Crunchy Taco Cupcakes Recipe: A Fun Twist on Taco Night!

Taco night reaches new heights with these mouthwatering taco cupcakes that blend crispy textures and bold flavors.

Layers of seasoned ground beef nestled in wonton wrappers create a delightful twist on traditional tacos.

Each bite packs a punch of zesty spices and melted cheese that dance across your palate.

The crispy edges and soft centers make these little handheld treats irresistible for game nights or casual dinners.

You’ll love how quickly these cupcakes come together with simple ingredients from your pantry.

Prepare to be the star of your next potluck with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary taco night into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Topping Ideas to Switch Up Taco Cupcakes

• Spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray before baking to ensure extra crispiness and prevent sticking to the muffin tin.
• Prepare the seasoned beef and chop toppings in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving for quick and easy meal preparation.
• Replace ground beef with black beans, plant-based crumbles, or roasted vegetables to create a delicious meat-free version of taco cupcakes.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick of spiciness for those who love bold flavors.
• Swap wonton wrappers with corn tortillas cut into smaller circles or use gluten-free wonton wrappers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes into Taco Cupcakes

• Wonton Wrappers: Delicate and crispy foundation creating the perfect cupcake shell, choose fresh and pliable wrappers without tears.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking, select a neutral-flavored spray for best results.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base that carries robust taco seasoning, choose lean meat for less grease.
• Taco Seasoning: Explosive blend of spices that transforms basic meat into zesty filling, look for low-sodium options.
• Water: Helps distribute seasoning evenly and keeps meat moist during cooking.

• Refried Beans: Smooth, rich base that adds texture and authentic Mexican flavor, opt for low-fat versions if preferred.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty connector between layers, providing tangy richness, select a blend that melts smoothly like Mexican or cheddar mix.

• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy contrast to spicy meat, choose full-fat for richness.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bright, fresh element adding moisture and color.
• Cilantro: Aromatic herb bringing fresh, citrusy notes to the dish, wash thoroughly before chopping.

Kitchen Tools for Building Taco Cupcakes

• Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for creating cupcake layers.
• Skillet: Medium-sized pan for browning ground beef and simmering seasoning.
• Cooking Spray: Light spray to prevent wonton wrappers from sticking.
• Measuring Spoon: For adding precise amounts of beans and meat.
• Cheese Grater: If using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Spatula: To drain fat from ground beef and mix ingredients.
• Oven: Preheated to 375F for baking taco cupcakes.

Instructions for Making Taco Cupcakes Quickly

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F and give your muffin tin a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Cook the Tasty Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until it’s perfectly browned. Drain away extra fat, then sprinkle in zesty taco seasoning and let it simmer until the flavors mingle deliciously.

• Create Layered Cupcake

Tuck wonton wrappers into muffin cups, creating adorable little nests. Layer in creamy refried beans, spicy meat, and a blanket of melty cheese. Add another wrapper on top and repeat the layers for maximum flavor.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your taco cupcakes into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn crispy and golden and cheese bubbles with excitement.

• Dress Up Your Delights

Pull out your crispy cupcakes and crown them with a dollop of sour cream, fresh tomato bits, or a sprinkle of bright cilantro. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Best Ways to Serve Taco Cupcakes at Parties

• Party Plate Perfection: Arrange taco cupcakes on a colorful platter with small bowls of extra toppings for guests to customize their bites.
• Fiesta Sidekick: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Game Day Delight: Transform these cupcakes into bite-sized party appetizers by cutting them in half and placing toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking during sports events or movie nights.
• Fresh Finish: Top with a zesty garnish like chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to add an extra punch of flavor and visual appeal.

Storage Solutions for Leftover Taco Cupcakes

• Store leftover taco cupcakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Wrap individual taco cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Revive chilled or thawed cupcakes in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes. This restores their original crispiness and prevents sogginess that microwaving might cause.
• Prepare the filling ingredients in advance and store separately. Keep seasoned beef, beans, and shredded cheese in sealed containers for quick assembly during busy weeknights. Components will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

FAQs

• Are wonton wrappers the same as egg roll wrappers?

Wonton wrappers are thinner and smaller compared to egg roll wrappers. They work best for creating the crispy cup layers in this recipe. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you might use egg roll wrappers cut into smaller sizes.

• Can I make these taco cupcakes ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance, like browning the meat and chopping toppings. However, for the best texture, assemble and bake the cupcakes just before serving to keep the wonton wrappers crispy.

• What kind of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives. Choose a leaner meat (90/10 or 93/7 fat ratio) to prevent excess grease in your cupcakes.

• How do I prevent the wonton wrappers from sticking?

Always use cooking spray in the muffin tin before placing the wrappers. This helps create a non-stick surface and ensures easy removal after baking.

Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Korean-inspired gochujang chicken burgers sing with spicy, smoky flavors that dance between traditional and modern cuisine. Crispy bacon jam and bold gochujang sauce elevate this burger, inviting you to savor a delicious culinary adventure from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground chicken

Burger Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil, for cooking

Kimchi Bacon Jam:

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• ½ cup chopped kimchi
• 1 small shallot or onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Burger Toppings:

• Toasted burger buns
• Mayo, spicy mayo, or gochujang aioli
• Lettuce or cabbage slaw
• Sliced pickles or cucumbers (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft the kimchi bacon jam by sizzling chopped bacon in a skillet until golden and crisp, retaining a small amount of rendered fat. Sauté finely minced shallots until translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate diced kimchi, rich brown sugar, tangy rice vinegar, umami-packed soy sauce, and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet. Allow the mixture to gently simmer and reduce, developing a thick, glossy consistency that melds complex flavors.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground chicken with fiery gochujang, robust soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, aromatic garlic powder, pungent onion powder, and a balanced seasoning of salt and pepper.
4. Gently shape the seasoned chicken mixture into uniform patties, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
5. Warm a skillet or grill pan with a light coating of oil over medium heat. Carefully place chicken patties and cook until they develop a beautiful caramelized exterior and reach a safe internal temperature.
6. Toast soft burger buns until they acquire a delicate golden crispness around the edges.
7. Spread a luxurious layer of mayonnaise or gochujang aioli across the bun surfaces, creating a creamy foundation.
8. Layer the juicy chicken patties onto the prepared buns, generously crown with the rich kimchi bacon jam, and add crisp lettuce or refreshing slaw.
9. Garnish with pickled cucumbers or crisp pickle slices for an extra burst of tangy brightness. Serve immediately while the burger remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of gochujang and red pepper flakes for a personalized spice experience.
• Use ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content to ensure juicy, tender burger patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari and using gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
• Maximize flavor by letting the chicken mixture rest for 15-20 minutes before forming patties, allowing the seasonings to fully penetrate the meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg