Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Mini Taco Cups — Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Parties

Sarah Smith
Nov 6, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Taco cups in a muffin tin, filled with seasoned meat, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, on rustic wood. Vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.

Crunchy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor, these Mini Taco Cups are the ultimate game-night bite. Made with crispy wonton wrappers, seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese, they deliver all the taste of classic tacos in a fun, handheld, mess-free appetizer.

Serve them with creamy White Queso for dipping, alongside fresh Classic Guacamole and zesty Fresh Homemade Salsa to round out the spread. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these mini taco cups are always the first thing to disappear at parties.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 12

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

1 packet taco seasoning

24 wonton wrappers

1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

½ cup salsa¼ cup sour cream

Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced green onions

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°.
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain the grease.
Add taco seasoning and cook according to package directions.
Lightly spray a muffin tin with oil. Press one wonton wrapper into each cup, then add a spoonful of cooked beef, a little cheese, and a small spoonful of salsa.
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before removing from the tin.
Top each cup with sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions before serving.

How to Serve

Serve warm on a large platter with extra toppings in small bowls — salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, or extra cheese. Pair with Mexican Rice or Loaded Potato Skins for a complete party menu. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips

Use two wonton wrappers per cup if you prefer a sturdier shell. Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture. For an easy prep shortcut, cook the taco meat a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to assemble. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture — they lose crunch if covered or refrigerated too long.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these ahead of time for parties? Yes! Assemble the cups, refrigerate, and bake right before serving so they stay crisp.

Q: What tortillas work best? Small street-taco tortillas or cut full-size tortillas into circles using a biscuit cutter.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes—ground turkey, chicken, or even beans work as a substitute.

Q: What toppings go well with taco cups? Sour cream, salsa, Pico, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or jalapeños all taste amazing.

Q: How do I keep the cups from getting soggy? Brush the tortillas lightly with oil and pre-bake 3–4 minutes before filling.

Final Thoughts

Mini Taco Cups are one of those appetizers that disappear almost as soon as they hit the table. Easy to make, fun to eat, and packed with bold taco flavor, they’re perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing bite. Whether served with dipping sauces or topped with your favorite garnishes, these crispy little cups are a guaranteed hit that everyone will be asking you to make again.