Hidden Veggie Taco Muffins Recipe
These Hidden Veggie Taco Muffins are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy tacos with a healthy twist. Packed with ground turkey or beef and a variety of shredded vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and spinach, these savory muffins are perfect for a quick meal or snack. They combine bold taco flavors with wholesome ingredients, making them kid-friendly and great for meal prep.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 muffin-sized portions 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Protein & Meat
- ½ lb ground turkey or beef
Vegetables
- ½ cup shredded zucchini (squeezed dry)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup finely chopped spinach
Other Ingredients
- ½ cup salsa (thick preferred)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup oat flour or breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Preheat & Grease: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin thoroughly or line it with silicone muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Brown Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the muffins from becoming greasy.
- Add Veggies: Stir in the shredded zucchini, carrots, and chopped spinach into the browned meat. Cook for 2–3 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly, making the mixture flavorful and tender.
- Mix It Up: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, oat flour or breadcrumbs, taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the oat flour or breadcrumbs absorb excess moisture and bind together.
- Fill & Press: Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each nearly to the top. Press the mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon to compact the filling and help the muffins hold their shape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the muffins are golden on top, firm to the touch, and cooked through. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before removing to serve or store.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option or ground chicken as preferred.
- Ensure the zucchini is well squeezed to prevent soggy muffins.
- If oat flour is not available, use fine breadcrumbs as a binder.
- Use a thick salsa to avoid excess liquid in the mixture.
- These muffins can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: taco muffins, ground turkey recipe, hidden vegetables recipe, healthy tacos, keto taco muffins, kid-friendly snacks