TACO CUPCAKES

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• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional, for extra texture and protein)

For the Taco Cupcake Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or hot sauce
• Jalapeño slices (optional)
• Cilantro (optional)

Instructions for Taco Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Cupcake Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper cupcake liners.

Step 2: Make the Cornbread Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and lime juice (if using). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will ensure your cupcakes are soft and fluffy.

Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 of the way full.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool slightly while you prepare the taco filling.

Step 4: Make the Taco Filling
While the cupcakes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or turkey. Break the meat apart as it cooks, and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through. If you’re adding black beans, stir them in now and let the mixture simmer for another couple of minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Taco Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are cool enough to handle, use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out a small portion from the center of each cupcake. Be careful not to scoop all the way to the bottom—just enough to make room for the taco filling.

Spoon the taco meat mixture into each cupcake. You can be generous here—there’s plenty of filling to go around! Press the filling down slightly to make sure each cupcake is packed with taco goodness.

Step 6: Add the Toppings
Top each taco cupcake with your favorite taco toppings! Start with a handful of shredded lettuce, followed by a sprinkle of diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. For extra heat, drizzle with salsa or hot sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your taco cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed! These savory, flavorful treats are perfect for taco lovers of all ages. Serve them as a fun dinner option, or take them to your next party or picnic for a guaranteed hit.

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Tips and Variations for Taco Cupcakes

• Add More Veggies: For a heartier filling, consider adding extra vegetables to the meat mixture, such as corn, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use a plant-based protein or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Make Them Spicy: If you love spice, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the meat mixture or sprinkle them on top of the cupcakes for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the flour and cornmeal for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your taco seasoning is gluten-free as well.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or even crumbled queso fresco.
• Taco Salad Cupcakes: If you’re looking for a lighter version, skip the cupcake base and serve the taco filling on a bed of lettuce, topping it with all your favorite taco toppings.

Final Thoughts

Taco cupcakes are the perfect combination of comfort food and creativity. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on Taco Tuesday or need a dish to impress at your next gathering, these cupcake-sized tacos are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and full of bold flavors.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy these delicious taco cupcakes that everyone will rave about!