Crunchy Nacho Cups are a fun and tasty snack! They are made with crispy tortilla chips filled with gooey cheese, flavorful veggies, and your favorite toppings.
These little cups are perfect for parties or movie nights. I love piling on the toppings—it’s like making your own mini nacho creations. Who doesn’t love cheese and crunch? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas work best for forming the cups. You can use larger tortillas and simply cut them down or make bigger cups. If you’re going gluten-free, corn tortillas are a fantastic alternative!
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds great flavor, but feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble for a healthier option or to accommodate dietary preferences.
Taco Seasoning: A seasoning mix saves time, but you can make your own with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This lets you customize the heat level!
Cheese: Cheddar and a Mexican blend are delicious, but you might also love pepper jack for a spicy kick or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Mix and match for fun!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crunchy Tortilla Cups?
The key to crispy tortilla cups is in the baking method. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated. This ensures even cooking.
- Grease your muffin tin well to prevent sticking. You can use cooking spray or a light brush of oil.
- Don’t rush the baking process! Bake the tortilla cups until they are golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- Let them cool for a few minutes in the tin before filling. This helps them hold their shape better!
With these steps, you’ll have perfectly crunchy bases for your nacho cups every time!
Crunchy Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortilla Cups:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream, for topping
- Optional: jalapeños or sliced black olives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total: around 10 minutes for preparation (chopping, mixing) and 20 minutes for baking and assembling. A quick and easy snack that is sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil to ensure the tortilla cups don’t stick.
2. Shape the Tortilla Cups:
If you’re using regular tortillas, cut each one into quarters or sixths (the size will depend on how thick you want your cups). Press 3-4 pieces of the cut tortillas into each muffin cup to create a cup shape. If you have whole small tortillas, just press them down into the muffin tin gently.
3. Bake the Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the tortilla cups for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
4. 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 apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
5. Season the Beef:
Add the taco seasoning mix and the water to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Once ready, remove it from the heat.
6. Assemble the Cups:
Now it’s time to fill your crunchy cups! Take each baked tortilla cup and add a generous spoonful of the seasoned ground beef.
7. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Mexican blend cheese over each beef-filled cup. Make sure to cover the beef nicely!
8. Melt the Cheese:
Return the muffin tin to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
9. Top Your Nacho Cups:
After removing the cups from the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Top each nacho cup with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
10. Garnish and Serve:
If you like a bit of kick, add some jalapeños or sliced black olives as optional garnishes. Serve these delicious crunchy nacho cups warm and enjoy!
There you have it—your perfect snack for parties or cozy nights in. Enjoy the delightful crunch and cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier option or to accommodate dietary preferences.
What Can I Use Instead of Tortillas?
If you’re looking for an alternative to tortilla cups, you can use store-bought wonton wrappers. Just press them into the muffin tin and bake them for a similar crispy effect.
Can I Make These Nacho Cups in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the tortilla cups and the beef filling a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving for a fresh and crunchy snack.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven to restore the crunchiness instead of using a microwave.