Description
Savory “Taco Cupcakes” bring Mexican-inspired comfort to your dinner table with miniature layered delights. Crispy wonton wrappers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a playful twist that will excite hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Seasoning:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Toppings and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sliced black olives
Instructions
- Prepare the baking setup by preheating the oven to 375°F and lightly coating a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Heat a skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly cook the ground beef until it loses its pink color, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning into the cooked beef, stirring well and allowing the mixture to simmer until flavors meld and liquid reduces slightly.
- Carefully press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, creating a delicate base for the layered creation.
- Distribute a generous spoonful of seasoned beef onto the wonton wrapper, ensuring even coverage across each cupcake.
- Sprinkle a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef layer, creating a rich and melty component.
- Gently place a second wonton wrapper atop the cheese, creating a stackable mini taco structure.
- Repeat the beef and cheese layering process, building height and flavor in each muffin cup.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn crisp and golden, and cheese becomes completely melted.
- Remove from oven and allow taco cupcakes to rest for a few minutes, helping them set and cool slightly.
- Carefully extract the cupcakes from the tin, using a spatula if needed to prevent breaking.
- Embellish with dollops of sour cream, fresh salsa, and finely chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by crispy tortilla chips and additional salsa for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier protein option that keeps the fun taco flavor intact.
- Prepare wonton wrappers carefully to prevent tearing by handling them gently and keeping them slightly moist with a damp paper towel.
- Make these cupcakes ahead of time and reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispy edges and melty cheese texture.
- Customize toppings by adding diced jalapeños, black beans, or guacamole for extra flavor and personalization of the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg