Get ready to transform your ordinary appetizer game with these irresistible Mexican Beef and Cheese Wontons that combine the crispy perfection of Asian-inspired wrappers with the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine! Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to a molten center of seasoned beef and melted cheese – these wontons are not just a snack, they're a culinary adventure that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 package of wonton wrappers, 1 tsp of taco seasoning, and oil for frying.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef.
- Cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return the beef to the heat. Stir in 1 tsp of taco seasoning, mixing well to evenly coat the beef.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the beef mixture cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese until well combined.
- While the beef mixture is cooling, prepare your work surface with the wonton wrappers. Lay out a few wrappers at a time on a clean, dry surface.
- To assemble the wontons, place a teaspoon of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with a little water using your finger or a brush to help seal them.
- Fold the wrapper over the filling to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal tightly. You can also fold the corners to the center to create a more decorative shape if desired.
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough oil over medium heat for frying the wontons. You want the oil to be about 1-2 inches deep.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully add a few wontons at a time to the oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the wontons for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried wontons from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Continue frying the remaining wontons until all are cooked. Serve hot with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Tips
- Keep your wonton wrappers covered with a damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for even, crispy cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying – this ensures each wonton gets crispy and golden.
- For a healthier alternative, these wontons can be baked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
- Prep the filling ahead of time and refrigerate to make assembly quicker on cooking day.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or adding diced jalapeños for extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 401kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
