a last-minute party or a spontaneous taco night.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to ensure the wonton cups release easily once baked.

Step 2: Shape the Wonton Cups

Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, gently pushing it down so it hugs the bottom and sides of the cup. The corners will stick up a bit, which is exactly what gives these cups their signature crispy, flower-like shape once baked.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the filling from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Stir the taco seasoning and water into the cooked beef. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until it thickens into a rich, flavorful filling that coats the meat evenly.

Step 5: Layer the Cheese

Sprinkle a small amount of cheddar cheese into the bottom of each wonton cup. This creates a melty base layer that helps seal the cup and adds extra cheesy flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Add the Beef

Divide the seasoned beef evenly among the 12 cups, filling each one generously but leaving enough room for the toppings to come.

Step 7: Drizzle with Nacho Cheese Sauce

Spoon a little nacho cheese sauce over the beef in each cup. This adds that classic gooey nacho cheese flavor that ties the whole dish together.

Step 8: Pile on the Toppings

Top each cup with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, followed by diced tomatoes, red onion, black olives, corn, black beans, and jalapeño slices if you like a bit of heat.

Step 9: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers turn golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Cool and Remove

Let the cups cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows them to firm up slightly, making them much easier to remove without tearing.

Step 11: Finish with Fresh Toppings

Top each warm nacho cup with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro right before serving.