Contents

Taco Cornbread Waffles: The Ultimate Savory Twist for Taco Night!

Waffles, often synonymous with sweet breakfast delights, are about to get a savory, mouth-watering makeover that will revolutionize your dinner table. Forget traditional tacos for a moment and imagine crisp, golden cornbread waffles, perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice, serving as the foundation for your favorite ground beef taco mixture and an abundance of vibrant toppings. These **Taco Cornbread Waffles** are more than just a meal; they’re a culinary adventure, a comforting embrace, and an incredibly fun way to shake up your weekly **taco night!**

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

Embracing Comfort Food: A Warm Welcome to Savory Waffles

As the weather cools and the first snowflakes begin to fall, there’s an undeniable shift in our cravings. The crisp salads and light summer fare give way to the cozy, soul-satisfying dishes that warm us from the inside out. For many, the arrival of autumn and winter means indulging in hearty soups, bubbling casseroles, and meals that feel like a warm hug after a long day. This primal desire for **comfort food** is precisely what inspired this unique recipe.

While the thought of hunkering down indoors until spring’s first blossoms emerge might be tempting, the culinary landscape of colder months offers its own distinct joys. It’s a season for culinary creativity, for transforming familiar favorites into something new and exciting. And what could be more comforting than the combination of two beloved classics: the warm, crispy texture of a waffle and the bold, familiar flavors of a taco? This fusion creates an experience that is both novel and deeply satisfying, offering a delightful escape from the mundane.

The Genesis of a Delicious Idea: Why Taco Cornbread Waffles?

At our house, **Taco Tuesday** isn’t just a day; it’s a cherished tradition that often extends to any day of the week! The versatility and vibrant flavors of tacos make them a perennial favorite. But even the best traditions can benefit from a fresh perspective. We pondered: how could we elevate our beloved taco night into an even more comforting, substantial, and utterly unforgettable experience? The answer lay in combining two other family favorites: the undeniable allure of comfort food and the playful concept of **”breakfast for dinner.”**

This culinary intersection led to the birth of these extraordinary Taco Cornbread Waffles. We took a classic waffle recipe and infused it with the robust, slightly sweet, and grainy texture of cornbread. But we didn’t stop there. To ensure every bite burst with savory goodness, we incorporated **Old El Paso taco seasoning** directly into the waffle batter. This simple addition transforms the waffle from a mere vehicle into an integral part of the taco experience, offering a perfectly seasoned, savory base that complements the hearty ground beef topping.

The result? Waffles that are wonderfully hearty, perfectly crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside. They are substantial enough to hold a generous mound of spiced ground beef, rich with the remaining Old El Paso taco seasoning and a hint of diced green chiles. Once topped with your chosen array of fresh ingredients – from crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to creamy avocado, shredded cheese, zesty cilantro, and cool sour cream – you have a complete, satisfying, and incredibly **easy taco dinner** that will chase away any chill and leave everyone feeling warm and cozy. These waffles aren’t just filling; they’re an adventure for your taste buds, promising a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will make them a new family favorite.

Crafting the Perfect Taco Cornbread Waffles

Making these savory waffles is surprisingly simple, yet the impact is profound. The process involves two main components: preparing the cornbread waffles and cooking the flavorful taco meat. Each step is designed to be straightforward, ensuring that even on a busy weeknight, a gourmet-style dinner is within reach.

The Cornbread Waffle Base

The secret to these amazing waffles lies in the batter. A combination of all-purpose flour and yellow cornmeal gives them their distinctive texture and subtle sweetness. Buttermilk ensures a tender crumb, while melted butter adds richness. The crucial element, however, is the incorporation of taco seasoning directly into the batter. This infuses the waffles with a savory depth that perfectly primes them for their taco toppings. Baking soda provides the necessary lift, resulting in light yet sturdy waffles capable of holding all your delicious fixings.

The Flavorful Taco Topping

The ground beef mixture is classic taco perfection. Lean ground beef is browned and then simmered with water and the remaining Old El Paso taco seasoning, creating a rich, spiced filling. A can of diced green chiles adds a touch of mild heat and tangy flavor, complementing the savory beef beautifully. This mixture is quick to prepare, allowing you to focus on the waffle-making or prepare your favorite toppings.

Customizing Your Taco Cornbread Waffles Experience

One of the best aspects of taco night is the endless possibilities for customization, and these Taco Cornbread Waffles are no different! Here are some ideas to make them uniquely yours:

Protein Power: While ground beef is traditional, feel free to experiment with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a plant-based crumble for vegetarian options.
Cheese Please: Beyond shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, consider queso fresco, cotija, or a spicy pepper jack for extra kick.
Veggies Galore: Load up on fresh ingredients like finely shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, chopped bell peppers, or even grilled corn.
Creamy & Cool: Sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a cooling contrast. For an added layer of flavor, try a dollop of guacamole or sliced avocado.
Spice It Up: A dash of your favorite hot sauce, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the heat to your desired level.
Herbs & Zest: Fresh cilantro is a must for many taco lovers, but don’t shy away from a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Sweet Potato Twist: For a slightly different waffle base, consider adding a small amount of finely grated sweet potato to the cornbread batter for added moisture and a touch of natural sweetness.

The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, allowing each diner to build their perfect **savory waffle** creation. It’s an interactive meal that’s fun for families and guests alike.

Taco Cornbread Waffles

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Waffles are not just for breakfast! These savory Taco Cornbread Waffles are topped with ground beef taco mixture and all of your favorite taco toppings. This is a great way to change up taco night!

Ingredients

Waffles

1 1/2 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons melted butter
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons Old El Paso taco seasoning from a 1 oz package, reserve remaining for taco meat
1 teaspoon salt

Topping

1 lb ground beef
2/3 cup water
remaining Old El Paso taco seasoning
1 4 oz can Old El Paso diced Green Chiles
desired taco toppings: chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocados, shredded cheese, cilantro or sour cream

Instructions

Preheat a waffle iron.
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and butter, then stir in the eggs. In another large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, taco seasoning and salt. Make a well in the center, then pour in the buttermilk mixture. Mix just until combined.
Spray the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Add some of the waffle batter to the iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks, 5-7 minutes. Stir in the water and the taco seasoning and heat to boiling. Reduce the heat and continue to cook until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the green chiles.
Serve the waffles topped with some of the taco meat, then top with your favorite taco toppings.

Why These Savory Waffles Will Become a Weeknight Staple

Beyond their unique appeal and delicious flavor, Taco Cornbread Waffles offer practical benefits that make them an ideal choice for busy households. They are remarkably quick to prepare, with a total time of just 25 minutes from start to finish. This makes them perfect for a fast **weeknight meal** when time is of the essence but you still crave something homemade and special.

The individual portioning of waffles also makes serving a breeze and reduces food waste, as everyone can take exactly what they want. Plus, the interactive nature of topping one’s own waffle makes dinner more engaging, especially for families with children who love to customize their meals. It’s a fantastic way to encourage picky eaters to try new combinations and enjoy their food.

Furthermore, these waffles are surprisingly versatile for meal prep. You can prepare the waffle batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, or cook the ground beef taco mixture a day or two in advance. This streamlines the dinner process even further, allowing you to simply heat and assemble when it’s time to eat.

So, the next time you’re contemplating dinner ideas and feel stuck in a rut, remember the simple elegance and robust flavors of Taco Cornbread Waffles. They are a testament to how creative cooking can transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal, proving once and for all that waffles are indeed not just for breakfast.

Don’t miss a thing! Follow me on Pinterest to see what I’m pinning!

Visit Taste and Tell’s profile on Pinterest.

I am in a working relationship with Old El Paso, and this post has been sponsored. I’m so glad to be able to work with companies and organizations that I truly believe in. Thank you for supporting them, too.