Easy Taco Cupcakes – A Fun Twist on Taco Night

Taco Cupcakes are the ultimate handheld appetizer or snack—crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with classic taco flavor. Made with light, simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, these mini delights are as fun to eat as they are delicious. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or meal prep, they’re a playful twist on traditional tacos, served up in perfectly portioned bites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Portioned – Each “cupcake” is a satisfying, mess-free serving.
Cheesy and Flavorful – Melty cheese and seasoned meat make every bite irresistible.
Crispy Shells – Baked wonton wrappers provide the perfect crunch.
Quick and Easy – Simple to prep and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Taco Filling:

• ½ lb lean ground turkey or beef
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup diced onion
• ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
• ⅓ cup salsa

For the Cupcakes:

• 24 wonton wrappers
• ½ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooking spray

For Topping (Optional):

• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped cilantro
• Light sour cream

Instructions

Prepare the Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. In a medium skillet, cook the ground turkey or beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir well and cook for 2–3 more minutes.

Assemble the Taco Cupcakes
Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, pressing gently to form a base. Add a tablespoon of the meat mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Layer a second wonton wrapper on top, followed by more meat mixture and cheese.

Bake Until Crispy
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before gently removing from the tin. Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cilantro, and a dollop of light sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Taco Cupcake)

Calories: 90
Protein: 7g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Layering is Key – Double layers of wonton wrappers create the perfect crispy shell.
• Add Cheese Between Layers – This helps hold everything together beautifully.
• Use Lean Meat – Ground turkey or lean beef keeps the cupcakes light but flavorful.
• Customize Your Toppings – Try sliced olives, jalapeños, or even avocado for variety.

Why This Recipe Works

By using wonton wrappers as the base, these taco cupcakes achieve the perfect balance of crunch and flavor with minimal calories. The layered design keeps them sturdy and satisfying, while the seasoned meat and melted cheese pack in classic taco taste—all in a neat, perfectly portioned package.

Taco Cupcakes are the perfect party starter or quick weeknight meal that’s big on flavor and light on calories. With their crispy shells, hearty filling, and customizable toppings, they’re everything you love about tacos—in a fun, bite-sized form.