Crispy wonton cups filled with seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings—perfect for parties or a fun twist on taco night!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun & Unique – A creative twist on traditional tacos.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crispy & Cheesy – Golden wonton wrappers with melted cheese inside.
- Customizable – Add your favorite taco toppings.
- Perfect for Parties – Great as an appetizer or snack.
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
Directions
Prepare the Beef:
- 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 excess fat, add taco seasoning, and cook according to package instructions. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Taco Cupcakes:
- 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, then repeat with another layer of beef and cheeses.
Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the wrappers are golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly, then top with sour cream, salsa, and green onions.
- Add any additional toppings as desired and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: 12 taco cupcakes
- Calories per cupcake: 160 kcal
Variations
- Chicken Taco Cupcakes – Swap ground beef for shredded or diced chicken.
- Vegetarian Option – Use black beans, refried beans, or sautéed mushrooms instead of meat.
- Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
- Breakfast Style – Replace beef with scrambled eggs and top with salsa.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked taco cupcakes in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use phyllo dough instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes! Phyllo dough will give a lighter, flakier texture.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even lentils for a vegetarian version.
Do I need to pre-cook the wonton wrappers?
No, they will crisp up perfectly while baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them before baking, then bake when ready to serve.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt well, but pepper jack or Mexican blend are great alternatives.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or small corn tortillas cut to fit.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Salsa, guacamole, queso, or chipotle mayo are great options.
How do I make these extra crispy?
Brush the wonton wrappers lightly with oil before baking.
Can I add refried beans?
Yes, spread a thin layer between the wonton layers for added texture and flavor.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, crunchy texture—just omit the spicy toppings if needed.
Conclusion
Cheesy taco cupcakes are a delicious and fun way to enjoy taco flavors in a crispy, bite-sized form. They’re easy to make, fully customizable, and perfect for parties or family dinners. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy this crunchy, cheesy treat!
Crispy wonton cups filled with seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings—perfect for parties or a fun twist on taco night!
Print
Cheesy Taco Cupcakes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 12 taco cupcakes 1x
Description
Crispy wonton cups filled with seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings—perfect for parties or a fun twist on taco night!
Ingredients
For the Taco Cups:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 24 wonton wrappers
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced black olives
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- 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 excess fat, add taco seasoning, and cook according to package instructions. Remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Taco Cupcakes:
- 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 with beef and cheeses.
3. Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the wrappers are golden and crispy.
4. Top & Serve:
- Let cool slightly, then top with sour cream, salsa, and chopped green onions.
- Add any additional toppings as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use pepper jack cheese for extra spice.
- These taco cupcakes can be made ahead and reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American