Taco Topped Cornbread Waffles

Today is Taco Tuesday, and I am sharing another fun way to enjoy one of our favorite meals. I already have plenty of taco recipes on the blog, but these Taco Topped Cornbread Waffles are definitely a delicious addition to the collection.

The cornbread waffles are quick and easy to make. Start with a couple of boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, then stir in eggs, milk, and melted butter to make the batter. Instead of baking the cornbread in a pan, cook it in a waffle maker for crisp edges and faster dinner.

Next comes the taco meat. I like adding beans to mine to make the mixture a little heartier. Once the ground beef is cooked, stir in a can of chili beans along with some taco seasoning, then let everything simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can come together. I usually use mild chili beans so the whole family can enjoy it.

Once the waffles and taco meat are ready, it is time to assemble. Place a warm cornbread waffle on each plate and spoon the taco meat mixture over the top.

Then add all of your favorite taco toppings. We like shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, but you can easily customize each serving with whatever your family enjoys most.

These Taco Topped Cornbread Waffles are a fun twist on regular tacos and make Taco Tuesday feel a little more interesting. They are hearty, easy to customize, and perfect for a casual family dinner.

Ingredients for Taco Topped Cornbread Waffles

For the cornbread waffles:

• EGGS – Eggs help bind the cornbread batter together and add structure and richness to the waffles.
• MILK – Milk provides the liquid needed to bring the batter together and helps keep the waffles soft and tender inside.
• BUTTER – Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the cornbread waffles. It also helps give them a slightly crisp exterior.
• JIFFY CORNBREAD MUFFIN MIX – Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix makes the waffle base quick and easy. It provides the cornmeal, flour, leavening, and seasoning needed for a sweet-and-savory cornbread flavor.

For the taco meat:

• GROUND BEEF – Ground beef forms the hearty base of the taco topping. An 80/20 or 85/15 blend works well; drain off any excess grease after cooking.
• TACO SEASONING – Taco seasoning adds classic Mexican-inspired flavor with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion.
• CHILI BEANS – Chili beans make the taco mixture more filling and add extra texture and flavor. Mild pinto chili beans are a good family-friendly option.

Toppings:

• LETTUCE – Lettuce adds freshness and crunch, contrasting with the warm waffle and taco meat.
• CHEESE – Cheddar adds rich, savory flavor and melts slightly over the hot taco mixture.
• SALSA – Salsa adds tomato flavor, acidity, and a little heat. Use mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference.
• SOUR CREAM – Sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the seasoned beef and cornbread.
• GUACAMOLE – Guacamole adds creamy texture and fresh avocado flavor, making the finished waffle even more satisfying.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TACO TOPPED CORNBREAD WAFFLES

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until well combined.

Add the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix and stir just until combined. Set aside while you prepare the taco meat.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

Stir in the taco seasoning and chili beans. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well combined.

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s directions. Add the cornbread batter and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions. My waffle iron uses about 1/2 cup batter per waffle.

Continue cooking until you’ve used all the batter. Place a warm cornbread waffle on each plate and top with a generous scoop of the taco meat mixture.

Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cornbread mix?
Yes. Another boxed cornbread or corn muffin mix can work, but you may need to adjust the amount of milk, eggs, or butter based on the package directions.

Can I make the taco meat ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the beef and bean mixture in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat it when you are ready to serve the waffles.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used for a lighter version.

Can I use a different kind of beans?
Yes. You can substitute black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. If you don’t use chili beans, you may want to add a little extra seasoning.

How do I know when the cornbread waffles are done?
They should be golden brown and release easily from the waffle iron. Cooking time will vary depending on your waffle maker.

Can I keep the waffles warm while I cook the rest?
Yes. Place finished waffles on a baking sheet in a low oven, around 200°F, until ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftover cornbread waffles?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight bag. Reheat in a toaster, toaster oven, or air fryer.

What toppings work best?
Shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole all work well. Diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, or cilantro would also work well.

Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes. Use hot chili beans, spicy taco seasoning, hot salsa, or add jalapeños.

Can I serve the waffles without taco toppings?
Yes. You can also serve the cornbread waffles on their own with butter, honey, chili, or soup.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overmix the cornbread batter. Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the waffles dense instead of tender.
• Preheat the waffle iron completely. A fully heated waffle maker helps the outside become golden and crisp while the inside stays soft.
• Drain the beef well. Removing excess grease keeps the taco mixture from making the waffles soggy.
• Keep the taco mixture fairly thick. Let it simmer for a few minutes, so it isn’t too runny. A thicker topping sits better on the waffles.
• Add fresh toppings right before serving. Wait to add lettuce, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole until the end so the waffles stay warm and crisp.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Three-Chile Chicken Tacos
• Seared Scalloped Tacos with Black Bean and Chile Chutney
• Easy Cheese and Chicken Baked Quesadillas
• Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor

This recipe is adapted from My Food and Family.