These Crunchy Nacho Cups are the perfect bite-sized treats! With crispy tortilla cups filled with gooey cheese, zesty salsa, and your favorite toppings, they are simply irresistible.
They’re great for parties or just a fun snack at home. I love setting out toppings so everyone can get creative. Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one—so maybe grab a few extra cups! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Both flour and corn tortillas work here. I usually prefer corn for that authentic nacho flavor, but if you need gluten-free, corn is the way to go. Just be sure to warm them up first to avoid breaking!
Ground Beef: You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using black beans or a meat substitute like lentils or tofu.
Taco Seasoning: Homemade taco seasoning is simple! Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. It allows control over spice levels, which is handy if you’re cooking for kids.
Cheese: While cheddar or a Mexican blend is delicious, you might try pepper jack for an added kick. Don’t forget, a mix of cheeses can elevate flavor and creaminess.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be a fantastic substitute for sour cream. It’s healthier and still adds that nice tanginess to your cups!
How Do I Make the Perfect Tortilla Cups?
Creating perfect tortilla cups is all about the right technique. You want them crispy and well-shaped, so here’s how:
- **Warm the tortillas:** Ensure they’re pliable to avoid cracks. A quick microwave or heating in a pan does wonders.
- **Press method:** Gently press the tortilla into each muffin cup. Think of it like molding dough; it doesn’t need to be perfect!
- **Baking time:** Keep an eye on them. You want a golden brown shade, but watch out not to burn—they should be slightly crispy when done.
These steps ensure your cups hold all that delicious filling without falling apart!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing muffin pan
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
For Toppings:
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful snack takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 15 minutes of baking time. You’ll be enjoying these flavorful nacho cups in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a standard 12-cup muffin pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will help the tortilla cups release easily once baked.
2. Warm Up the Tortillas:
To make the tortillas easier to shape, warm them up. You can do this by microwaving them for about 20 seconds or heating them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. This will keep them from breaking when you press them into the muffin pan.
3. Shape the Tortilla Cups:
Take each warmed tortilla and press it into a muffin cup to form a cup shape, with the edges flaring out. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—just make sure they cover the bottom and sides well!
4. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake the tortilla cups for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. Once done, carefully remove them from the oven and set aside to cool a bit.
5. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the tortilla cups are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
6. Add Seasoning:
Mix in the taco seasoning and about 1/4 cup of water into the beef. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it’s well-coated and thickened.
7. Fill the Tortilla Cups:
Remove the baked tortilla cups from the muffin pan and carefully fill each one with a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef mixture.
8. Layer the Toppings:
On top of the beef, add black beans, sliced olives, and then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over each cup.
9. Bake Again:
Put the muffin pan back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Watch them closely to avoid burning!
10. Cool and Garnish:
After they’re done, remove the nacho cups from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, add diced tomatoes on top, along with a small dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Crunchy Nacho Cups are ready to be served! Enjoy them warm and watch how quickly they disappear!
These crunchy nacho cups combine crispy tortillas with savory beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings—a perfect mini appetizer or party snack!
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for leaner options. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils, crumbled tofu, or a mix of sautéed veggies. Just ensure they’re well-seasoned for maximum flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Tortillas?
If you don’t have tortillas, you can use wonton wrappers or even small pita breads. Just cut the pita into circles, but keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly. Adjust accordingly for a crisp texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which will help them regain some crispiness!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the tortilla cups and the filling ahead of time. Assemble them just before baking to keep everything crispy. Alternatively, assemble them the night before and store them in the fridge, then bake just before serving.