Tailgate Taco Cups
Tacos are great in any type of situation, but they can get a little messy! Enter – Tailgate Taco Cups! It’s everything you love about tacos, just encased in a crispy wanton wrapper! They’re perfectly portable for your next tailgate, or as an appetizer at a party! Member’s Mark™ Taco Seasoning adds just the right amount of kick – try adding diced jalapeños if you like them a little spicier!
Why Wonton Wrappers are Amazing
Wonton wrappers are basically the Swiss Army knife of the kitchen, and that’s not an accident! Here’s why they’re so versatile:
1. Neutral flavor = culinary blank canvas
They’re mild and slightly wheaty, so they don’t fight sweet or savory fillings. Dessert? Works. Dumplings? Obviously. Appetizers, soups, snacks—yep.
2. Thin but strong
They’re rolled thin enough to crisp beautifully or stay delicate in soup, yet sturdy enough to hold fillings without tearing. That balance is rare and powerful.
3. Multiple textures from one ingredient
Same wrapper, totally different vibes:
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Boiled → silky and tender
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Steamed → soft and chewy
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Fried → shatteringly crisp
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Baked → light and crunchy
4. Shape-shifter energy
They fold, pleat, roll, stack, cup, and seal easily. You can turn them into dumplings, ravioli, taco cups, lasagna layers, egg-roll hybrids, or bite-size snack shells.
5. Cooks fast
Because they’re thin, they cook in minutes. Perfect for quick meals, party apps, or last-minute creativity.
6. Readily available + affordable
Easy to find in most grocery stores and way cheaper than specialty doughs—so people experiment more with them.
In short: they’re flexible, fast, neutral, and forgiving, which is why they show up everywhere from soup bowls to party platters. Total kitchen MVP.
What to Serve with Tailgate Taco Cups
Tailgate taco cups are already doing a lot of heavy lifting, so the move is to balance crunch, fresh, cheesy, and drinkable. Here are crowd-pleasing pairings that feel very tailgate-appropriate:
Easy Sides (Grab-and-Go Friendly)
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Chips & dips trio – guac, queso, and salsa (mix textures + heat levels)
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Mexican street corn salad (esquites) – creamy, tangy, no cob mess
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Cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice in cups
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Refried or black beans topped with cheese and jalapeños
Finger Foods That Fit the Vibe
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Mini quesadillas or quesadilla wedges
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Loaded nacho fries or tater tots
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Chicken taquitos or mini chimichangas
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Elote dip with tortilla chips
Sauces & Extras (Underrated but clutch)
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Chipotle crema or jalapeño ranch
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Hot honey (surprisingly great with beef taco cups)
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Pickled red onions or pickled jalapeños
Something Sweet to Finish
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Churro bites or cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips
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Tres leches cupcakes
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Mini brownies with dulce de leche drizzle
Drinks (Tailgate Approved)
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Canned margaritas or palomas
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Mexican lagers (Modelo, Pacifico, Tecate)
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Agua fresca (watermelon or pineapple)
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Topo Chico + lime for non-alcoholic
Tailgate Taco Cups
Ingredients
- ½ lb Ground beef
- 2 tbsp Member's Mark™ Taco Seasoning
- 12 Wonton wrappers
- ⅓ cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 Roma tomato diced
- 1 Green onion sliced
- ⅓ cup Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain grease. Stir the taco seasoning into the ground beef.
- Grease a muffin tin. Set a wonton wrapper in each cup, pressing the sides to form a bowl. Divide ground beef evenly between wonton cups.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top with cheese, tomato, green onion, and sour cream (if desired).