Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for parties, appetizers, or quick meals.
- Fully customizable with your favorite taco toppings.
- Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Fun and mess-free, especially for kids!
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1/2 cup salsa (for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced black olives
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add taco seasoning and prepare according to package instructions. Remove from heat.
- Press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup. Add a layer of seasoned beef, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and a layer of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Place another wonton wrapper on top and repeat the layers of beef and cheeses.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the wrappers are golden and crispy.
- Allow the taco cupcakes to cool slightly, then top with sour cream, salsa, and chopped green onions. Add any additional toppings as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 taco cupcakes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 160 kcal per cupcake
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, black beans, or refried beans.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese blends for a different flavor.
- Low-Carb: Use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant as a substitute for wonton wrappers.
- Breakfast Twist: Swap taco seasoning for breakfast sausage seasoning and top with scrambled eggs and cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover taco cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Alternatively, use a microwave for 30-40 seconds, though the wrappers may soften slightly.
FAQs
1. Can I make taco cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and bake the taco cupcakes, then store them in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving and add toppings.
2. Can I freeze taco cupcakes?
Absolutely! Freeze them after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
3. Can I use store-bought taco meat?
Yes, pre-made taco meat is a time-saving option.
4. What other meats can I use?
Ground turkey, chicken, or shredded rotisserie chicken work wonderfully.
5. How do I prevent the wonton wrappers from burning?
Keep an eye on the baking time and avoid overbaking. Lightly greasing the muffin tin also helps.
6. Can I use phyllo dough or tortillas instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes, both work well, though tortillas may need trimming to fit the muffin tin.
7. How can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or substitute with thin slices of zucchini.
8. Can I make a larger batch?
Certainly! Double or triple the ingredients to make more taco cupcakes.
9. What are some kid-friendly topping ideas?
Shredded lettuce, mild salsa, or plain cheese are great options for kids.
10. Can I serve taco cupcakes cold?
They’re best served warm, but they can be enjoyed cold for picnics or packed lunches.
Conclusion
Taco cupcakes are a creative, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the classic taco flavors in a fun, portable form. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an easy dinner idea, or simply wanting to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy the deliciousness in every bite!
Taco Cupcakes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 25-27 minutes
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Taco cupcakes are a fun, bite-sized twist on tacos made with crispy wonton wrappers, seasoned beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for parties or easy dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1/2 cup salsa (for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced black olives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning as per package instructions.
- Press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup. Add layers of beef, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add another wonton wrapper and repeat the layering.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and wrappers are crispy.
- Cool slightly, then top with sour cream, salsa, and green onions. Add other toppings as desired.
Notes
- To make vegetarian, replace beef with beans or plant-based crumbles.
- Substitute wonton wrappers with gluten-free options or vegetables for dietary needs.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican