Crave mini tacos? Try taco cupcakes! Stuffed with beef, beans, melty cheese & toppings baked to crispy perfection. Perfect mini fiesta in every bite!
Taco Cupcakes: A Flavor Fiesta in Every Bite
What Makes Taco Cupcakes a Game-Changer?
Imagine biting into something crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful taco meat—all in one bite-sized cup. That’s the magic of taco cupcakes! Unlike regular tacos, these savory cupcakes layer wonton wrappers with seasoned beef, refried beans, and melted cheese, baked in a cupcake tin until crispy on the edges and gooey inside. I’ve whipped these up for football parties and Taco Tuesday nights, and they’re always a conversation starter.
From Football Party Snack to Taco Tuesday Star
The secret? Layers. Start with a wonton wrapper pressed into a muffin pan, add taco fillings like spicy beef or black beans, then repeat. Bake until golden. Top with homemade salsa, sour cream, lettuce, and olives for that classic taco toppings vibe. They’re easy to customize—swap meat for veggies or add green peppers for crunch. My guests rave about the mix of crunchy and hearty textures!
Cinco de Mayo Secret Weapon
These aren’t just delicious—they’re practical. Assemble ahead, bake before serving, and let everyone add taco fixings. Try lasagna cupcakes with taco seasoning and cheese layers for a taco night twist. Trust me, once you try these, regular tacos will feel boring.
Best part?
They’re easy to make (use store-bought taco seasoning or whip up your own!) and perfect for game days, Taco Tuesday, or feeding a crowd of guests. Customize with toppings like salsa, sour cream, or spicy jalapeños—every bite stays crunchy, cheesy, and totally you.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
Kids adore the fun, bite-sized cups, while adults love portion control (ideal for tracking calories, carbs, or protein). Weight Watchers fans can easily fit these into MyWW plans—calculate SmartPoints for your Green, Blue, or Purple plan. Serve with Mexican rice or cornbread for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt & pepper)
- 3/4 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup refried beans (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
For Toppings:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Guacamole or avocado slices
Directions to Make Taco Cupcakes
A fun twist on taco night! These crispy, cheesy bites are layered with savory beef, beans, and toppings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.
Preheat & Prep
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook the Beef Filling
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb (450g) ground beef until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
- Season: Stir 1 packet of taco seasoning and ½ cup salsa (optional: add ½ cup drained black beans for extra protein). Simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Taco Cupcakes
First Layer
- Press 1 wonton wrapper into the bottom of each muffin cup, forming a cup shape.
- Layer ingredients:
- 1 tsp refried beans (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp seasoned beef mixture
- Sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Second Layer
- Add another wonton wrapper on top of the first layer.
- Repeat layers: beans, beef, and cheese.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until wonton wrappers are golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool slightly before removing from the tin (2–3 minutes).
Add Toppings
Top each cupcake with:
- Classic: Sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, jalapeños
- Fresh: Chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, avocado/guacamole
- Extra crunch: Sliced black olives, crushed tortilla chips
Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm. These disappear fast—double the batch if you feed a hungry crowd.
Tips, Variations & Swaps
- Vegetarian? Swap beef for black beans, lentils, tofu, or sautéed green peppers.
- Leaner Option? Use ground turkey or chicken seasoned with taco seasoning.
- Spicy Kick: Mix chopped jalapeños into the meat or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute wonton wrappers with GF versions or corn tortillas.
- Shortcut Hack: Add leftover Mexican rice as a layer for extra heartiness.
- Kid-Friendly: Skip the heat and let them top with mild sour cream or cheese.
What to Serve With Taco Cupcakes
Pair these savory cupcakes with sides that scream fiesta:
- Mexican rice (fluffy and light) or cornbread (sweet and hearty).
- Guacamole or chips and salsa for dipping.
- Mexican street corn (Elote) for smoky-sweet vibes.
- A fresh salad with lettuce and green peppers to balance richness.
Storage Tips:
- Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to retain that crispy texture.
- Freeze Before Baking: Assemble (without toppings) in the muffin pan, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 mins.
- Freeze After Baking: Cool fully freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat at 350°F until golden and crunchy.
Pro Tip: Never freeze toppings like sour cream or lettuce—add them fresh after reheating!
Taco Cupcakes: Bite-Sized Fiesta
Description
Crave mini tacos? Try taco cupcakes! Stuffed with beef, beans, melty cheese & toppings baked to crispy perfection. Perfect mini fiesta in every bite!
Ingredients
For Toppings:
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Cook 1 lb (450g) ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain fat.
- Stir in 1 packet taco seasoning, ½ cup salsa, and ½ cup black beans (optional). Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Press 1 wonton wrapper into each muffin cup. Layer with 1 tsp refried beans (optional), 1-2 tbsp beef mixture, and shredded cheese.
- Top with another wonton wrapper. Repeat layers (beans, beef, cheese).
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and crispy. Cool 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, lettuce, avocado, olives, or crushed chips. Serve warm!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
