Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco cupcakes bring a fun and inventive twist to the classic taco, making them a perfect choice for any casual gathering, game day, or even an easy dinner. The crispy wonton wrappers serve as the perfect base, while the seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and toppings create a flavor-packed bite in every cupcake. Customizable with your favorite toppings, these taco cupcakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and are just as satisfying as traditional tacos—plus, they’re portable and easy to serve!

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Taco Meat:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Add the taco seasoning to the beef along with the required water as directed on the packet. Cook until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Taco Cupcakes:

Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, pressing it down to form a base.
Add a spoonful of the taco meat and a sprinkle of both shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Place another wonton wrapper on top, pressing gently to compact it.
Repeat the layering process with more taco meat and cheese.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy.
Let the taco cupcakes cool slightly, then remove them from the muffin tin.

Serve:

Top each taco cupcake with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of salsa, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
Add any optional toppings like diced tomatoes, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, or black olives before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 taco cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or queso fresco, to vary the flavor profile.
Taco Seasoning: Make your own homemade taco seasoning by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a fresh twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the taco cupcakes in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use soft taco shells instead of wonton wrappers?

Wonton wrappers give a crispy texture, but you could substitute small soft taco shells, though the final result may not be as crispy.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the taco cupcakes a day ahead. Store them in the fridge and bake them right before serving for a quick and easy meal.

3. How can I make these taco cupcakes spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning to give the cupcakes a kick. You could also top them with hot sauce or spicy salsa.

4. Can I make these taco cupcakes vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version.

5. Can I freeze taco cupcakes?

Yes! After baking, let them cool completely. Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

6. What are some other topping ideas for taco cupcakes?

You could try adding shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, or even a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.

7. Can I use a mini muffin tin for smaller taco cupcakes?

Yes, if using a mini muffin tin, reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes to ensure the wonton wrappers don’t burn.

8. How do I prevent the wonton wrappers from becoming soggy?

Make sure to drain any excess grease from the beef mixture and allow the taco cupcakes to cool slightly before serving to maintain crispiness.

9. Can I add beans to the taco meat?

Yes, you can add black beans or refried beans to the taco meat mixture for added texture and flavor.

10. Can I skip the cheese for a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.

Conclusion

These taco cupcakes are a creative and tasty way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic taco in a portable, bite-sized form. Perfect for any gathering or a fun dinner at home, they offer endless customization options to suit your tastes. Whether you stick to the traditional toppings or get creative with your own, these taco cupcakes are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy!

Taco Cupcakes

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Seo Optimizer Description: Taco cupcakes are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic tacos, featuring crispy wonton wrappers, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and customizable toppings. Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or easy dinners, these portable and flavorful taco cupcakes will be a crowd favorite!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add taco seasoning and water (as directed on packet) to the beef. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat.
Place a wonton wrapper in each muffin cup, pressing down to form a base.
Add a spoonful of taco meat and sprinkle with both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Place another wonton wrapper on top and gently press down. Repeat the layering process with more taco meat and cheese.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until wonton wrappers are golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before topping each cupcake with sour cream, salsa, and chopped green onions.
Add optional toppings like tomatoes, guacamole, jalapeños, or black olives before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
To make these cupcakes vegetarian, swap the ground beef with plant-based protein, like tofu or lentils.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican