Description
Mexican-inspired taco cupcakes blend savory ground beef, crispy wonton wrappers, and melted cheese into a playful handheld appetizer. Guests will love these miniature party bites that pack big flavor in each delightful little package.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream (amount not specified)
Additional Ingredients:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salsa (amount not specified)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, carefully draining excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering until the mixture thickens and becomes fragrant.
- Gently press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides completely. Distribute a layer of seasoned beef evenly across the wrappers.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef layer, creating a rich and melty foundation.
- Carefully place a second wonton wrapper on top of the cheese, creating a layered effect. Add another portion of beef and cheese to complete the second layer.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for crispy, golden-brown wonton edges and fully melted cheese.
- Remove from oven and allow the taco cupcakes to cool in the tin for 3-5 minutes to help them set and prevent burning.
- Carefully transfer the cupcakes to a serving platter, then garnish with fresh diced tomatoes, crisp shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions.
- Finish by adding a dollop of cool sour cream and a spoonful of zesty salsa on top of each taco cupcake before serving.
Notes
- Customize Seasonings Experiment with different taco seasoning blends or make your own for a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
- Lighten Up Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to reduce calories and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Crispy Texture Tip Ensure wonton wrappers are pressed firmly against muffin tin walls and brush with a light olive oil coating to achieve maximum crispiness and golden-brown edges.
- Make-Ahead Magic Prep the components in advance and assemble just before baking to save time during meal preparation, perfect for quick entertaining or busy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg