Crunchy Nacho Cups are bite-sized treats filled with yummy toppings like cheese, beans, and salsa. They are easy to make and perfect for snacking or parties!
These little cups are always a hit! I love how each bite is a burst of flavor. Plus, they’re fun to customize—so go wild with your favorite toppings! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are my favorite for a crispy base. You can use flour tortillas if you need a gluten-free option. If you want to get creative, try using wonton wrappers for a different texture!
Ground Beef: I typically use lean ground beef, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Vegetarian substitutes like lentils or meatless crumbles work great too!
Beans: Black beans add a nice texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan, try pinto beans or refried beans. For a veggie boost, add some cooked chickpeas!
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious when in season, but frozen corn works perfectly too. If you’re in a pinch, you could even use canned corn—just drain and rinse it well.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice tang, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or any melting cheese you enjoy will work beautifully.
How Do I Perfectly Shape and Bake My Tortilla Cups?
Shaping the tortilla cups can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to do it well:
- First, make sure your muffin tin is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Cut the tortillas into quarters and then press each piece into the muffin cups, overlapping slightly. This creates a sturdy cup.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until they’re crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Let them cool for a couple of minutes before adding the filling. This helps them hold their shape better.
With these tips, your Crunchy Nacho Cups will turn out perfect every time! Enjoy the fun of customizing them to your taste!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 12 small to medium round corn or flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the muffin tin
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- Optional garnishes: sliced jalapeños, green onions, avocado, salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 25-30 minutes total—from prep to serving. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting everything ready, including cutting the tortillas and cooking the beef. Then, a quick bake and you’re ready to enjoy your crunchy nacho cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil. This helps your tortilla cups release easily after baking.
2. Shaping the Tortilla Cups:
Take each tortilla and cut it into 4 equal pieces. You can do this by stacking the tortillas for quicker slicing. Press each tortilla quarter gently into the muffin tin, overlapping slightly to form little cup shapes. Make sure they fit snugly in the cups!
3. Baking the Tortilla Cups:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake the tortilla cups for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove them and let them cool slightly—this helps them hold their shape.
4. Cooking the Beef Filling:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully browned. If there’s a lot of fat, drain some of it off—but leave enough for flavor!
5. Season the Meat:
Add the taco seasoning mix along with about 1/4 cup of water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the seasoning is absorbed and the beef mixture is nice and thick. Yum!
6. Combine the Beans and Corn:
Stir in the drained black beans and corn. Heat the mixture for another 2 minutes until everything is warmed through. Then, take it off the heat.
7. Fill Your Cups:
Carefully spoon the flavorful beef mixture into each of the tortilla cups. Fill them generously—you want every bite to be packed with flavor!
8. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture in each cup. We want all that melty goodness!
9. Final Bake:
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
10. Garnishing Time:
Once out of the oven, let the nacho cups cool slightly. Then, add diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream on top of each cup. Feel free to include any extra garnishes you love!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
These crunchy nacho cups are best enjoyed warm. They make perfect snacks or appetizers for any occasion. Enjoy the flavors and have fun sharing!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is a classic choice, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just be mindful of cooking times if you choose a different meat.
What Can I Use Instead of Tortillas?
If you don’t have tortillas, try using wonton wrappers for a unique twist! You can also make mini taco shells from scratch or use phyllo dough, though the texture will be different.
Can I Make These Nacho Cups in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the tortilla cups and the beef mixture ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, fill the cups with the beef mixture, top with cheese, and bake to melt and warm everything through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in an oven or toaster oven until warmed through, as microwaving may make the tortilla cups less crispy.
