Description
Mexican-inspired Taco Cupcakes blend savory layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy wonton wrappers, and melted cheese into a playful handheld appetizer. Compact culinary creativity meets party-friendly finger food that surprises and delights with each zesty, compact bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 can (16 ounces/454 grams) refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Wrappers and Seasoning:
- 36 wonton wrappers
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) taco seasoning
Liquid Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup water
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced onions
Instructions
- Initiate the culinary preparation by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and generously coating a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray.
- Transform ground beef into a flavorful base by thoroughly cooking it in a skillet over medium heat, eliminating excess fat, then infusing with zesty taco seasoning and a splash of water. Allow the mixture to simmer until the seasoning permeates the meat completely.
- Craft the cupcake foundation by delicately positioning a wonton wrapper at the base of each muffin cavity, gently pressing to create a nestlike structure.
- Layer the savory elements strategically: spread a generous dollop of refried beans, followed by a hearty spoonful of seasoned meat, then crown with a sprinkle of melty cheese.
- Construct a second architectural layer by positioning another wonton wrapper atop the initial cheese layer, softly pressing to establish a secondary cup.
- Repeat the layering process: refried beans, seasoned meat, and a cascade of cheese to build depth and flavor.
- Transfer the assembled taco cupcakes into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 15-18 minutes until the wonton wrappers achieve a golden, crisp texture and the cheese melts into a bubbling symphony.
- After removing from the oven, permit a brief cooling period, then embellish with optional garnishes like tangy sour cream, vibrant diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro to elevate the culinary experience.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
- Use low-fat cheese and lean ground turkey to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining incredible flavor profiles.
- Experiment with gluten-free wonton wrappers to accommodate guests with wheat sensitivities without compromising the crispy texture.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble quickly for a speedy weeknight meal that impresses both kids and adults with minimal kitchen effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg