Description
Irresistible Taco Cupcakes fuse Mexican street flavors with playful bakery creativity, delivering a mouthwatering fusion that delights party guests. Crispy wonton wrappers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a handheld carnival of zesty, savory excitement you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pounds (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz/28 g)
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup (158 milliliters) water
- 1 can (16 ounces/454 grams) refried beans
Wrapper and Topping Ingredients:
- 36 wonton wrappers
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- sour cream
- diced tomatoes
- chopped cilantro
- diced onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a muffin tin with cooking spray, ensuring each cup is evenly covered to prevent sticking.
- Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook ground beef until it loses its pink color, breaking it into small crumbles for even cooking.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and stir in taco seasoning with water, allowing the mixture to simmer until the liquid reduces and the meat absorbs the spices completely.
- Create the first layer of each cupcake by gently pressing a wonton wrapper into the bottom of each muffin cup, forming a delicate base.
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans over the wonton wrapper, ensuring even coverage across the surface.
- Distribute seasoned beef evenly on top of the beans, creating a hearty meat layer for each cupcake.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the meat, allowing it to melt and bind the ingredients.
- Carefully place a second wonton wrapper on top of the cheese, slightly pressing it to create a layered structure.
- Repeat the layering process with refried beans, taco meat, and cheese for a second, more robust layer.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for golden-brown wonton edges and bubbling cheese.
- Remove from the oven and let the taco cupcakes rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately while the cupcakes are warm and the cheese is still melted, offering a delightful handheld taco experience.
Notes
- Swap wonton wrappers with gluten-free alternatives like corn tortillas to make the dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Control spice levels by using mild taco seasoning or adjusting the amount to suit different taste preferences and family-friendly dining.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time by browning meat and chopping toppings in advance, making assembly quick and streamlined for busy weeknight meals.
- Experiment with protein variations like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to create diverse flavor profiles and cater to different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg