Description
Taco Cupcakes are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, featuring savory ground beef nestled inside cornbread baked in a muffin tin. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, sour cream, and vibrant garnishes, these handheld treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or a unique dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cornbread Cupcakes
- Cornbread mix, prepared according to package instructions for cupcakes
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Toppings and Garnish
- 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: Begin by following the cornbread mix package instructions to prepare the cornbread batter. Instead of using a standard baking pan, pour the batter into a muffin tin to form cupcake shapes.
- Bake Partially: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the cornbread until firm but not fully cooked, as you will be baking it again later with the filling.
- Hollow Out Cupcakes: Remove the partially baked cornbread cupcakes from the oven. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the center of each cupcake, creating enough space to hold the taco beef filling.
- Fill with Beef: Spoon the cooked and seasoned ground beef into the hollowed centers of each cornbread cupcake.
- Add Cheese and Bake Again: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef-filled cupcakes. Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the taco cupcakes from the oven and top each one with sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Optionally, add a dollop of guacamole for extra flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Partially baking the cornbread before hollowing prevents it from becoming soggy after filling.
- Use a sturdy spoon or a small melon baller to hollow out the cupcakes cleanly.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with jalapeños, black olives, or your favorite salsa.
- Make sure the ground beef is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the cupcakes.
- For a milder version, adjust the taco seasoning according to taste.
