Crunchy nacho cups are a fun and tasty snack! They are made with crispy tortilla chips filled with delicious toppings like cheese, beans, and salsa.
These little cups are perfect for parties or movie nights. Plus, I love how easy they are to make—just load them up and bake! It’s always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: You can use small flour or corn tortillas to make these cups. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas work well too.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the go-to choice for this recipe, but ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. For a vegetarian version, consider using black beans or lentils instead.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning gives just the right flavor. You can make your own mix using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you prefer. This is also great if you want to control the spice level!
Cheese: I love the combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for creaminess and flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using vegan cheese or simply omit it.
Garnishes: Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch, but feel free to swap it with green onions or parsley if that’s what you have. Diced jalapeños can kick up the heat, too!
How Do I Make Perfect Tortilla Cups?
Shaping the tortilla cups is a crucial step. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, preheat your oven and grease the muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Next, cut the tortillas, then gently press them into the muffin tin. It helps to overlap the pieces slightly for a sturdy cup.
- Make sure they are well-formed to hold the fillings, but not too thick; thin edges will crisp up better.
- Bake until they’re just starting to brown, then let them cool a bit before filling.
This technique helps ensure a nice crunch while holding your yummy toppings securely. Enjoy your nacho cups! They always disappear quickly at gatherings!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/4 cup water
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing muffin tin
- Salsa, for serving
- Lime wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. You’ll have tasty crunchy nacho cups ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for snacking or entertaining!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent the cups from sticking.
2. Shape the Tortilla Cups:
Take each tortilla and cut it into quarters or large triangles. Then, press each piece into the muffin cups, overlapping the pieces slightly to form little cups. Make sure to create a sturdy base and sides.
3. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Pop the tortilla cups into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 minutes or until they start to crisp and turn golden brown. When done, take them out and set aside to cool.
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
While the tortilla cups are baking, prepare the filling! In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s too much grease, drain it off.
5. Season the Beef:
Add the taco seasoning and water to the cooked beef. Stir it well, then simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. When it’s ready, take the skillet off the heat.
6. Fill the Cups:
Now it’s time to assemble! Spoon an even amount of the seasoned beef mixture into each crispy tortilla cup, filling them up nicely.
7. Add the Cheese:
Top each cup with a mix of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This will make them extra cheesy and delicious!
8. Bake Again:
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish each nacho cup with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and onions if you’re using them.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the warm nacho cups with salsa on the side and lime wedges for squeezing. Enjoy your crunchy nacho cups as a delightful appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a delicious lean alternative, and for a vegetarian option, you can use black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu.
Can I Make These Nacho Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tortilla cups and filling ahead of time. Assemble everything and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking from cold.
How Do I Store Leftover Nacho Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
You can get creative with toppings! Consider jalapeños for spice, avocado or guacamole for creaminess, or sour cream for extra flavor. Just remember not to overload them too much to keep the cups crispy!
