Taco cups

I have three children ranging in ages 13, 11 and 4 years old.  This vast range in age and personalities also shows through in who eats whats and who is willing to try what.  I think it is important to not only try to get the kids involved in the kitchen but also in help planning meals.  So tonight the kids collectively decided on tacos for dinners.  After seeing a really cool picture on Pinterest ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/ginnerobot/3431227193 ) recently that I repinned, I decided we would add a twist to taco night.  This is a pretty easy recipe that all the ages can help with.  I also added to the idea that was posted. I gave in and used the oven on this recipe.  Trying to keep dinner fun, I left a 3 cups plain(just taco meat and cheese), and then split the rest up with rice and no rice in the taco meat and corn mixture.  We might try this down the road using shredded chicken.

What you will need:
1 lb of ground beef
1 taco packet seasoning
1 pkg 8 oz of  shredded cheese
3/4 cup corn (frozen or can)
1 pkg Spanish Rice (in microwave bag)
1 pkg wonton wrappers
shredded lettuce (optional)
tomatoes (optional)
Other taco condiments (optional)

Preheat oven to 350' F.  Brown ground beef and follow directions when adding taco packet.  While the ground beef is browning, go ahead and heat the Spanish rice in the microwave.  Place taco meat,  Spanish rice and corn in medium bowl and mix well.  Spray muffin tin with Pam or other oil like spray.  Place 1 wonton wrapper in each spot.  Place 2 tablespoon of mixture in each spot.  (If you are like me and use Pampered Chef products use the medium scoop.) Place some cheese on top  and place in oven for 8-10 minutes. Should make between 24-28 cups.  Once done have other taco toppings ready to top on the taco cups. 

* Because my kids don't all like Spanish rice I divided the meat up in half and and made some with meat and corn and the other half  with the rice.  If you are dividing the mixture up, only use 1/2 the bag of rice.

 Feel free to add black beans or even refried beans to the mixture or even to bottom of wonton cup.  This is something fun and easily to build off from to fit your family's taste.  The nice thing is it doesn't take a lot of effort to make everyone happy by adding or deleting items to the mixture or cups.  It might make an extra bowl or two but that isn't really a big deal. 

These also would be great to serve during a get together or when the guys get together to watch sports.  Hope you enjoy! ~A