Description
Taco Cupcakes are a delightful twist on traditional tacos and cornbread, combining seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and classic taco toppings all baked inside a cornbread cupcake. Perfect for parties or family dinners, these bite-sized savory treats are easy to customize and bursting with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning
Cornbread Cupcakes
- Cornbread mix, prepared according to package instructions for cupcakes
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for topping
- 1 large tomato, diced
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Guacamole (optional), for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Cornbread: Follow the cornbread mix package instructions carefully, but instead of a standard baking pan, pour the prepared batter into a muffin tin to form cupcake shapes. Bake the cupcakes until they are firm but not fully cooked, allowing room for the filling later.
- Scoop Out Centers: When the cornbread cupcakes are nearly done baking, remove them from the oven and use a spoon to carefully scoop out the center of each cupcake. This step creates space inside for the taco beef filling.
- Fill with Beef: Spoon the seasoned, cooked ground beef into the hollowed centers of the cornbread cupcakes, ensuring each is generously filled for maximum flavor.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef-filled cupcakes, then return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the taco cupcakes from the oven and top each with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Optionally, add guacamole for extra creaminess and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the taco beef seasoning to your preference or use homemade seasoning for a fresher taste.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce as a topping.
- Make sure not to overbake the cornbread initially, so it remains soft enough to scoop out the centers without crumbling.
- These taco cupcakes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Consider using low-fat cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
