Cupcake Tacos – A Fun and Delicious Twist on Tacos

If you’re looking for a unique and easy-to-make taco recipe, these Cupcake Tacos are the perfect choice! Made with crispy wonton wrappers, flavorful taco meat, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings, these individual servings are great for weeknight dinners, parties, or game-day snacks.

Perfect for when you want a handheld taco experience with a fun twist, these cupcake tacos are easy to customize and packed with flavor!

Save

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy & Quick – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
✔ Handheld & Fun – Great for kids, parties, and entertaining guests.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite taco toppings to make them your own.
✔ Crispy & Cheesy – The crispy wonton wrappers and gooey cheese make every bite delicious.
✔ Perfect Portions – Great for serving a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

Ingredients for Cupcake Tacos

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
• ⅔ cup water
• 1 can black beans, drained (15 oz)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 36 wonton wrappers
• Cooking spray
• Your favorite taco toppings:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Extra cheese
  • Guacamole or salsa

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔ Large Skillet – For cooking the taco meat.
✔ Colander – To drain grease from the beef.
✔ Muffin Pan – To bake the cupcake tacos.
✔ Mixing Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cupcake Tacos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Meat

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Drain the fat using a colander, then return the meat to the skillet.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, water, and drained black beans.
4. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Pan

1. Spray 18 muffin cups with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, pressing it gently to form a base.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcake Tacos

1. Divide half of the taco meat evenly among the 18 muffin cups.
2. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the taco meat.
3. Place another wonton wrapper on top of each cup, pressing lightly.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining taco meat and cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcake Tacos

1. Bake the assembled muffin cups in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the wonton wrappers are crispy.

Step 6: Top and Serve

1. Remove the cupcake tacos from the muffin pan and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Save

Tips for the Best Cupcake Tacos

✔ Use Pre-Cooked Beans – Drained and rinsed canned black beans save time.
✔ Customize the Filling – Add cooked corn, diced peppers, or chopped onions for extra flavor.
✔ Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Melts better than pre-shredded cheese for gooier results.
✔ Keep an Eye on the Oven – Check for bubbling cheese and golden wontons to avoid overbaking.
✔ Serve Fresh – These are best enjoyed right out of the oven while the wonton wrappers are crispy.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Make It Vegetarian – Replace ground beef with a mix of black beans, refried beans, or sautéed mushrooms.
Add More Spice – Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Try a Different Meat – Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
Use a Cheese Blend – Swap cheddar for a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese.
Change the Wrapper – Use small corn tortillas cut to size for a gluten-free option.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cupcake tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the wontons crispy.
• Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, but note the wontons may soften.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the taco cups without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze cupcake tacos?

Yes! Freeze them after baking (without toppings) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

What other toppings can I use?

You can add diced avocado, green onions, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce for variety.

Can I use a different type of wrapper?

Yes! Small flour tortillas or phyllo dough sheets can work as alternatives to wonton wrappers.

Can I use store-bought taco meat?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked taco meat saves time and works just as well.

Conclusion

These Cupcake Tacos are a fun, customizable, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of crispy wonton wrappers, flavorful taco meat, and melty cheese, they’re as delicious as they are adorable.

Try this quick recipe today, and enjoy a playful twist on classic tacos that your family and friends will love. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and share them with everyone at the table!

Print