Crunchy Nacho Cups are the perfect bite-sized treat! They feature crispy tortilla chips filled with melted cheese, tasty meats, and fresh toppings.
These little cups are like a party in your mouth! I love making them for game nights—everyone grabs one and keeps munching. So fun and yummy! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas are perfect for these cups. If you’re gluten-free, try using corn tortillas or even small round rice paper wrappers, which work well too!
Ground Beef: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your preferences.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning adds great flavor, but you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you prefer a homemade touch.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but I often mix in pepper jack for a bit of heat! For dairy-free options, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Beans: Black beans are great, but you could substitute pinto beans or even refried beans for a different flavor and texture.
How Do You Make the Tortilla Cups Crispy?
Getting those tortilla cups perfectly crispy is key to a great dish! Follow these steps for success:
- Preheat your oven and shape the tortillas into molds, either using a muffin tin or oven-safe bowl. This step helps them hold their form.
- Spray or brush them lightly with oil to encourage browning—this enhances crunchiness.
- Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn; you want them golden, not dark brown!
Allow them to cool slightly after baking, which helps them firm up even more. Enjoy your crunchy creations!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Sour cream for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll have crispy, cheesy nacho cups ready in about 30-35 minutes—perfect for snacking or sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to get those tortilla cups crispy and perfect!
2. Shape the Tortillas:
Take your small tortillas and press them into a small bowl or muffin tin to form cup shapes. Lightly spray or brush with cooking oil to help them crisp up. It’s okay if they’re a little uneven; they’ll still be delicious!
3. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Place your shaped tortillas in the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes. You want them golden and crispy, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the tortillas are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and crumbled, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a leaner filling!
5. Season the Meat:
Stir in the taco seasoning. Add a couple of tablespoons of water (as the packet directs), and let it simmer until the beef is nicely coated and the mixture thickens—this takes about 3-5 minutes.
6. Combine with Beans:
Take your skillet off the heat. Gently stir in the rinsed black beans for added texture and flavor.
7. Fill the Tortilla Cups:
Carefully spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly into each crispy tortilla cup. Don’t be shy; fill them up generously!
8. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled cup for that melty goodness.
9. Bake Again:
Pop the filled tortilla cups back into the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step really brings all the flavors together!
10. Add Toppings:
Once you remove them from the oven, it’s time to get creative! Top each nacho cup with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, and a dollop of sour cream if you like it creamy.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Crunchy Nacho Cups are ready to be served warm. They make for a fun handheld appetizer or a great snack. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Happy snacking! 🥳
Can I Use Different Proteins in the Nacho Cups?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. All options will work wonderfully in this recipe!
What If I Don’t Have a Muffin Tin?
No problem! You can shape the tortillas into cups using an oven-safe bowl or even a cupcake pan. Just ensure they’re pressed into the shape you want so they hold the filling well.
Can I Make These Nacho Cups Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the ground beef and replace it with more black beans, corn, or even sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for added flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to crisp them up again!