Description
Spicy Mexican Taco Cupcakes are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, combining bold Mexican spices with a crunchy mini corn tortilla base, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect as a party snack or quick dinner, these bite-sized treats offer customizable heat, vibrant colors, and a satisfying crunch in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika)
- 1/4 cup water
Cupcake Base
- 12 mini corn tortillas
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup sour cream or crema
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the meat filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Assemble the cupcake base: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin and press one mini corn tortilla into each cup to form a sturdy shell.
- Fill the taco shells: Spoon the seasoned meat mixture evenly into each tortilla shell, filling them generously but avoiding overflow for neatness.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each filled shell. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the taco cupcakes from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or crema. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and lime to enhance flavor.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas to prevent spills and keep each cupcake intact.
- Adjust spice levels by using milder peppers or removing jalapeños as desired.
- Try different cheeses such as pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a mellow melt.
- Warm mini tortillas briefly before pressing to prevent cracking during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Spicy Mexican taco cupcakes, taco bites, mini taco cupcakes, party appetizers, gluten free tacos
