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Taco Cupcakes Recipe

Taco Cupcakes Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crispy wonton wrappers cradle seasoned ground beef and melted cheese in these playful Taco Cupcakes. Mexican-inspired mini bites deliver crowd-pleasing flavor that friends will devour at parties or game nights.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 package cornbread mix
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Toppings:

  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chopped cilantro

Optional Topping:

  • Guacamole

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven according to the cornbread mix package temperature instructions, typically around 400°F (204°C).
  2. Prepare the cornbread mixture precisely following the manufacturer’s recommended mixing guidelines.
  3. Carefully distribute the batter into a standard 12-cup muffin tin, ensuring each compartment is filled approximately two-thirds full to create an ideal base.
  4. Bake the cornbread cupcake bases until they are just shy of complete doneness – maintaining a slightly soft center for subsequent cooking stages.
  5. Allow the partially baked cornbread bases to cool down until they can be safely handled without burning your fingers.
  6. Using a small teaspoon or paring knife, delicately excavate a shallow well in the center of each cupcake, creating a neat cavity for filling without compromising the structural integrity.
  7. Layer the hollowed cupcake bases with well-seasoned, thoroughly cooked ground beef, ensuring even distribution across each individual cupcake.
  8. Generously blanket the meat-filled bases with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface for maximum melting potential.
  9. Return the loaded cupcakes to the oven, baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown landscape.
  10. After removing from the oven, crown each taco cupcake with a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream to balance the warm, savory filling.
  11. Artfully garnish with freshly diced tomatoes, finely chopped green onions, and vibrant cilantro leaves to introduce brightness and additional flavor dimensions.
  12. For those seeking extra indulgence, add a generous spoonful of creamy guacamole as a final flourish.

Notes

  • Repurpose leftover cornbread for a playful twist on traditional tacos.
  • Hollowing out partially baked cornbread creates perfect vessels for savory taco fillings.
  • Cheese melts beautifully when sprinkled over warm ground beef, creating irresistible golden tops.
  • Fresh garnishes like tomatoes and cilantro transform these cupcakes from simple to spectacular.
  • Sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy beef and crisp toppings.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg