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Taco Cupcakes Recipe

4.6 from 63 reviews

These Taco Cupcakes are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, combining savory seasoned ground beef with baked cornbread ‘cupcakes’ filled with cheese and topped with fresh garnishes. Perfect as a party appetizer or a family-friendly meal, these handheld delights bring together the flavors of a classic taco in a convenient, baked form.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning

Cornbread Cupcakes

  • Cornbread mix, prepared according to package instructions for cupcakes

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 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

  1. Prepare the Cornbread: Follow the cornbread mix package instructions thoroughly. Instead of pouring the batter into a regular baking pan, distribute it evenly into a muffin tin to form individual cupcake shapes. Bake the cornbread cupcakes until they are firm but still slightly undercooked to allow room for filling later.
  2. Scoop Out Centers: Once the cornbread cupcakes are nearly baked, remove them from the oven. Using a spoon, carefully hollow out the center of each cupcake, creating enough space to add the seasoned ground beef filling while leaving a sturdy edge to hold the filling.
  3. Fill with Beef: Spoon the cooked and seasoned ground beef mixture into the hollowed centers of each cornbread cupcake, making sure to fill them generously to maximize flavor in every bite.
  4. Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef-filled cupcake centers. Return the filled cupcakes to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown on top.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the taco cupcakes from the oven. Top each one with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomato, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Optionally, add a spoonful of guacamole for added creaminess and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy these tasty taco-inspired cupcakes!

Notes

  • Use a standard muffin tin to ensure the cornbread cupcakes bake evenly and hold their shape.
  • The cornbread should be slightly underbaked before scooping to prevent cracking when hollowing out.
  • Feel free to customize the toppings with jalapeños or shredded lettuce for extra crunch and heat.
  • These cupcakes can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.

Keywords: taco cupcakes, cornbread tacos, party appetizers, baked tacos, ground beef recipe, Mexican fusion