Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (160g) yellow cornmeal
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste (optional)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapenos (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in cheddar cheese if using.
  2. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning and water (and tomato paste, if using) to the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners (optional). Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the cornbread batter.
  5. Spoon the cooked taco filling on top of the cornbread batter in each muffin cup, almost to the top.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean and the cornbread is golden brown.
  7. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Top with your favorite taco toppings just before serving: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro. Enjoy your taco cupcakes!