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Mini taco cupcake with a crispy, golden crust filled with seasoned meat, black beans, corn, and melted cheese. Topped with a dollop of sour cream, fresh jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, and a sprig of cilantro. The savory appetizer sits on a decorative plate, with additional taco cupcakes and whole jalapeños in the background.

Quick and Easy Taco Cupcakes

These Taco Cupcakes are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic tacos! Made with canned biscuits, they have a crispy, golden crust filled with seasoned taco meat, melted cheese, and delicious toppings. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or an easy dinner, they’re customizable and kid-friendly!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 12 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Muffin tin (12-count)
  • 1 Skillet
  • 1 Mixing spoon
  • 1 Measuring cups & spoons
  • 1 Rolling Pin optional

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup black beans optional
  • 1/2 cup corn optional
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or salsa

For the Base:

  • 1 can 8-count refrigerated biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

  • Sour cream
  • Diced avocado
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Extra shredded cheese

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Taco Filling

  • In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
    1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning and water. Stir to combine.
    1 packet taco seasoning, 1/3 cup water
  • Mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
    1/2 cup black beans, 1/2 cup corn, 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or salsa

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Base

  • Separate the canned biscuits and flatten each one slightly using your hands or a rolling pin. If needed, cut in half so you don't overfill the muffing tin.
    1 can
  • Press each flattened biscuit into the muffin cups, making sure they cover the bottom and sides like a cupcake liner.

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Cupcakes

  • Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the taco filling into each biscuit cup.
  • Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
    1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown and crispy.
  • Let cool for a couple of minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tin.C

Step 6: Add Toppings & Serve

  • Top each taco cupcake with sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños.
    Sour cream, Diced avocado, Chopped cilantro, Sliced jalapeños, Extra shredded cheese
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the taco filling.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
  • Extra Crispy: Brush the biscuit edges with melted butter for a golden finish.
Keyword appetizer pairing, budget-friendly, cheesy, easy dinner recipe, game day appetizers, party food ideas, quick appetizer recipe