TACO SOUP WITH JALAPEñO-CHEDDAR CORNBREAD MUFFINS

Steps:

• For the Jalapeño-Cheddar Cornbread Muffins: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and generously spray 9 cups of a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
• Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter and dark brown sugar in a large bowl. Fold the cornmeal mixture, jalapeños and Cheddar into the buttermilk mixture until just combined (it's OK if there are some small lumps).
• Divide the batter evenly among the 9 greased muffin cups. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then run an offset spatula around the edges of each muffin and invert onto a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• For the taco soup: While the muffins bake, make the taco soup. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chorizo and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and crumbly, about 6 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper, a pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chili powder, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until coated and fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in the beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans and green chiles, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then simmer, partially covered, until the meat and beans are very tender and the sauce thickens slightly, 35 to 45 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Ladle into bowls and top with diced avocado, sour cream and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and the Jalapeño-Cheddar Cornbread Muffins.