Description
These Spicy Mexican Taco Cupcakes are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and melted cheese baked inside crispy wonton wrappers. Perfect for parties or a creative dinner, they deliver all the best taco toppings in a convenient cupcake shape.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 3/4 cup water
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Filling & Toppings
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the taco cupcakes.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Season Meat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add the taco seasoning mix and water. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Prepare Cheese Mix: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses thoroughly.
- Assemble Wonton Cups: Lightly grease a muffin tin. Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup and gently press down to create a base shell.
- Add Filling: Spoon about one tablespoon of the taco meat mixture into each wonton cup, adding a few black beans, corn kernels, and a spoonful of salsa on top.
- Layer Wonton Wrapper: Place another wonton wrapper on top of each filled cup, then add another layer of taco meat, black beans, corn, and salsa.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Top each cupcake with the mixed cheeses, slices of black olives, and a slice of jalapeño.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Cool and Remove: Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each taco cupcake with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure to drain the ground beef well after cooking to avoid soggy wonton wrappers.
- Feel free to substitute the cheeses with your favorite melting cheese blends.
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels as per availability; if frozen, thaw before use.
- For added spice, include more jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce in the filling.
- Wonton wrappers can brown quickly; watch closely during baking to prevent burning.
- These taco cupcakes are perfect for make-ahead meals; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
