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Taco Cupcakes are a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos, perfect for serving as appetizers or snacks. Each bite is filled with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and topped with fresh ingredients. Next, let’s go through the ingredients needed to create these delightful mini taco treats.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb, for the savory base filling.
- Taco seasoning: 1 packet, to add a rich and spicy flavor to the beef.
- Water: 1/2 cup, to help thicken and blend the taco seasoning.
- Wonton wrappers: 24 pieces, to create the crispy shell for each cupcake.
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded, for a cheesy layer.
- Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup, shredded, for added creaminess and flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: 1/2 cup, for a fresh and juicy topping.
- Shredded lettuce: 1/2 cup, to add a crunchy and fresh texture.
- Sliced black olives: 1/4 cup, for a salty, briny bite.
- Chopped green onions: 1/4 cup, for a mild, fresh flavor.
- Sour cream and salsa: For topping, to complete the taco flavor experience.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 12-cup muffin pan with oil.
- Step 2:
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then mix in the taco seasoning and water. Cook until the mixture thickens, then set aside.
- Step 3:
- Press a wonton wrapper into each muffin section, ensuring it lines the bottom and sides to form a cup.
- Step 4:
- Place a spoonful of the spiced beef into each wonton cup, then top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Step 5:
- Gently lay another wonton wrapper over each cup and repeat the layering with the beef and cheeses.
- Step 6:
- Bake in the preheated oven until the wonton wrappers are crispy and the cheese is bubbly, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Let the cupcakes cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a platter.
- Step 8:
- Adorn each cupcake with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions. Finish with a dollop of sour cream and salsa for an authentic taco experience.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Taco Cupcakes immediately after baking for the best crispy texture and melted cheese. They make a great appetizer for parties, game nights, or any gathering.
- Pair these cupcakes with a side of guacamole or extra salsa for dipping to enhance the taco flavors.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
- Taco Cupcakes are a fun, handheld alternative to traditional tacos and are perfect for meal prep as they keep well and are easy to pack.
Helpful Notes
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella to customize the flavor profile of your cupcakes.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef with black beans or seasoned tofu for a plant-based twist.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Rick Bayless suggests using freshly made salsa for a burst of authentic flavor when topping your Taco Cupcakes.
- Chef Aarón Sánchez recommends adding a squeeze of lime over the finished cupcakes for a zesty finish that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Chef Pati Jinich advises using cilantro as a garnish for a fragrant, fresh touch that complements the taco flavors.