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Taco Cornbread Cupcakes: The Perfect Savory & Cheesy Treat


  • Author: ava
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Taco Cornbread Cupcakes are a savory, cheesy, and satisfying fusion of Tex-Mex tacos and Southern cornbread. With a crispy cornbread base, a flavorful taco filling, and melty cheese on top, these bite-sized treats are perfect for dinner, meal prep, or parties. Easy to make and fun to eat, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!


Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread Batter:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra moisture)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 2 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)

Taco Filling:

  • ½ lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitute)
  • ½ cup diced onions
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
  • ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • ½ cup black beans (optional, for added texture)

Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup avocado slices or guacamole

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and honey.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2: Cook the Taco Filling

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
  2. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and black beans. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes

  1. Grease a muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners.
  2. Fill each muffin cup halfway with cornbread batter.
  3. Add 1-2 tbsp of taco filling to the center of each.
  4. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then top with more cornbread batter to enclose the filling.

Step 4: Bake & Serve

  1. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
  3. Top with sour cream, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap ground meat for mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu.
  • Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Add spice: Stir in diced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Southern Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Taco cornbread cupcakes, cornbread muffins, cheesy taco bites, Tex-Mex appetizers, mini taco pies, cornbread taco cups, easy dinner recipes.